Position Summary
The Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse is a clinical role responsible for coordinating surgical patient care from initial consultation to recovery. This role works directly under the supervision of the surgeon and serves as the primary clinical liaison for surgical patients, ensuring continuity of care, patient education, and timely post-operative communication. The Registered Nurse will also work closely with all off-site surgical centers and hospitals to ensure all patients undergo thorough and timely pre-operative work-ups.
The Nurse Coordinator conducts both phone and in-person preoperative appointments to review medical histories, surgical expectations, and postoperative care plans. They also assist with triaging postoperative concerns, seeing and evaluating patients in clinic alongside the surgeon, and supports a high-touch patient experience.
Core Responsibilities
Surgical Care Coordination
- Serve as a clinical point of contact and resource for surgical patients pre and post-operatively.
- Review health histories, medications, supplements, allergies, and anesthesia history and escalate any concerns or abnormal findings directly to the surgeon
- Help plan pre-op testing and clearance plans per established protocols, anesthesia guidelines, and facility requirements.
- Coordinate and track completion of required testing and medical or specialty clearances.
- Ensure all preoperative testing, documentation, and patient education are completed prior to pre-operative visits with the surgeon.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of facility requirements and guidelines
- Work closely with staff at surgical facilities to ensure that patients are adequately prepared for surgery and all necessary labs and clearances are obtained.
- Assist with post-operative patient education and provide support for the clinical team.
Preoperative Patient Appointments
- Conduct in-person preoperative appointments with surgical patients to:
- Review interested procedure(s) and surgical timelines
- Help set realistic expectations for surgery and recovery
- Review preoperative instructions and assist with day-of-surgery logistics
- Provide detailed education on postoperative care, restrictions, and recovery milestones
- Answer patient questions within scope and assess readiness for surgery
- Document preoperative education and patient communication in the EMR
Day-of-Surgery Coordination
- Act as a clinical liaison between the patient, surgeon, anesthesia team, and surgical facility.
- Verify that all required documentation, testing, and instructions are complete prior to surgery.
- Address last-minute clinical questions within scope and escalate directly to the surgeon as needed.
- Assist patients with coordination of pre- and post-op care, triage questions for the facility, and help ensure patients have all necessary post-op equipment (compression garments, drain management tools, etc).
Postoperative Care & Triage
- Conduct postoperative follow-ups and patient check-ins per established protocols
- Triage postoperative concerns, assess complaints and symptoms, and escalate urgent, abnormal, or non-routine findings directly to the surgeon
- Reinforce postoperative instructions, recovery expectations, and medication guidance as directed
- Coordinate follow-up visits, garments, wound care support, and postoperative services
- Maintain clear, accurate documentation of all patient interactions
Aesthetic Treatments – Lasers & Injectables
- The successful candidate will learn about aesthetic (non-surgical) treatments to be able to effectively discuss them with patients.
- Provide patient education regarding treatment expectations, aftercare, and risks
- Maintain accurate treatment documentation and consent records
- Support consistent, safe, and high-quality aesthetic outcomes
- Opportunities for formal training in aesthetic medicine will be available in part depending on the candidate’s interest and ultimately will depend on time commitments and performance of other duties.
Patient Experience & Communication
- Provide clear, consistent clinical communication to all patients
- Respond to patient calls and messages in a timely and professional manner
- Support patient confidence through education, reassurance, and working closely with and alongside the surgeon.
- Maintain a high-touch patient experience aligned with practice standards
Compliance & Team Collaboration
- Work closely with the surgeon, practice manager, and clinical staff to ensure high-quality patient care
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in compliance with HIPAA, state regulations, and practice policies
- Follow all established clinical protocols and escalation pathways
- Participate in training, protocol development, and quality improvement initiatives
Training & Education
- The candidate will self-identify areas where they need additional education and training, and work with the surgeon to create self-directed education plans.
- Participate in formal professional education through conferences or additional training programs as deemed necessary by the practice.
- Prepare for and plan to take the Certified Plastic Surgical Nursing (CPSN) exam once the requirements have been met.
- Practice will provide support for travel and attendance at conferences and trainings, as well as educational and study materials related to the CPSN qualification.
Scope of Practice Statement
The Plastic Surgery Registered Nurse practices under the direction of the surgeon and within established protocols. This role does not provide medical clearance or make independent medical decisions. All surgical decision-making, informed consent, and necessary deviations from established protocols will be at the direction of the surgeon.
Qualifications
- Active New Hampshire Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Maine licenses are acceptable.
- At least two years’ experience in either surgical services (peri-operative patient care) and/or Intensive Care is required.
- Prior experience in Plastic Surgery and/or aesthetic medicine is preferred.
- Strong clinical judgment, organization, and patient communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple patient timelines and responsibilities simultaneously
- EMR experience required
Work Schedule
- Full-time, weekday position.
- Availability on nights or holidays depends on surgery volume and patient needs.
Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
