Plastic Surgery Nurse Career Overview
Plastic surgery is sought after for a variety of reasons, ranging from reconstructive purposes following serious illnesses or injuries, such as breast cancer or burns, to aesthetic changes desired by individuals.
Plastic surgery nurses, who are Registered Nurses (RNs), play a critical role in both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery.
Their responsibilities encompass perioperative and postoperative care, ensuring that patients safely recover from these surgeries.
Duration of Education: 2-4 years
Job Outlook: 9% increase from 2020-2030
Median Annual Wage: $77,600
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Plastic Surgery Nurse Career in Brief
- ADN or BSN required
- Certification optional
Plastic surgery nurses assist in a variety of ways, supporting surgeons during procedures. They may conduct patient assessments before surgery, provide assistance in the operating room, administer postoperative care, and sometimes even perform nonsurgical procedures. These duties are integral to ensuring the success of both aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries.
Career Traits:
- Patient assessment and safety
- Knowledge of reconstructive and aesthetic surgery
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
Where Do Plastic Surgery Nurses Work?
Plastic surgery nurses can be employed in a range of settings, including private medical offices, hospital operating rooms, and outpatient clinics. Here’s a breakdown:
- Private Surgeon’s Clinics: These nurses educate patients about the surgical process, monitor patients during surgeries, and conduct follow-ups after procedures.
- Hospital Operating Rooms: In hospitals, plastic surgery nurses sterilize and prepare operating rooms, monitor patients’ vital signs during surgery, and help dress wounds afterward.
- Outpatient Clinics: Plastic surgery nurses in outpatient settings assess patients prior to consultations and surgeries, provide treatment information, and assist surgeons during procedures.
Is Plastic Surgery Nursing Right for Me?
Becoming a plastic surgery nurse can be rewarding, but like any career, it comes with its pros and cons. Here are some considerations:
Advantages to Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse:
- High job satisfaction from positively impacting patients’ lives, whether through reconstructive surgeries or aesthetic treatments.
- Potential for flexible hours, especially in private clinics or outpatient centers.
- High earning potential, with the median salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) at $77,600 in 2021. Some plastic surgery nurses may earn upwards of $100,000 depending on experience and location.
Disadvantages to Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse:
- Stressful work environment, especially when dealing with complex and invasive surgical procedures.
- Physically demanding duties, including assisting patients or managing medical equipment during surgery.
- Potentially high patient load in some practices, requiring nurses to juggle multiple responsibilities.
How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse
- Earn a BSN or ADN:
Complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), typically taking 2-4 years to complete. - Pass the NCLEX-RN:
To become licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN), you must pass the National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). - Gain Clinical Nursing Experience:
You’ll need clinical nursing experience, which is usually acquired through hospital or clinic positions. To pursue plastic surgery nursing certification, you must have at least two years or 1,000 hours of experience as an RN. - Consider Becoming a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN):
Certification in Plastic Surgery Nursing is not mandatory, but it enhances your career prospects. Some employers prefer to hire nurses who are Certified Plastic Surgical Nurses (CPSN). To earn this credential, candidates must pass a certification exam and demonstrate expertise in both cosmetic surgery nursing and reconstructive surgery nursing.
How Much Do Plastic Surgery Nurses Make?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for Registered Nurses (RNs) is $77,600. While specific salary data for plastic surgery nurses is not provided by the BLS, figures from Payscale suggest that plastic surgery nurses earn an average base salary of $32 per hour. However, actual earnings can vary based on location, experience, and education level.
Job Outlook for RNs and Plastic Surgery Nurses
The job outlook for Registered Nurses, including those in plastic surgery nursing, is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for healthcare services is increasing as the population ages, and many individuals are also seeking aesthetic surgery to address the effects of aging.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to become a plastic surgery nurse?
- It typically takes about 4-6 years to become a plastic surgery nurse, which includes earning your degree, passing the NCLEX-RN, gaining experience, and obtaining certifications.
- What types of procedures are common for plastic surgery nurses?
- Common procedures include breast augmentations, facelifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and nose reshaping. According to a 2020 report from the American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, common procedures include breast augmentations, facelifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and nose reshaping.
- What skills are important for plastic surgery nurses?
- Key skills include patient care, communication, interpersonal abilities, and a deep understanding of both cosmetic surgery and reconstructive procedures.
- Do Certified Plastic Surgical Nurses (CPSNs) need to renew their certification?
- Yes, CPSNs must renew their certification every three years, which requires completing 45 patient contact hours (including 2 hours on patient safety). Certified Plastic Surgical Nurses (CPSNs) must renew their certification every three years. Renewal eligibility includes completing at least 45 patient contact hours, including two hours related to patient safety.
- Yes, CPSNs must renew their certification every three years, which requires completing 45 patient contact hours (including 2 hours on patient safety). Certified Plastic Surgical Nurses (CPSNs) must renew their certification every three years. Renewal eligibility includes completing at least 45 patient contact hours, including two hours related to patient safety.
Resources for Plastic Surgery Nurses
1. International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN)
Founded in 1975, this global nonprofit organization promotes education for plastic surgery nurses. Members benefit from networking opportunities, educational resources, and discounts on publications. The organization offers credentials like CPSN and certified aesthetic nurse specialist (CANS).
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Connecting professionals and patients, ASPS provides access to educational and professional development opportunities. Members can subscribe to ASPS publications and engage with the community through online forums and job boards.
3. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS)
AAAMS offers formal cosmetic surgery training for nurses, practitioners, and physicians. Members can take courses in facial and body aesthetics, including liposuction and dermal fillers training.
4. American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)
This organization provides training, professional development, and advocacy for professionals in the cosmetic surgery field. Members can attend conferences, participate in training programs, and take part in web clinics.
Plastic Surgery Nurse Training and Continuing Education
To stay updated in the field, plastic surgery nurses must pursue ongoing continuing education. Several certifications and plastic surgery nursing training programs can help advance skills and keep nurses competitive in the job market. A CPSN certification, for instance, needs to be renewed every three years, and advanced practice plastic surgery nursing certifications offer specialized knowledge for those interested in aesthetic surgery nursing and more.
By choosing a career in plastic surgery nursing, nurses can make a significant impact on patient care, whether through reconstructive surgery nursing or working as cosmetic surgery nurses in aesthetic settings. There are plastic surgery nursing job opportunities in a range of medical environments, from private offices to hospitals, where these nurses play a key role in ensuring patient safety, emotional support, and optimal recovery.
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