Omar Khalid
Plastic surgery nursing is a specialty that focuses on improving patients' appearances through surgical, laser, and injectable procedures. Plastic surgery nurses work alongside physicians before, during, and after cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. To become a plastic surgery nurse, one must first become a licensed registered nurse (RN) by earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN). After gaining experience as an RN, nurses can pursue specialty certification in plastic surgery nursing through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). This certification can lead to greater job prospects and higher wages.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | A two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Licensure exam | NCLEX-RN |
| Certification | Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) |
| Experience | Minimum of two years of plastic surgical nursing experience and 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing |
| Work setting | Private practice, hospitals, or medical spa clinics |
| Work hours | 40-hour work week in private clinics, 12-hour shifts in hospitals |
| Salary | $65,000 yearly on average |
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What You'll Learn
Get a nursing degree
To become a plastic surgery nurse, you must first earn a nursing degree. There are two main types of nursing degrees: an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
An ADN is a two-year degree that prepares prospective nurses for practice. It is the fastest route to becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN). Earning an ADN fulfils the minimum qualification to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for an RN license. However, some employers may prefer or require applicants to have a four-year BSN degree, which is widely considered the standard qualification for nursing. A BSN supports the development of critical thinking skills and advanced skills in nursing leadership, management, and nursing informatics. Some states are even considering requiring a BSN for licensure. If you first earn an ADN, you can later transfer your credits to a BSN or RN-to-BSN program.
In addition to completing the required coursework, you may need to meet certain requirements to be accepted into a nursing degree program. This may include a high school diploma or GED certificate, a minimum GPA, SAT or ACT scores, a personal essay, and recommendation letters. Some nursing schools may also require volunteer experience.
While not required, some plastic surgery nurses choose to pursue higher education and advanced degrees after gaining some work experience. Advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can lead to higher-level practice and leadership roles in the specialty.
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Pass the NCLEX-RN exam
Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is a crucial step towards becoming a licensed plastic surgical nurse. Here are some detailed tips to help you prepare for and pass the exam:
Understand the Exam Format:
The NCLEX-RN exam is administered via computerized adaptive testing (CAT), which tailors the question difficulty based on your performance. You will have five hours to answer a minimum of seventy-five questions, with a total of 145 questions available. The exam ends when the computer determines your performance against the passing standard with 95% certainty, or when all questions are answered. Eighty to ninety percent of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions, while the rest may include fill-in-the-blank or problem-solving questions.
Plan Your Study Schedule:
The NCLEX-RN exam covers a broad range of topics, so careful planning is essential. Start by allocating sufficient study time without rushing. Familiarize yourself with the exam's question formats and utilize available practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Review NCLEX prep books, study aids, and other resources to reinforce your understanding.
Gain Practical Experience:
The NCLEX-RN exam measures your ability to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. Clinical experience in healthcare environments is invaluable for developing critical thinking skills and decision-making abilities. Seek opportunities to work alongside physicians or gain experience in operating rooms to enhance your practical understanding of surgical nursing.
Stay Positive and Confident:
Maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation journey. Remember that your nursing education has been preparing you for this exam, and your hard work will contribute to your success. Stay focused, believe in your abilities, and approach the exam with confidence.
Know the Registration Process:
Registering for the NCLEX-RN exam involves multiple steps, including meeting the requirements set by the nursing regulatory body (NRB) in your intended state of practice. Ensure you complete all the necessary registration steps and meet the educational prerequisites, such as earning an ADN or BSN degree, before scheduling your exam.
By following these tips and staying dedicated to your goal, you will be well on your way to passing the NCLEX-RN exam and embarking on a rewarding career as a plastic surgical nurse.
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Gain experience
Gaining experience is a crucial step in becoming a plastic surgical nurse. Aspiring candidates must obtain clinical experience in the field and accumulate at least two years of plastic surgical nursing experience. This experience can be gained through various roles, such as working as a staff nurse, in an administrative capacity, teaching, or conducting research.
To be eligible for the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification, candidates must fulfil specific requirements. These include having a minimum of two years of plastic surgical nursing experience as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the preceding three years. Additionally, candidates should have accumulated at least 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing during two of the last three years.
RNs who aspire to work in plastic surgery can gain valuable experience by applying to work with plastic surgeons in private practices, hospitals, or medical spa clinics. Working as a medical-surgical nurse can also provide exposure to the operating room environment and enhance one's surgical skills. Some employers may even provide on-the-job training for non-invasive treatments or support nurses in obtaining additional training and certifications.
Furthermore, gaining bedside experience as a plastic surgery nurse can open up opportunities for specialty certifications. While not mandatory, specialty certifications can enhance one's resume and make candidates more attractive to potential employers. RNs with sufficient experience can pursue certifications in their specialty, such as the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) designation offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB).
Additionally, plastic surgery nurses may consider advancing their careers by pursuing higher education after gaining a few years of experience. Advanced degrees, such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), can lead to higher-level practice and leadership roles within the specialty.
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Get certified
To get certified as a plastic surgical nurse, you must meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) exam. The CPSN designation is granted by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB).
To be eligible for the exam, you must be a licensed RN with at least two years of plastic surgery nursing experience and 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing within two of the last three years. You must also be currently working in the field of plastic surgery nursing in collaboration with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The CPSN certification exam costs $195 for members and $295 for non-members and is offered at various locations across North America throughout the year. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing nursing education credits.
While not required, specialty certification can make candidates more desirable to potential employers and lead to better job prospects and higher wages. RNs can also become certified to perform specific procedures through continuing education, which can increase their marketability and access to job opportunities in the field.
In addition to the CPSN certification, some employers may require plastic surgery nurses to obtain certifications in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, and pediatric advanced life support. These certifications can be obtained through the American Heart Association and completed in 1-2 days.
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Pursue higher education
Pursuing higher education in the field of plastic surgery nursing can open doors to greater job prospects and higher wages. While not mandatory, certifications and advanced degrees can make candidates more desirable to employers and increase their marketability.
The first step to becoming a plastic surgery nurse is to obtain a nursing degree. Aspiring nurses can choose between an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The ADN is a two-year degree that prepares prospective nurses for practice and is the fastest route to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN). On the other hand, the BSN is a four-year degree that is widely preferred by employers and can increase the likelihood of being hired. Some states are even considering requiring a BSN for licensure.
After obtaining an ADN or BSN, nurses can pursue specialty certifications to demonstrate their competency and enhance their career opportunities. The Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification is offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) and is granted to licensed RNs with at least two years of plastic surgery nursing experience and 1,000 practice hours in the field. The certification exam costs $195 for members and $295 for non-members and is available at various locations across North America throughout the year.
In addition to the CPSN, plastic surgery nurses may pursue advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). These degrees can pave the way for higher-level practice and leadership roles within the specialty. While most positions do not require high-level degrees, they may offer increased compensation and more opportunities for professional advancement.
By pursuing higher education and certifications, plastic surgery nurses can not only expand their knowledge and expertise but also increase their employability and earning potential.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) with a minimum of two years of plastic surgical nursing experience. You will also need to have completed at least 1,000 practice hours in plastic surgical nursing. To become an RN, you will need an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
While not mandatory, it is highly beneficial to gain a Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) certification. This is offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). You will need to pass an exam to gain this certification. Some employers may also require certifications in basic life support and advanced cardiac life support.
Plastic surgical nurses work alongside physicians before, during, and after cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. They care for patients who are undergoing reconstructive surgery and help them prepare for their procedures. They also teach patients about what to expect post-surgery.
