What is an Aesthetic / Cosmetic nurse?
Nursing is a remarkably diverse field that encompasses a variety of kinds of specialties. One common element in all nursing professions is that nurses assist patients to keep their health overall and well-being. Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses assist patients in feeling their best and increasing their confidence, and this is what allows patients to live a more fulfilling life. A cosmetic or aesthetic nurse can perform many non-surgical procedures and treatments to help patients improve their appearance. They examine a patient’s response to treatments and instruct patients on the following care. They might focus on specific treatments like injectables for anti-aging, dermal fillers, acne treatments, dermabrasion, and laser hair removal. The role of an aesthetic nurse is comparable to that of a plastic surgeon nurse, but the aesthetic nurse is usually more involved in non-invasive cosmetic procedures in the office rather than surgical procedures.
Being a nurse in the field of Aesthetics / Cosmetics
Aesthetic/cosmetic nursing is an enjoyable and rewarding career. When someone thinks about cosmetic treatments, they might imagine nurses injecting Botox and lip fillers into patients wanting to look younger. But the truth is that the practice of aesthetic nursing goes far more complex. Patients who seek out cosmetic procedures might suffer from anxiety, depression, or body image issues. Cosmetic nurses must exhibit an empathetic, calm, and compassionate attitude and show empathy with the people they care for.
What are the education requirements of an Aesthetic nurse?
People who are interested in aesthetic or cosmetic nursing must first obtain their RN degrees at a university offering either a two-year Associate’s degree in Nursing ( ADN) or a four-year Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing ( BSN). Some organizations prefer to employ nurses with a BSN degree and students must decide what their objectives and preferences are prior to deciding on the appropriate educational path.
After completing any approved ADN or BSN program, nurses must successfully pass an NCLEX-RN test to be licensed in their state.
While it’s not usually required for employment, certain aesthetic nurses might want to move to a nurse practitioner (NP) role. In this instance, they’ll have to obtain a Master’s of Science in Nursing ( MSN) degree or more. NPs generally have greater autonomy and responsibility, but this may vary based on the state.
Are there any credentials or certifications required?
Although not mandatory, accreditation for aesthetic/cosmetic nursing is offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB). Nurses can obtain the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist credential. Qualifications for certification include:
- Are you holding a valid RN license.
- At minimum 1,000 hours in core competence areas in the past two years
- Minimum 2 years of experience as a nurse within the four essential competencies, with an experienced board-certified physician in a specialty (Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology as well as Facial Plastic Surgery)
- The applicant must have a supervising doctor who endorses the application of the applicant.
Where are Aesthetic and Cosmetic Nurses employed?
Aesthetic nurses do not typically work in a hospital environment. The procedures and treatments they provide aren’t considered “acute” in the sense that long-term observation and monitoring are required. They typically operate in outpatient plastic surgery or dermatology offices, medical spas, and occasionally in outpatient surgical centers.
Wherever the aesthetic nurse is employed, they have to be prepared for rare crises and a reaction after treatments. They are also extremely busy and must manage a busy calendar of appointments for patients.
What is an Aesthetic/Cosmetic nurse to Do?
Aesthetic nurses can perform a range of techniques and procedures. Examples include:
- Injections
- Botox
- Collagen/other fillers
- Sclerotherapy
- Skin treatments for the skin
- Microdermabrasion
- Removal of tattoos
- Chemical peels
- Photofacials
- Light therapy
- Laser treatments
- Hair removal
- Skin rejuvenation laser treatments
What are the roles and duties of an Aesthetic/Cosmetic nurse?
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses play a variety of functions and duties that they’re responsible for. Under the supervision of a doctor and adhering to the state’s Nurse Practice Act, aesthetic nurses are accountable for:
- Examining and evaluating the medical history of a person
- Examining the vital signs of a patient
- Informing patients about treatment and procedures including the procedure and its aftermath as well as aftercare
- The preparation of the procedure area and equipment
- Cleaning and sterilizing the surroundings
- Monitoring patients during a procedure
- In assessing healing and identifying negative reactions to treatment
- In managing situations that arise when patients develop clinical instability
Salary of a Cosmetic/Aesthetic Nurse & Employment
Based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ( BLS), registered nurse jobs will grow by 12% through 2028. Furthermore, it is reported that the BLS estimates that the median pay for registered nurses is $71,730 annually. The salary of RNs can be wildly different based on the city, state, the years of service or degrees, certifications and degrees held, and the employers. For instance, ZipRecruiter reports that the median annual salary for an aesthetic nurse is $90,142, and the median hourly wage is around $43.00 for an hour.