plastic surgery recovery nurse how is the job?

steelydanfan · Jul 15, 2006

In a word, interesting.

I worked in a free-standing surgery center for 3 years, plastics were definitly the most demanding part. Basically, know your surgeons, know thier expectations, and when to alert them for changes. IE, is this bruising/swelling abnormal or not? My docs seemed to be loathe to explain EXACTLY what they expected, so I was often at odds as to whether to d/c or not. Of course they left as soon as surgery was over, so could'nt do a 2 hour followup before the pt. left.

Also, the patient's expectations can be problematic. I can't overstate the times a face-lift pt. woke up and said "I had no IDEA I would feel like this!"

Apparently, pre-surgical education and actual experience do not jive, so I would encourage you to check out the surgeon's preop routines. It is no fun to be expected to d/c a facelift in 2.5 hours when they are nauseated, freaked out and have not arranged for appropriate home support.

Just another day in nursing....

gooch951 · Jul 15, 2006

Thanks for your greatly appreciated experince in this field of nursing, what an eye opener! I realy need a change from the hospital system..the stress has advanced me into a pre hypertensive stage!

From what i have been through, it might turn out be a new (stress related) breath of fresh air!

steelydanfan · Jul 16, 2006

Nothing in nursing is ever stress-free. However, plastics IS fun, as you are dealing with non-ill people actually looking forward to this surgery as a life-bettering experience. They just need to understand and be willing to commit to the pain, temporary disfigurement and limitations that are implicit in the proceedure.

So, as I said, just make sure the surgeons are on board and understand YOUR expectations. Six hours of anesthesia is no laughing matter, and these guys need to be on hand for questions and/or complications;

as well as making sure that post-op care can be handled appropriately. You don't want to be admitting a pt. scheduled for a face lift only to find she is planning to take a taxi home, and has no one to stay with her. (And this happened, she SWORE the surgeon said it would be okay)!

gooch951 · Jul 16, 2006

Well taken! I will be calling the administrator Monday for a return call after contemplating this career move with your advice at hand. I wll get to know the surgeons likes and dislikes and will enjoy giving health teachings and discharge follow up. I will always make sure all is well before dishcarge! LOL

Thank you so much..God bless!

cookielady,rn · Aug 19, 2006

May I ask how you found the position for a plastic surgery practice? I'm in ICU and want to cross train to PACU so I might make the transition.