Male RNs in nurse cosmetics / aesthetics

DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN · Dec 23, 2020

Not currently, nor for many many years, however in the late 1980s I did work in a private hospital in London on a burns and plastics unit which incorporated cosmetic surgery.

The cosmetic surgery patients were no different to any other plastic surgery patients except that one could argue that in many (though not all) cases, their surgery was unneccessary. Surgical patients like any others. Work and responsibilities like in any surgical unit, basically.

That you've posted in this section suggests your driving at the male nurse/female patient scenario? No different to any other nursing scenario, and for me that's treat all patients with dignity and respect and there is no issue. In breast surgery, whether it be for cosmetic or oncological reasons, you often have to inspect breasts, touch them for warmth, hardness etc. You explain very carefully what you need to do, why, and you obtain consent. If the patient objects or is uncomfortable you ask a female colleague to do it for you, however in my experience that rarely happens. In my rather lengthy career I've had covered muslim grandmothers and nuns expose their bits to me because they're OK with it for medical reasons.

Is it rewarding working in cosmetic surgery? If a deformed or disfigured person finds peace of mind, yes. The standard face lifts and boob jobs? No. They were often the most superficial and unintersting people I ever looked ever.