Nursing
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Nursing Specialty Finder

Plastic Surgery Nurse

A Plastic Surgery Nurse cares for patients who undergo cosmetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, such as face lifts, chemical peels, lasers, breast reconstruction, and liposuction.

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Required Education
ADN or BSN
Attributes
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll work with surgeons on a variety of invasive and non-invasive procedures, from the small and elective, like dermabrasion, to the more complex, like facial reconstruction after an accident.
Nursing bag, medication, and signs cartoon graphic
What you’ll do

Education

You’ll teach patients about what to expect before, during and after procedures.

Preparation

You’ll prepare the operating room for procedures.

Stay up-to-date

You’ll always be in the know about the latest procedures and processes.

Support

You’ll provide a sensitive and non-judgmental place for patients and their families to feel confident about their surgery.

Treatment

You’ll screen patients for surgery, care for wounds and surgical sites, and administer treatments such as chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Where you’ll work
  • Doctors’ offices
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient care centers
How to become a Plastic Surgery Nurse

02

Pass the NCLEX-RN.

03

Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining two years’ experience in Plastic Surgery.

04

Pass the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse exam or Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist exam through the Plastic Surgery Nursing Certification Board.

05

You’re ready to work as a Plastic Surgery Nurse.

Join an Organization
Become a member of a Plastic Surgery Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
A Psychiatric Nurse’s role is also patient-facing.
Learn more
A Perianesthesia Nurse is another type of surgical nurse.
Learn more
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
Group of smiling nurses in scrubs holding folders
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