Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving world of aesthetics and medical care, the role of Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioners has never been more crucial.

Healthcare standards advance, and with every development, the demand for skilled professionals who can support, enhance, and ensure patient safety within the plastic surgery field grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s actually expected from a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the ins and outs of plastic surgery nursing,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight in.

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Duties and Responsibilities

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioners, also known as Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners, work directly with plastic surgeons, providing pre- and post-operative care to patients undergoing plastic or cosmetic surgeries.

They also assist during surgeries and are involved in patient education and consultation.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating patients and taking their health history
• Assessing patient goals and expectations for cosmetic procedures
• Providing preoperative and postoperative care to patients
• Assisting surgeons during plastic or cosmetic surgeries
• Administering medications and providing wound care
• Offering education on post-surgical care and possible complications
• Collaborating with the surgical team to develop individualized care plans
• Monitoring patient recovery and responding to any urgent complications
• Maintaining records of patient care, condition, and progress

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner to join our team.

The successful candidate will work alongside our plastic surgeons, providing pre and post-operative care to patients, assisting during procedures, and ensuring that the highest standards of care are consistently provided.

Candidates should have a strong knowledge of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical procedures, wound care, and patient education.

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, detail-oriented, and committed to providing exceptional patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide pre and post-operative care to patients
• Assist plastic surgeons during surgical procedures
• Conduct patient assessments and develop appropriate treatment plans
• Administer medications and monitor patient recovery
• Provide patient education on surgical procedures, recovery processes, and self-care techniques
• Coordinate with the healthcare team to ensure quality patient care
• Maintain accurate patient records
• Keep up-to-date with advancements in the field of plastic surgery

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Nursing
• Certification as a Nurse Practitioner
• Experience in plastic or aesthetic surgery nursing
• Strong knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well in a team
• Strong attention to detail

 

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities
• Professional development and growth opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner
• Work Environment: This position is primarily hospital-based. Some evening and weekend shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Plastic Surgeon or Director of Nursing.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $85,000 minimum to $130,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Do?

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner is a specialized healthcare professional who works alongside plastic surgeons in medical practices, clinics, or hospitals.

They are involved in various aspects of patient care before, during, and after plastic surgery procedures.

They meet with patients to discuss their medical history, concerns, and goals, and explain the surgical process, risks, and potential outcomes.

In addition to assisting the surgeon during the procedure, they also play a crucial role in preoperative and postoperative care.

This includes preparing patients for surgery, monitoring their vitals, administering medications, providing wound care, and ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety.

They also provide education to patients and their families about the recovery process and necessary lifestyle changes post-surgery.

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner may also be involved in non-surgical procedures such as administering Botox or dermal fillers, and providing skincare consultations and treatments.

Due to the delicate and intricate nature of plastic surgery, these professionals need to have a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures and a high level of skill in patient care and consultation.

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Qualifications and Skills

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner requires a unique set of skills and qualifications to provide professional care to patients undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including:

• Medical knowledge and surgical skills to assist plastic surgeons during procedures, provide preoperative and postoperative care to patients, and manage potential complications.
• Interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with patients, discussing their concerns and expectations regarding surgical procedures.
• Communication skills to effectively convey complex medical information to patients, family members, and other healthcare providers, ensuring everyone is informed about the patient’s condition and treatment plan.
• Attention to detail to accurately document patient histories, monitor vital signs, administer medication, and observe post-surgical recovery.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly identify potential issues and complications, and take appropriate action to ensure patient safety.
• Ethical standards to respect patient confidentiality, provide informed consent, and uphold professional integrity.
• Physical stamina to work long hours, often standing, in a high-stress surgical environment.
• Continual learning to stay updated on advancements in plastic surgery techniques, treatments and technologies, and to fulfill continuing education requirements.

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Experience Requirements

Nurse Practitioners looking to specialize in plastic surgery often require a significant amount of experience.

Starting their path with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, they must pass their licensing exam to become Registered Nurses (RNs).

Once registered, gaining experience in general nursing, particularly surgical nursing, is beneficial for further specialization.

This typically requires about 2-3 years of experience in a clinical setting.

In the next step, they often pursue a Master’s degree in Nursing and become Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs).

This can also include gaining experience in a specialist area such as plastic surgery, dermatology or reconstructive surgery.

An optional but highly beneficial step is to gain certification as a Plastic Surgical Nurse (CPSN) from the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB), which requires at least two years of plastic surgical nursing experience.

After this, Nurse Practitioners aiming for plastic surgery roles generally need to have hands-on experience in a plastic surgery setting.

This can take another 2-3 years.

Some nurse practitioners may also choose to gain additional experience in non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox or dermal fillers.

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Education and Training Requirements

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioners are required to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) from an accredited university or college.

Following this, they must then pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN).

After gaining some experience in the nursing field, often a couple of years, they can then pursue a master’s degree or Doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) with a specialization in plastic surgery nursing.

During their graduate studies, they will undergo specialized training related to plastic and reconstructive surgery, including patient care, preoperative and postoperative procedures, and wound care.

After graduation, they need to obtain licensure as a nurse practitioner from the state in which they intend to practice.

This typically involves passing a state-administered exam.

In addition, certification as a plastic surgery nurse, available from organizations like the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board, although not mandatory, is highly recommended as it can enhance employment opportunities and demonstrate a commitment to the specialty.

Continuing education and training are also essential for staying up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in plastic surgery nursing.

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Salary Expectations

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner earns an average salary of $108,810 (USD) per year.

The salary can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience in the field, education level, geographical location, and the specific organization of employment.

 

Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner need?

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner must have a Master’s Degree in Nursing and be licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in the state where they practice.

They also need to have completed a specialized training or certification course in Plastic Surgery.

Some employers may prefer candidates with experience working in plastic surgery or cosmetic procedures.

 

What are the duties of a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner?

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner is responsible for providing care for patients undergoing plastic surgery.

They conduct pre-operative assessments, assist the surgeon during procedures, provide post-operative care, and educate patients about the surgical process and recovery.

They may also perform minor cosmetic procedures under the supervision of a surgeon.

 

What skills are important for a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner?

A Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner must have strong technical skills to assist in surgical procedures.

They should also have good communication skills to effectively interact with patients and their families, explaining complex medical procedures in an understandable manner.

Organizational skills are also important as they need to manage patient records and coordinate with other healthcare professionals.

 

What should you look for in a Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner resume?

Look for a strong educational background with a master’s degree in nursing and a license as a Nurse Practitioner.

Certifications in plastic surgery or relevant experience in this field is a plus.

A good candidate should also have solid clinical experience, preferably in surgical settings.

 

What qualities make a good Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner?

A good Plastic Surgery Nurse Practitioner is compassionate, understanding, and patient-focused.

They should have a strong attention to detail and be committed to maintaining high safety standards.

They must have good decision-making skills and be able to work under pressure in surgical settings.

Being able to work in a team, along with maintaining good relationships with other healthcare professionals, is also important.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a plastic surgery nurse practitioner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting in surgeries.

It’s about sculpting the future of aesthetic medicine, one procedure at a time.

With our detailed plastic surgery nurse practitioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re well equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go beyond the surface with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every procedure contributes to the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.