Name: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurse Description: Cares for patients undergoing cosmetic and maxillofacial surgery, laser and microsurgery, and nonsurgical treatments to correct aesthetic problems Diagnoses: Skin lesions and tumors, congenital deformities, facial fractures, burns, ulcers, varicose veins, reconstruction after cancer surgery Practice roles: Staff nurse, scrub nurse, nurse manager, supervisor, coordinator, director, nurse educator, research nurse Characteristics: Hands-on patient care, treatment, and teaching; perioperative and postoperative care, patient joy and gratitude Client age group: All ages Drawbacks: Difficult patient contacts, misconceptions about results Desirable skills: Effective communication skills, sensitivity to client's needs, positive attitude Education: RN with AD, diploma, or BSN Employers: Hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, office practices Associations: American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Nurses (offers certification) East Holly Ave., Box 56 Pitman, NJ 08071 856-256-2340 Publications: Plastic Surgical Nursing Journal   ASPRS News 856-256-2340