How to Become a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse
Updated on January 26, 2024
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Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a growing field that requires skilled nursing professionals to care for patients undergoing complex procedures. Many nurses are drawn to this specialty because it allows them to make a profound difference in patients’ lives by helping restore their appearance and function after illness, trauma, or congenital issues. However, the path to becoming a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse can be challenging. It requires extensive training and hands-on clinical experience in areas like wound care, pain management, and operating room procedures. This article will provide aspiring nurses with a step-by-step guide on how to become a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse. First, we will discuss the education requirements and relevant skills needed to enter this specialty. Next, we will go over the licensing and certification processes. Finally, we will offer tips on gaining clinical experience and finding a job in this competitive nursing field.
Understanding Holistic Nursing
Holistic nursing focuses on caring for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. As a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse, it is important to understand this approach to provide comprehensive care. Some key principles of holistic nursing include:
- Treating each patient as a unique individual with their own values, beliefs, and perspectives
- Promoting wellness and self-care abilities in patients
- Considering how environmental, social, and cultural factors impact health
- Using both conventional and complementary healing approaches as needed
Holistic plastic surgical nurses see their role as going beyond just treating physical wounds from surgery. They also provide psychological and emotional support throughout the reconstructive process. Resources like the American Holistic Nurses Association offer more education on integrating holistic care principles into nursing practice.
Educational Requirements and Pathways
Holistic nursing focuses on caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. As a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse, it is important to understand holistic nursing principles and how they can be incorporated into your practice. Some key aspects of holistic nursing include:
- Treating patients with dignity and respect, while being sensitive to their cultural and spiritual beliefs
- Promoting patient wellness through education on nutrition, exercise, stress management, and healthy lifestyle choices
- Considering how a patient’s surgery and recovery process impacts them emotionally and psychologically, not just physically
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals like counselors, nutritionists, and physical therapists to develop a comprehensive care plan
Incorporating these holistic nursing techniques allows plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses to gain a deeper understanding of their patients as whole persons. This cultivates trust between nurse and patient, improves patient satisfaction, and leads to better surgical outcomes overall.
Specialized Training and Certification requirements
To work specifically as a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse, specialized training and certification beyond a standard RN license is required. Some of the additional credentials these nurses often obtain include:
- Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification from the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. This demonstrates specialized knowledge in areas like surgical procedures, wound care, and patient education.
- Training in postoperative care, infection control, patient assessment, and operating room protocols through a plastic surgery nurse residency program.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to handle any emergencies that arise with patients.
Many nurses working in reconstructive surgery pursue higher education as well, such as a Master of Science in Nursing degree. Continuing education is also essential to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and technologies used in the field.
Licensing and Certification
To work as a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse in the United States, you must have a Registered Nurse (RN) license. To obtain this, you need to graduate from an accredited nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Additionally, earning relevant certifications can make you more competitive in the job market.
- The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification (PSNCB), offered by the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses, validates specialized knowledge in this field. Candidates must have 2 years of experience working with reconstructive and plastic surgery patients.
- The Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification demonstrates perioperative nursing proficiency. This is useful for nurses assisting reconstructive surgeries.
Maintaining licensure and certification requires ongoing continuing education credits. Review licensing details for your state nursing board here. For information on plastic surgery nursing certifications, see the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses website.
Skills and Competencies
Becoming a successful plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse requires developing several key skills and competencies. Some of the most important include:
- Care Coordination – Plastic surgery nurses must be able to effectively communicate with patients, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth patient care transitions and positive outcomes.
- Critical Thinking – These nurses need strong critical thinking abilities to monitor patients, assess their condition, and identify any potential complications during and after surgical procedures.
- Technical Skills – Excellent technical skills are essential for plastic surgery nurses. They need to adeptly provide pre-operative and post-operative care, including changing dressings, drains and IVs.
- Compassion – Developing compassion and emotional intelligence is vital. Plastic surgery nurses should provide emotional support to patients undergoing often transformational and highly personal procedures.
Additionally, plastic surgery nurses should pursue specialized training and certifications, such as earning credentials in post-anesthesia nursing from the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. This helps them advance their expertise in the field.
Career Opportunities and Employment Settings
Plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses have rewarding career opportunities across a variety of healthcare settings. Some of the top employment settings and options include:
- Hospitals – Work in plastic surgery departments and burn units of major hospitals.
- Outpatient surgical centers – Assist with procedures like facelifts, nose jobs, liposuction, etc. at smaller outpatient clinics.
- Doctors’ offices – Help provide care before and after procedures in private plastic surgeons’ practices.
- Travel nursing – Travel to different hospitals on a contract basis as a traveling registered nurse specializing in plastic surgery.
Additionally, experienced plastic surgery nurses can move into leadership roles such as Clinical Nurse Manager or pursue advanced plastic surgical nursing certifications. With the high demand for plastic surgical services, nurses in this specialty enjoy excellent job prospects and opportunities for career advancement.
Salary Expectations
Plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses can expect strong compensation packages. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for registered nurses in 2020 was $75,330. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like location, experience level, and specialty.
