How to become A Cosmetic Nurse

• Aesthetic Nurse
• Aesthetic Nursing Specialist

What do Cosmetic Nurses  do?

A Cosmetic Nurse would typically need to:

• Assist surgeons in performing surgical procedures and perform/assist with non-surgical procedures to help patients feel their best and live with confidence
• Help physicians complete various surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and abdominoplasty
• Carry out or facilitate less invasive cosmetic procedures, including Botox, dermal fillers, laser hair removal, collage replacement therapy, and chemical peels
• Consult with potential patients; ensure they receive a consultation package at the end of the session
• Screen and schedule patients; meet with a patient to assess relevant health concerns and check their vital signs
• Record essential patient information, such as vital signs, medical history, medications, allergies, and previous surgical procedures
• Undertake diagnostic testing; take blood samples, administer anesthesia and other recommended medication
• Educate the patient on the planned procedure and course of treatment, including what to expect and aftercare
• Prepare and sterilise the procedure area and equipment; prepare the patient for the procedure; maintain a clean and sterile environment during the procedure
• Monitor the patient during the procedure; make sure they remain comfortable during the procedure
• Carry out post-operative care; dress wounds, administer injections, and assess healing; identify adverse and unforeseen responses to treatment
• Communicate with the concerned physicans and surgeons about the patient’s condition and progress
• Manage emergent situations wherein the patient becomes clinically unstable; help the patient identify resources for appropriate medical supplies
• Enhance business goals; encourage the patients to book another beneficent procedure; give clear handover to reception
• Collaborate with other medical staff to ensure the well-being of patients during and after a procedure
• Ensure the workplace operates smoothly in adherence to prescribed standards and legal requirements
• Take before and after pictures of every patient undergoing a procedure on their watch
• Ascertain clinic notes, treatment registers, and files of all patients in their charge are complete and compliant with industry standards

Since the procedures they perform or assist in are not considered ‘acute,’ Cosmetic Nurses generally work in non-hospital settings under the supervision of a physician, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist.

Cosmetic Nurses usually work 40 hours a week in eight- to ten-hour shifts that may include evenings and weekends to meet the needs of their clients and address the occasional emergency or reaction to treatment.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Cosmetic Nurses can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting employers directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. They may freelance, be employed, or set up their own clinic.

Cosmetic Nurses are generally employed by:

• Outpatient Medical Clinics
• Medical Spas
• Private Practices
• Outpatient Surgery Centres
• Dermatology Offices
• Hospitals

Healthcare associations, such as The International Society Of Plastic And Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN), provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers.

Affiliated Cosmetic Nurses may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the newest breakthroughs and latest developments in the field, including plum jobs.

• Ability to convince new clients to follow one’s suggestions
• Helping the client make an educated decision based on facts rather than Google or word of mouth
• Being held accountable for the looks of clients who are anxious about their appearance
• Maintaining a calm and professional demeanour in the face of unforeseen physical and emotional reactions of clients to the prescribed treatment
• Lack of appropriate protocols in relation to client privacy, consent process, supervision, and infection control
• Lack of standard procedures for medication administration and privacy and complaints management

Cosmetic nursing students gain valuable experience by completing various nursing internships or clinical rotations in their practice speciality as part of their post-secondary training.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

In some locations, RNs apply to be an assistant to a practising Cosmetic Nurse at a medical spa or outpatient plastic surgery centre. They gain at least two to three years of hands-on experience with each procedure before being qualified to look after patients and perform general clinical tasks independently.

Other locations may insist on RNs gaining at least three years of general adult nursing experience before moving into cosmetic/aesthetic nursing to enhance the skills they gain during their studies.

RNs may need to put in 1,000 practice hours and two years of supervised experience under a board-certified physician to be qualified in aesthetic nursing. They may need at least two years of experience in plastic surgical nursing to earn certification in plastic surgical nursing.

To show their commitment to the long qualifying period, every applicant to a nursing programme needs work experience in their local hospital, doctor's surgery, nursing home, or mental health trust. It will help them understand some of the physical and emotional demands of a career in nursing.

