Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse in 3 Steps
Become a Cosmetic Surgery Nurse in Three Steps
Every individual opting for cosmetic surgery has a unique story. They desire a change in their appearance, often following significant life events. Becoming a cosmetic surgery nurse is fulfilling, as it involves supporting and caring for patients through transformative journeys.
If you have a knack for boosting others' self-esteem, a career in the expanding field of cosmetic surgery nursing might be ideal for you.
Whether you're an experienced nurse or a fresh graduate considering this niche, here’s a comprehensive guide on cosmetic surgery nursing.
What constitutes a cosmetic surgery nurse? What roles do they play? Where are they employed? Are there different types of cosmetic surgery nurses? What are the three steps to becoming one? What additional qualifications are necessary? What is the salary range and career outlook?
Cosmetic surgery is a diverse specialty, encompassing aspects of maxillofacial surgery, dermatology, and ophthalmology. It spans both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. A cosmetic surgery nurse, also known as an aesthetics nurse, assists patients undergoing surgeries aimed at appearance enhancement. They collaborate with plastic surgeons, medical assistants, and other team members to ensure safe, effective care before, during, and after surgery.
Essential Traits of a Cosmetic Surgery Nurse
Cosmetic surgery nursing involves providing care to patients making changes to their appearance for improved looks and self-esteem. Given the magnitude of these changes, nurses need to create a comforting and secure environment for patients. A successful nurse in this field is compassionate and empathetic.
Patients undergoing cosmetic procedures may be sensitive to a nurse’s demeanor. Thus, warmth and care are crucial to ease patient anxiety. Attention to detail is also vital, as nurses must identify potential issues during procedures to aid the surgeon in achieving optimal outcomes.
Responsibilities of Cosmetic Surgery Nurses
Cosmetic surgery nurses collaborate with doctors and surgeons to manage patients undergoing various surgical or cosmetic interventions, ranging from simple chemical peels to complex pediatric facial reconstructions post-trauma. Their primary duties include:
- Recording patient histories - Administering medications - Conducting dermatologic, cosmetic, or aesthetic treatments such as injections, laser therapies, or chemical peels - Delivering pre- and post-operative care - Assisting in the operating room - Observing patients during and after procedures - Dressing wounds and surgical areas - Educating patients and their families
The duties of a cosmetic surgery nurse differ based on the work environment, offering a variety of settings and practices.
Daily Life of a Cosmetic Surgery Nurse
A typical shift for a cosmetic surgery nurse lasts eight hours, often in an outpatient setting, seeing up to ten patients daily in busy practices. Since cosmetic procedures are elective, the work pace is generally more relaxed compared to inpatient settings.
Nurses see patients for consultations, follow-ups, or minor interventions. Duties may include administering facial contouring injectables or lip injections, alongside managing patient communications and administrative tasks. Working with a surgeon, you might alternate between clinic and surgery days, depending on the schedule. Each day is filled with learning and emotionally rewarding experiences as you assist patients in achieving their desired look.
Conditions Managed by Cosmetic Surgery Nurses
Cosmetic surgery nurses handle patients considering or undergoing procedures like:
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) - Adult or pediatric reconstructions - Breast surgeries (augmentation, reduction, or reconstruction) - Lifts (brow, chin, face, neck) - Burn reconstructions - Cleft palate surgeries - Craniomaxillofacial trauma reconstructions - Hair transplants - Injectable fillers - Laser treatments - Liposuction or body contouring - Microvascular reconstructions - Skin cancer reconstructions - Skin care procedures - Wound repairs
Cosmetic surgery nurses cater to all age groups, from infants to the elderly.
Employment Settings for Cosmetic Surgery Nurses
Cosmetic surgery nurses work in diverse environments, including:
- Private practices - Hospital operating rooms - Outpatient clinics - Burn clinics - Dermatology offices - Surgery centers - ENT specialty offices - Pediatric surgery clinics - Medical spas - Plastic surgeon offices
Nurses may work across multiple settings, such as alternating between an outpatient clinic and hospital surgeries.
Types of Cosmetic Surgery Nurses
Nurses in this field can further specialize, such as:
- Aesthetic nurses who perform injections and aesthetic procedures for rejuvenation or defect correction - Burn surgery nurses managing acute or reconstructive burn care - Craniofacial surgery nurses assisting with facial, jaw, and neck surgeries - Neuroplastic reconstruction nurses treating trauma or deformities of the face or skull.
Becoming a Cosmetic Surgery Nurse
**Step 1 – Become a Registered Nurse** To practice as a cosmetic surgery nurse, first become a registered nurse. While some employers accept a 2-year Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing is preferred.
**Earn a BSN degree** Nursing education includes a two-year ADN or a four-year BSN. BSN programs cover management, public health, and research. ADN nurses can upgrade to a BSN in 18–24 months through RN-to-BSN programs, many of which offer online and in-person learning. Those with a non-nursing bachelor's may pursue an Accelerated BSN, a fast-track for graduates from related fields like social work, nutrition, or psychology, completed in 12–18 months.
**Pass the NCLEX-RN exam** Graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN exam for licensure.
**Step 2 – Gain Experience** After licensing, gain practical experience. Most jobs require at least two years in nursing.
**Valuable Skills and Experience** Surgical experience is advantageous. Nurses must be:
- Effective communicators: respectful and non-judgmental - Courteous & respectful: with excellent customer service skills - Outgoing: with a positive attitude - Organizationally skilled: able to multitask
**Switching to Cosmetic Surgery Nursing** If transitioning from another specialty, such as med-surg, expect shorter shifts and more patient interaction. There may be fewer on-call shifts, impacting earnings.
**Step 3 – Obtain Certifications** Securing a position may lead to pursuing certifications. Though not mandatory, they validate expertise. The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board offers two certifications: Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) and Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS), requiring:
- Two years’ experience within three years - 1000 clinical hours in plastic surgery - Current employment with a board-certified plastic surgeon
Certifications must be renewed every three years. Botox and Filler certification is available for those in private practices or medical spas. Additional certifications may include wound care, post-anesthesia recovery, or oncology care.
**Additional Requirements for Cosmetic Surgery Nurses** Practicing requires a current BLS certification and an active license. Staying updated with latest practices is crucial, with continuing education ensuring adherence to evidence-based standards.
**Salary and Career Outlook for Cosmetic Surgery Nurses** Currently, a Cosmetic Surgery RN in the U.S. earns an average of $79,915 annually, or $38.42 per hour, with potential earnings up to $137,500. California offers higher pay rates. Job growth is projected at 6% from 2021 to 2031, providing stable prospects.
**Job Satisfaction** Cosmetic surgery nurses often find high satisfaction from making positive impacts on patients’ lives through reconstructive or cosmetic procedures. The work atmosphere is typically positive and progressive.
**Future Opportunities** Cosmetic surgery nursing offers advancement opportunities. Nurses can become Nurse Practitioners by obtaining a Master’s or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, allowing for autonomous work and more procedural involvement. Joining professional organizations helps nurses remain informed, network with peers, and support the industry.
It's clear that cosmetic surgery nursing is a rewarding field. For those seeking a new nursing path and wishing to significantly impact patients’ lives, a career in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery might be perfect for you.
