Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Nursing
This is a field of nursing wherein the practitioners work in specialized areas dealing with plastic and reconstructive surgery. Some nurses in this field may work as Operating Room Nurses or as Direct Caregivers in pre and post-op facilities. Nurse Anesthesiologists may also specialize in Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery procedures.
Roles of a Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Nurse
The role of a nurse in this field greatly depends on the area of exposure. It follows that nurses assigned in Operating Room will work as OR nurses and nurses assigned in pre and post op Units will provide direct care. Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Nurses may also be asked to aide psychiatrist in determining the emotional and psychological well being of a patient. These nurses may also act as counselors for the patient and the patient’s significant others.
Advance Practice Nurses like Nurse Anesthesiologists that specialize in this field have a more focused role. Their main concern will be the delivery of anesthetics as well as the welfare of the patient throughout the procedure.
Nurses who choose to specialize in the field of Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery may also take on an educator’s role. They may educate their colleagues on the latest advances in plastics and reconstructive surgery nursing.
Qualifications and Requirements
As with any nursing specialization, requirements and qualifications vary from country to country. But, the main requirement is that candidates complete a valid nursing course. Candidates also have to be registered nurses in country or state that they are working in.
Opportunities for Employment
Nurses who specialize in Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery will find that they have a lot of Work Opportunities available to them. These nurses have the choice of working in private Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery clinics. There they can specialize in the Operating Room or in pre and post Op patient care. These nurses may also work in acute care settings like Emergency Rooms and Trauma Units.
Advance Practice Nurses who have specialized in Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery Nursing may also find employment in research facilities. These nurses may also work as Clinical Instructors and Educators.
More than Just Face Lifts
Whenever Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery is mentioned, people immediately think of women undergoing breast augmentation and face lifts. But, there is more to plastics and reconstructive surgery than just that. It is also a field that helps people suffering from facial deformities. It is also crucial to individuals who have suffered facial or bodily burns.
Certain Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery groups like Operation Smile take it a step further. Operation Smile is a group composed of doctors, nurses and other health practitioners whose main goal is offering free reconstructive surgery. Their main goal is to help individuals who were born with cleft lip and palates. Operation Smile takes their services to underdeveloped countries home to patients in need of help.
Published at: 03/04/2015