Plastic surgery is a highly skilled subspecialty, so nurses in this field tend to be on the higher end of the pay scale. Additionally, the BLS projects registered nursing jobs, including plastic surgery nurses, to grow by 9% from 2020-2030, much faster than the average across all occupations. This high demand suggests salaries may continue rising.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-level plastic surgery nurse | $65,000 – $75,000 |
| Mid-career plastic surgery nurse | $75,000 – $95,000 |
| Late-career plastic surgery nurse | $95,000 – $115,000 |
As shown in the table, plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses can expect to be well-compensated, especially as they gain valued specialized experience. Those wishing to enter the field should be prepared to complete additional training and certification beyond standard RN licensure requirements. However, the investment pays dividends in terms of job availability, career advancement opportunities, and salary potential over the long run.
Continued Professional Development
As a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse, it is important to pursue continued professional development to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques, technologies, and best practices. Here are some ways to continue developing your skills:
- Attend conferences and seminars – Major plastic surgery associations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) host events covering new research and innovations in the field.
- Take specialized training courses – Many hospitals and independent programs offer advanced courses in wound care, cosmetic procedures, laser therapies, and managing complex reconstructive cases.
- Earn nursing certifications – Becoming a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) demonstrates a higher level of competence and knowledge.
- Participate in clinical trials – Assisting with innovative new procedures keeps your practice at the forefront of the field.
- Precept students – Mentoring the next generation of nurses reinforces your own knowledge and skills.
Making an effort to continue learning allows plastic surgery nurses to provide the highest quality, evidence-based care to their patients.
Challenges and Rewards
Becoming a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse comes with unique challenges and rewards. Some of the main challenges include:
- Dealing with complex injuries and medical conditions that can be emotionally and physically taxing
- Coordinating care plans with multiple specialty providers like plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists
- Keeping up with rapidly evolving techniques and technologies in reconstructive surgery
However, the career also provides meaningful rewards such as:
- Seeing patients’ quality of life dramatically improve after reconstructive procedures
- Building close relationships with patients during their full recovery process
- Having the opportunity to be at the forefront of innovative surgical solutions like flap reconstruction and wound VAC therapy
The challenges require commitment and resilience, but the rewards make it a uniquely fulfilling specialty within nursing.
Conclusion
Becoming a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse requires dedication, compassion, and specialized skills. The role combines nursing duties with assisting in surgical procedures to help restore and improve patients’ health and appearance. While the path requires advanced education and training, the ability to directly improve patients’ lives makes it a rewarding career choice.
In summary, the main steps to become a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse are:
- Earning an RN degree and obtaining nursing licensure
- Gaining experience in surgical nursing through internships or entry-level hospital jobs
- Getting certified in plastic surgical nursing by passing the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification exam
- Seeking employment at a hospital with a plastic surgery department or a specialized plastic surgery center
With passion for helping patients and willingness to learn specialized skills through additional training, nurses can find deep purpose in this niche nursing role. Those interested can get more guidance on education pathways and career advice from organizations like the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
A plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse is a specialized nurse who provides care for patients undergoing plastic or reconstructive surgery. This includes preparing patients for surgery, assisting during the procedure, and providing post-operative care.
What Education is Required to Become a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
At minimum, you must have a Registered Nurse (RN) license, which requires graduation from an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Some plastic surgery nurses also pursue higher degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing.
What is the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification (PSNCB)?
The PSNCB is a certification offered by the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses that validates specialized knowledge in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
What Skills are Important for a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
Key skills include care coordination, critical thinking, technical skills for pre-operative and post-operative care, and compassion for providing emotional support to patients.
What are Some Career Opportunities in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nursing?
Plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses can work in hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, doctors’ offices, or as traveling registered nurses. They can also move into leadership roles or pursue advanced certifications.
What is the Expected Salary for a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
The salary can vary significantly, but according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses in 2020 was $75,330. Plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses often earn more due to their specialized skills.
What is Continued Professional Development?
Continued Professional Development involves activities like attending conferences, taking specialized training courses, earning nursing certifications, participating in clinical trials, and mentoring nursing students to stay up-to-date in the field.
What are the Challenges of Being a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
Challenges can include dealing with complex medical conditions, coordinating with multiple specialty providers, and keeping up with rapidly evolving techniques and technologies.
What are the Rewards of Being a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
Rewards can include seeing patients’ quality of life improve after procedures, building close relationships with patients, and being at the forefront of innovative surgical solutions.
Where Can I Learn More About Becoming a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse?
Organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses, and Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board provide resources for aspiring plastic and reconstructive surgical nurses.
Additional Resources
Those interested in learning more about becoming a plastic and reconstructive surgical nurse can explore the following resources:
- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (https://www.plasticsurgery.org/) offers information on the field of plastic surgery and connecting with plastic surgeons.
- The International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (https://www.ispannursing.com/) provides education, certification, networking opportunities and other resources for nurses in plastic surgery.
- The Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (https://www.psncb.org/) administers credentialing exams for plastic surgery nurses seeking certification.
- Nursing schools with plastic surgery nurse training programs, such as Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (https://nursing.jhu.edu/academics/programs/plastic-surgery/).