Should I Be Concerned if the Doctor Has No Nurses?

I am considering getting Rhinoplasty. When I went to visit with the facial surgeon I was told that he doesn't have any nurses on staff. Does this mean that there will not be any nurses present during the surgery? Should I be concerned?

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by realidad619 in san diego. ca

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Patient care before, during, and after rhinoplasty

The surgeon with whom you have consulted may not have nurses working in the office but if he/she is performing your surgery at a certified surgical facility, there should be nurses present to care for you before, during and after your rhinoplasty. Be sure to ask your surgeon for the accreditation status of the facility at which you are having your surgery. Your questions are quite appropriate. There is not necessarily a need for nurses to be present in the office when you come... more

Several things to check when considering plastic surgery

Great question. You should always ask these types of questions and I applaud your homework. If the facial surgeon is performing the procedure in his office, you should definitely make sure that the facility is accredited, that your doctor is board certified and that he has appropriate certified staff - this includes a board certified anesthesia and an OR nurse. Physicians that perform procedures in their offices can sometimes bend the rules a little bit and many times some physicians will... more

Office Nurses vs. O.R. Nurses

Many plastic surgeons do not employ a full-time nurse in their private offices where they see their consultations and follow-ups. Other surgeons employ a squadron of nurses who do practically everything, including Botox and injectable fillers, as well as the majority of post-operative care. Either of these scenarios is perfectly normal. If your surgeon does not have an office nurse, you can expect that he will probably be the one to personally change your bandages and see you through your... more

There should be a nurse present when you have your procedure

Realidad, It is unclear from your question whether you are talking about the doctor's office or operating facility. If, when you went for your consult, there were no nurses present, this may just be during his or her office hours. If the doctor operates in an accredited operating room, either in his or her office, a surgi-center or the hospital, there should be a nurse present. If the surgery is being done in a surgi-center or the hospital, then the doctor may very well likely not have... more

Concern if the Doctor Has No Nurses

While nurses are not required for the consultation process, you should ensure that there will be registered nurses present to care for you on the day of surgery. If the surgery is being performed at an accredited facility, then nurses should be present. Your concerns are valid and should be addressed.

Should my rhinoplasty surgeon have a nurse on staff

Not all plastic surgeons have a nurse working with them in the office. Some surgeons prefer to do the postoperative care themselves or by a physician assistant who is on staff. There should be a nurse present in the operating room during your surgery though. If the surgeon operates at a unaffiliated facility (not at his office) the nurse would be provided by that facility. I would just ask the surgeon for clarification and make sure the surgery is done at an accredited operating room... more

You should be a little concerned.

To Realidad619, The fact that he does not have a nurse on his staff MAY indicate either that he is not busy or that he cuts corners. But I would not rule him out just because of this. He may have a fine operating room staff including a nurse. You just need to investigate. A nurse for the post operative care is very important.

Concern About Rhinoplasty Surgeon Without a Nurse

Hi again realidad, Most surgeons do have nurses in their primary office. Some surgeons go to many different offices, particularly here in Los Angeles; many will sublease an office in Beverly Hills or Newport Beach for 1/2 day a week to maintain a "prestigious" address. In that case, they may travel to the "satellite" office without a nurse. I have dealt with a "cosmetic" physician who only has a cell phone, no nurses, no office. Definitely draw the line at... more

Michael A. Persky, MD

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Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

It depends what "on staff" means.

Not having any nurses as a part of office staff is not unusual. Many plastic surgeons have some clinical staff caring for patients in the office, but some do not. Some surgeons choose to do all the clnical care themselves. At least in the office setting. However, for the procedure, I agree with above comments that the procedure should be done at an accredited facility. I would also investigate to make sure that your surgeon is a board certified, and check WHICH board they are... more

It is unusual for the surgeon to not have nurses

The rhinoplasty should be perofrmed in an accreditated facility with Board Certified anesthesiologists and Registered Nurses present during surgery and your recovery at a minimum. I would investigate the surgery center set-up further.