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SPE Learning Academy for Practice Nurses
Practice nurses are the backbone of patient care in every plastic surgery practice. You are there at every step — supporting patients before, during, and after their procedures while ensuring safety, comfort, and confidence. The SPE Learning Academy for Practice Nurses has been designed to strengthen your knowledge, refine your skills, and help you deliver exceptional care alongside your surgeon and wider team.
Within this academy, you’ll discover practical resources on patient safety, wound care, recovery support, theatre preparation, infection control, communication, and patient education. Each guide is created to enhance your confidence, improve clinic outcomes, and ensure a seamless patient journey. Whether you’re just beginning in the role or are an experienced nurse seeking to build on your expertise, these tools will support your growth and contribution to the success of your practice.
Mindset & Wellness
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie – Book Summary
- How to adopt a Positive Mood and Attitude in your clinic
Understanding the Plastic Surgery Practice
Patient Communication
- How to Be a Better Listener in a Plastic Surgery Practice
- Book Summary – Surrounded by Idiots (dealing with different Personality Types)
Glossary for Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Surgical Risks and Complications
- Article on Risks & Complications of Plastic Surgery
- What is Skin Necrosis?
- What is a Seroma?
- What is a Hematoma?
- What are Hypertrophic Scars or Keloid Scars?
- What is Fat Necrosis?– a risk of fat transfer or fat injections
- What is a Fat Embolism?– a risk of fat transfer or fat injections
- Managing Wound Breakdown or Wound Dehiscence
Potential Complications Associated with Breast Implants
- What is Capsular Contracture?
- What is Double Bubble Deformity?
- What is Symmastia or Uniboob?
- What is the Waterfall Effect?
- What is Animation Deformity?
- What is a Pneumothorax? (risk of Breast Implant Removal surgery)
- What does Spitting Stitches mean?
- What causes Breast Implant Rupture?
- Bottoming Out
- Rippling
- BII
- BIA-ALCL
Scar Treatments
- Nokori Surgical Scar Care
- Strataderm & Stratamed – Scar & Wound Care Gels
- Mepiform – Soft Silicone Dressing for Scar Prevention and Treatment
Useful Medical References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/most-common-plastic-surgery-complications
- https://www.woundsource.com/product-category/negative-pressure-wound-therapy/negative-pressure-wound-therapy-devices-powered
COMING SOON! – More lessons in the Academy for Practice Nurses
- Instrument Sterilisation Best Practices
- Stocktaking and Ordering Tips
- Dealing with difficult situations and people
- Emergency Protocols
- PAT/BDD Psych screening and how to discuss results with patients
- Breast implant follow-up protocols
- Breast implant education & warranty information
- Post Op Best Practices After care- compression garments, lymphatic massage
- Scar Minimisation techniques
- Taking Post Op Pictures: Best Practice
- Post Op Note Taking Best Practices
- Patient Communication Skills for Practice Nurses
- All about Silicon Gels and Tapes
FAQs about the Learning Academy for Practice Nurses
Q: What is the SPE Learning Academy for Practice Nurses?
The SPE Learning Academy is a dedicated education hub for nurses working in plastic surgery practices. It provides practical training, resources, and guides to help you improve your skills, support your patients, and contribute to your practice’s success.
Q: Who is the Academy designed for?
It is designed for practice nurses at all stages of their careers. Whether you are new to plastic surgery nursing or have years of experience, the academy offers tools and insights that strengthen your knowledge and confidence.
Q: What topics are covered in the Academy?
The academy includes resources on patient safety, wound care, theatre preparation, infection control, communication, and recovery support. It also covers mindset, wellness, patient education, surgical risks and complications, scar treatments, and more.
Q: How can I implement what I learn in the Academy?
Start by choosing one or two modules that address the biggest challenges in your daily work. Apply the strategies in real patient interactions, share your learnings with your team, and reflect on how it improves patient care. Over time, you can build up your skills across more areas.
Q: Can these resources help improve patient outcomes?
Yes. By applying evidence-based wound care practices, strengthening communication skills, and following safety protocols, you’ll enhance patient safety, recovery, and satisfaction. Better nursing support leads to smoother patient journeys and improved clinic results.
Q: How will the Academy help me in my role?
The academy provides practical tools that increase your efficiency and confidence. You’ll learn how to manage complications, support patients emotionally, educate them effectively, and collaborate with your surgeon and team. These skills make you an indispensable part of the practice.
Q: What if I’m already experienced—will I still benefit?
Yes. The Academy includes advanced resources on managing surgical complications, dealing with difficult situations, and supporting surgeon-led protocols. Even experienced nurses will find valuable strategies and updates that keep their knowledge current.
Q: How often is new content added?
New lessons are continually being developed, including topics like instrument sterilisation, emergency protocols, patient screening, and advanced aftercare techniques. The Academy is designed to grow with the needs of nurses and practices.
Q: How do I track my progress?
You can set personal goals, such as mastering a new protocol each month or applying a new communication technique in consultations. Discuss your learnings with your practice manager or surgeon to measure impact and celebrate progress.
Q: How does the Academy support my professional development?
By using the Academy, you’ll gain practical skills that can be highlighted in performance reviews, professional portfolios, and ongoing training. It demonstrates your commitment to excellence and helps position you as a trusted, skilled nurse within your practice.
Q: How do I get started?
Simply explore the modules most relevant to your role. Begin with foundational areas like patient safety and communication, then progress to advanced topics. The key is consistent learning and applying the ideas directly in your practice.
Taking Action and Implementing
The recovery process in plastic surgery can be unpredictable, but with skilled nursing support, patients feel safe, cared for, and empowered. As a nurse, you are not just treating wounds—you are guiding patients through one of the most vulnerable times of their lives. The reassurance in your voice, the professionalism in your actions, and the expertise in your care can transform anxiety into confidence.
Take pride in the impact you have on both patient safety and patient experience. Your vigilance, teamwork, and empathy help ensure every patient receives the best possible outcome. This guide is a reminder that your role is indispensable, and the work you do each day is both valued and essential.