Some teaching hospitals also offer work experience in their plastic/cosmetic surgery departments, specifically for secondary school students interested in a nursing degree and a career as a Cosmetic Nurse. It can be a helpful way to gain insight.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in cosmetic/aesthetic nursing to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Any individual interested in becoming a Cosmetic Nurse should begin with getting an accredited (BSN) Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing), or, less frequently, a diploma from an approved nursing program.

The kind of degree you opt for will determine how long it takes you to be qualified as an RN (Registered Nurse), the credential most employers prefer in potential Cosmetic Nurses. 

However, some employers may lean towards BSN-prepared candidates, while others mandate a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) specialising in aesthetic nursing. Determine your goals and needs before choosing the education path that is the best fit.

Nursing education programs typically include courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, biomedical science, social work, other social and behavioural sciences, and liberal arts. 

Bachelor’s degree programs usually include additional education in physical and social sciences, communication, leadership, and critical thinking.

Focus on biological and physical sciences, English, psychology, along with health and physical education in high school.

Prior to becoming a Cosmetic Nurse, you must obtain accredited certification in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), BLS (basic life support), and ACLS (advanced cardiac life support). 

In addition, one must acquire speciality certifications in cosmetic/aesthetic nursing and plastic surgical nursing from their local Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board. 

Botox and filler certification ranks high on the list of credentials mandated for Cosmetic Nurses who wish to work in private practice and medical spas. Most candidates complete the eight-hour-long course in one day or over the weekend.

A combination of education, experience, and testing is generally required to gain certification, though requirements differ from region to region. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Interested candidates must also have an RN licence, issued by the local authority, which comes in the wake of passing an approved nursing programme. They are now qualified to carry out safe and effective nursing without supervision.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship or residency.

Cosmetic Nurses may need to undergo an employment background check that can include but is not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Cosmetic Nurses. They can move into management positions within their current organisation, such as Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse, and eventually Director of Nursing.

As a Nurse Educator, they can train other nurses in the field of cosmetic nursing. Incumbents with the requisite funds, experience and business acumen may choose to open their own private practice.

Experienced RNs with accredited certification in aesthetic/cosmetic nursing and plastic surgical nursing will have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential in the healthcare sector for public wellbeing and career progression. It embraces several new learning objectives, educational methodologies, and novel technological developments, especially in education, management, and IT.

Reflective learning, interaction with peer groups, comprehensive inclusion, workshops, and professional publications serve to educate, influence, support, and foster lifelong enlightenment in all career-grade Cosmetic Nurses.

Do not miss any opportunity to attend various conferences and workshops on specific cosmetic procedures to learn more about the procedures and the best ways to deal with attendant complications.

Invest time and energy in researching the latest procedures and protocols. If you have not done so already, become certified in specific procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation. Building beneficent relationships with plastic surgeons and other medical professionals will enable you to network and find better employment avenues.

Adapt your practices to meet the needs of your patients; provide optimal customer service and develop skills in skincare and hair removal to remain in demand.

Experienced Excellence

Communicate well with your clients and other medical staff to ensure the former receive proper care. Empathy can help you connect with patients experiencing emotional pain due to their appearance and make them feel comfortable. 

Appropriate medical knowledge is essential to performing the prescribed procedures properly and identifying and dealing with any unforeseen reactions to the treatment.

The Current Scenario

A growing demand for increasingly affordable plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures translates into a consequential demand for Cosmetic Nurses who can provide effective post-operative care and help the client feel comfortable during their recovery.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Cosmetic Nurses have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Cosmetic Nurse has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Cosmetic procedures most popular among teens include laser hair removal, nose reshaping, laser treatment of leg veins, and laser skin resurfacing.

The path to get there and the job itself require loads of grit and determination; what makes it all worth the while is gaining the client’s trust and witnessing the positive impact your work as a Cosmetic Nurse has on their lives and self-esteem.

Persistence is key at the end of the day. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get any leads to a lucrative job. Sometimes it can take more than a year of constant interviewing, job shadowing and networking to find the right opportunity.