How long does it take to become a plastic surgery nurse?

It can take 4-6 years to become a plastic surgery nurse, including earning specialty certification. An associate degree traditionally takes two years to complete, while a bachelor's program lasts four years. After graduating and earning licensure, RNs must gain at least two years of experience before applying for certification.

What types of procedures are most common for plastic surgery nurses?

Plastic surgery nurses assist surgeons with all kinds of procedures. According to a 2014 report from the American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most common plastic surgery procedures include breast augmentations, lifts, and reductions; brow lifts; buttock augmentation and lifts; chin augmentation; and ear surgery.

What skills are important for plastic surgery nurses?

Plastic surgery nurses share the same skills as other nurses: interpersonal expertise, the ability to take physical assessments, patient care, and communication skills in relaying information to both surgeons and patients. Additionally, plastic surgery nurses need an in-depth understanding of cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries.

Are CPSNs required to renew their certification?

Yes. CPSNs must renew their certification every three years. Nurses qualify for renewal if they have completed at least 45 patient contact hours, including two hours related to patient safety.

Plastic Surgery Nurse Career Overview

How Long to Become

2-4 Years

Average Annual Salary

$129,670

Job Outlook

5% Growth from 2024-2034 for all RNs

How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse

Plastic Surgery Nurse Career in Brief

adn or bsn required

certification optional

People undergo plastic surgery for many reasons. In some cases, reconstructive care helps patients recover from serious illnesses or injuries, like breast cancer or burn accidents. Other individuals wish to change an aspect of their appearance for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes.

Plastic surgery nurses assist the surgeons who carry out these procedures. These nurses may also assess patients before surgery, provide assistance in the operating room, or administer postoperative care. Some may even carry out nonsurgical procedures themselves.

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 work in many different settings, including private medical offices, hospital operating rooms, and outpatient clinics.

Private Surgeon's Clinics
Plastic surgery nurses educate patients on what to expect from the operation, monitor patients during surgery, and follow up with patients after procedures.
Hospital Operating Rooms
Plastic surgery nurses sterilize and prepare operating rooms; assess patients' vital signs before, during, and after surgery; and dress wounds after procedures.
Outpatient Clinics
Plastic surgery nurses assess patients before consultation and surgery, provide information about treatments, and assist surgeons during procedures.

Is Plastic Surgery Nursing Right for Me?

It is important to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of any career, so that you can be better prepared whichever path you choose. Consider the following pros and cons.

Advantages to Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse

Disadvantages to Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse

How Much Do Plastic Surgery Nurses Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RNs enjoy a median annual salary of $93,600 . While the BLS does not offer salary data specifically for plastic surgery nurses, data from ZipRecruiter suggests that these professionals make an average base salary of $62 per hour. Actual earnings vary according to location, experience, and education level.

RN jobs are projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all other professions. An aging population requires more medical care and may also look to reverse the effects of aging with plastic surgery.