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Plastic Surgery Nurse: Career Overview

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Written by Ann Real, BSN, RN Content Writer, IntelyCare

A plastic surgery nurse prepares for a surgical operation.

Picture this: You’re in a sleek, state-of-the-art operating room, assisting a surgeon in performing a delicate reconstructive procedure for a burn survivor. Just weeks later, you watch that same patient smile — seeing their reflection with renewed confidence for the first time. This is the role of a plastic surgery nurse, where medical expertise, artistic skill, and advanced surgical technology come together to deliver life-changing results.

With over 2.62 million cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries performed annually in the U.S., there is a growing demand for skilled professionals in this field. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to start your career in this booming industry.

Plastic Surgery Nurse: Career Snapshot

Mission: Help patients achieve their desired aesthetic goals and boost confidence through surgical expertise.
Responsibilities: Perform preoperative assessments, support the surgical team during procedures, monitor the recovery process, and educate patients on wound care and lifestyle adjustments.
Workplaces: Hospitals, private plastic surgery clinics, outpatient surgical centers, and reconstructive surgery units
Path: Nursing degree, followed by specialized training or certifications in plastic surgery nursing
Length of study: 2 to 4 years

What Is a Plastic Surgery Nurse?

A plastic surgery registered nurse (RN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in caring for patients undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and liposuction. In this role, you’ll play a part in a dynamic team, including surgeons, nurse anesthetists, surgical techs, and other medical staff, all working together to ensure safe procedures, smooth recoveries, and positive patient outcomes.

The majority of patients you’ll work with will be undergoing elective procedures — meaning they’re planned and not medically urgent. Here’s a look at some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S.:

Liposuction
Breast augmentation
Tummy tuck
Breast lift
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery)

However, keep in mind that this field is constantly evolving, with new procedures emerging every year. Projected trends include rib modeling to narrow the waist, combined with high-definition liposuction and body sculpting. Subtle, natural breast and buttock augmentations are also gaining popularity, alongside advancements in techniques to minimize scarring.

What Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Do?

Plastic surgery nurses play a dual role that blends surgical expertise with primary care responsibilities. In the operating room, they assist with cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Outside of surgery, they perform assessments, monitor recovery processes, and educate patients on healing practices like proper nutrition.

Let’s explore how a plastic surgery RN supports patients throughout the surgical journey — from prep to post-op care:

Stages of care	Examples of responsibilities
Preoperative care	Conduct initial patient assessments, including a review of medical history and current medications, to ensure the patient is fit for surgery. Coordinate any necessary preoperative testing, such as lab work, EKGs, or imaging. Verify that informed consent has been signed and that all required documentation is complete.
Surgery	Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical environment. Assist the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies during the procedure. Document key intraoperative events and observations in the patient’s record.
Postoperative care	Administer prescribed medications and manage pain. Assess the surgical site for signs of infection, bleeding, or complications. Provide wound care and change dressings according to protocol.

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Where Can a Plastic Surgery RN Work?

These specialists have a variety of work environments to choose from, depending on their interests and expertise. Here are some common settings where plastic surgery nurses are employed:

Hospitals
Private plastic surgery clinics
Outpatient surgical centers
Reconstructive surgery clinics
Cosmetic surgery spas or med spas
Academic or research institutions

How to Become a Plastic Surgery Nurse

Want to become a plastic surgery nurse? Requirements typically involve a valid RN license, clinical nursing experience, and specialized training in plastic surgery. Here’s a step-by-step guide to entering this specialty:

Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree

Every nurse, regardless of specialty, starts their journey by completing an accredited nursing program — either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). To be admitted to nursing school, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses and, in some cases, take an entrance exam such as the HESI or TEAS. Once accepted, you’ll begin your studies, which will include nursing classes like anatomy and pharmacology, along with clinical training at healthcare facilities.

Tip: Trying to choose which nursing program is best for you? An ADN can get you into the workforce quickly, while a BSN offers more opportunities for career advancement and makes it easier to pursue graduate-level nursing degrees later on.

Step 2: Obtain a Nursing Licensure

Once you complete your nursing degree, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed. This standardized test assesses whether you’re ready to practice safely as an entry-level nurse. Once you pass and fulfill your state’s licensure requirements, you’ll officially become a licensed RN. Now, you’re ready to build experience in clinical settings.

Tip: Plan ahead. If you think you might move states in the future, applying for licensure in a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state could give you multi-state practice privileges.

Step 3: Gain Hands-on Nursing Experience

Congratulations, you officially became a registered nurse. Plastic surgery nursing might not be your first role right out of school, as many employers prefer hiring RNs with at least one or two years of experience for complex roles such as surgical care.

Here are some key specialties that can help you strengthen your skills in monitoring patients, managing wounds, and handling postoperative complications:

While surgical roles are typically not available to new graduates right away, you can gain access through internship programs. These internships provide hands-on experience and can lead to full-time positions in specialties such as the following:

Tip: Need a strong nursing resume and cover letter? Our guides offer expert tips for making your application stand out.

Step 4: Attain Certification (Optional)

While certification isn’t mandated to work as a registered nurse in a plastic surgery setting, it can enhance your expertise and make you a strong candidate for roles at leading plastic surgery clinics. Consider the Certified Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) credential from the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB), as well as these other valuable certifications:

Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)

How Much Do Plastic Surgery Nurses Make?

A typical plastic surgery nurse salary in the U.S. is around $125,000 annually. However, your exact pay can vary based on several factors, including where you live. If you’re aiming for the best-paying positions, these states offer some of the highest RN salaries:

Becoming a Plastic Surgery Nurse: FAQ

Plastic surgery nurse vs. aesthetic nurse: What’s the difference?

A plastic surgery RN typically works alongside surgeons in clinical or hospital settings, assisting with intraoperative procedures and postoperative recovery. In contrast, an aesthetic nurse usually performs or assists with non-surgical cosmetic treatments — such as Botox, dermal fillers, or laser therapies — often in med spas or dermatology clinics.

How can I find a plastic surgery nurse school?

While there are no dedicated schools for plastic surgery nurses, look for nursing programs that offer strong clinical rotations in surgical settings. After completing your nursing degree, seek out internships, continuing education programs, workshops, and relevant nursing conferences to deepen your expertise in this specialized setting.

How many years does it take to become a plastic surgery RN?

Although an ADN degree can typically be earned in as little as two years, it may take additional time to gain the necessary experience before being eligible for employment in the plastic surgery nursing specialty.

What is the job outlook for plastic surgery RNs?

The job outlook for registered nurses is strong, with a projected growth rate of 6%, surpassing the national average. Additionally, the U.S. cosmetic surgery market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.3%, contributing to positive job prospects in the specialty.

Unlock Tailored Nursing Opportunities

With IntelyCare, you don’t have to search — you can match. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a plastic surgery nurse or exploring your specialty options, we can help you find the best-fitting nursing roles that match your training, interests, and long-term goals.