What is a plastic surgery nurse?
Plastic surgery nurses are healthcare professionals who work closely with plastic surgeons to provide care and support to patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures. These professionals may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
The duties of a plastic surgery nurse may include:
– Assisting the plastic surgeon during surgery, including preparing the patient for surgery, monitoring their vital signs, and assisting during the procedure.
– Providing post-surgical care, including dressing wounds, monitoring the patient’s recovery, and administering medications.
– Educating patients about plastic surgery procedures, including what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
– Coordinating patient care and communicating with other healthcare professionals.
Plastic surgery nurses must be licensed registered nurses (RNs) with specialized training in plastic surgery. They may also choose to become certified in plastic surgery nursing through the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).
Overall, the job of a plastic surgery nurse involves working closely with plastic surgeons to provide care and support to patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures. These professionals play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and treatment.
How to become a plastic surgery nurse?
To become a plastic surgery nurse in the United States, individuals must first become licensed registered nurses (RN). This typically involves completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
After becoming an RN, individuals interested in pursuing a career as a plastic surgery nurse may choose to specialize in this field by completing additional education and training. This may involve completing a plastic surgery nursing certification program or earning a master’s degree in nursing with a focus on plastic surgery.
Many plastic surgery nurses also choose to become certified in plastic surgery nursing through the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), which requires passing a certification exam. It is recommended that individuals who have obtained a nursing degree gain several years of adult medical-surgical experience before transitioning to the role of a plastic surgery nurse. This field is competitive, and nurses interested in this career will need to take additional classes and training to acquire the necessary knowledge. However, many of the skills required for this role are typically learned through on-the-job training.
Overall, becoming a plastic surgery nurse requires a significant investment in education and training. However, these roles offer the opportunity to work in a specialized field that is in high demand and make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients.
Plastic surgery nurse skills
To be a successful plastic surgery nurse in the United States, professionals must possess a range of skills and competencies. Some of the most important skills for plastic surgery nurses include:
Strong communication skills
Plastic surgery nurses must be able to communicate effectively with patients, plastic surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. This includes being able to explain complex medical information in a way that is easy for patients to understand, as well as being able to effectively communicate treatment plans and other important information to other members of the healthcare team.
Attention to detail
Plastic surgery nurses must be able to pay close attention to detail, as even small changes in a patient’s condition can be significant. They must also be able to accurately document patient observations and treatment plans.
Physical stamina
Plastic surgery nurses may need to stand for extended periods and perform tasks that require precise hand movements, such as assisting with surgical procedures.
Emotional intelligence
Plastic surgery nurses must be able to understand and respond to the emotional needs of patients, as many plastic surgery procedures can have a significant impact on a person’s emotional well-being.
Strong problem-solving skills
Plastic surgery nurses must be able to think on their feet and come up with creative solutions to problems that may arise in the course of patient care.
Adaptability
The field of plastic surgery is constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies being developed all the time. Plastic surgery nurses must be able to adapt to these changes and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
Plastic surgery nurse salary
The salary of a plastic surgery nurse in the United States can vary depending on many factors, including the individual’s level of education and experience, the type of employer, and the geographical location. According to salary data from the website Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a plastic surgery nurse in the United States is $132,439, with an estimated total pay of $139,559 per year. This total pay estimate includes an additional estimated pay of $7,120 per year, which may include bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing.
However, it is important to note that this figure is an average and actual salaries may vary significantly. For example, plastic surgery nurses with advanced degrees or certifications, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), may earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Plastic surgery nurses who work in urban areas or high-paying industries may also earn higher salaries than those working in rural areas or lower-paying industries.
FAQs
Q: What are the prospects for a plastic surgery nurse?
A: Plastic surgery nursing is a growing field with good job prospects. As the demand for cosmetic procedures continues to rise, there will be an increased need for skilled plastic surgery nurses. Additionally, advances in medical technology and techniques are likely to lead to new job opportunities in this field.
Q: What are some challenges that a plastic surgery nurse may face on the job?
A: Some challenges that a plastic surgery nurse may face on the job include dealing with complex medical cases, working with patients who may be anxious or in pain, and maintaining a sterile environment during surgery. Plastic surgery nurses may also face the challenge of working long or irregular hours, depending on the needs of their patients and the demands of the job.
Q: What is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?
A: The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery states that plastic surgery involves repairing defects and attempting to reconstruct normal appearance and function, while cosmetic surgery is solely focused on enhancing appearance. Despite the distinction between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, nurses working in these fields often have similar responsibilities.
Q: Can a nurse become a plastic surgeon?
A: A nurse can´t become a plastic surgeon. Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who have completed a bachelor’s degree, four years of medical school, and a minimum of six years of surgical training in a plastic surgery residency program. Nurses, on the other hand, are not medical doctors and do not have the necessary medical education or training to become plastic surgeons.
References
AORN. (2020). Certified Plastic Surgical
Glassdoor. (n.d.). US Plastic Surgery RN Salary. Retrieved from https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/us-plastic-surgery-rn-salary-SRCH_IL.0,2_IN1_KO3,21.htm