So how can a medical professional pursue a career as a cosmetic nurse? Anyone who wants to become an aesthetic nurse or aesthetic nurse practitioner should start with a nursing degree first. They should pass the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse in their state before gaining more experience and completing additional aesthetic and injection training. They also need to earn a certification after taking the exam offered by the PSNCB.
Nurses play a big part in the lives of many people – this is also true for aesthetic nurses. With this career path, cosmetic nurses can help patients enhance their appearance and improve their quality of life using minimally-invasive treatments like Botox, dermal filler injections, laser therapy, and more.
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5 Important Steps in Nurse Aesthetic Training
Every year, millions of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments are performed in different parts of the country to help patients fight signs of aging or enhance their appearance. While these aesthetic procedures are mostly performed by a dermatologist, physician assistant, or plastic surgeon, they still need the assistance of a certified aesthetic nurse specialist to take better care of the patient before, during, and after the treatment.
Aesthetic nursing is a specific type of nursing that specializes in medical aesthetics. It requires nursing professionals to undergo advanced aesthetics training, but the time and money you invest in this career path can be worthwhile.
1) Earn Your Nursing Degree
The first step to your aesthetic nurse training is to gain a registered nurse degree. There are two different ways to earn this: complete an associate’s degree in nursing (which usually takes 2 years) or finish a bachelor of science in nursing degree (which usually takes 4 years). Some nurses who took BSN even go beyond by earning a master of science in nursing degree for more advanced nursing practice.
Choosing an institution for your medical aesthetic training is important, but so is finding a nursing school. Look for a reputable university or institution that has high NCLEX passing rates, advanced technology and facility for hands-on training, and good faculty-student relationships.
2) Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning a registered nursing degree from an accredited program, institution, or university, the next step is to study for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This certification serves as proof that a nurse is prepared to work in entry-level jobs in one or more states. It’s also one of the most important requirements that training facilities look for when someone signs up for their advanced course on medical aesthetics.
But unlike nursing school exams that measure the student’s knowledge of certain topics and theories, NCLEX determines an individual’s ability to analyze situations and apply what they learned from nursing school. It tests a student’s critical thinking and logic, making it more comprehensive and difficult than university exams.
3) Gain Experience by Working With Beauty Experts
Although registered nurses may immediately attend an aesthetic training course for their specialization, gaining real-life experience by working with dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aestheticians, and other beauty experts can significantly help build their career as aesthetic nurse injector. Registered nurses are advised to apply for an entry-level job in the aesthetic practice of their choice for at least 2 years to learn from a medical director or aesthetician.
4) Get Complete Additional Training for Aesthetic Treatments
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam and gaining enough experience alongside a healthcare professional from the aesthetic medicine industry, the next step is to gain different facial aesthetic training certifications from a recognized institution.
There are many aesthetic treatments to choose from, but dermal filler training and basic Botox courses are some of the most useful certifications that registered nurses can obtain. Getting an advanced Botox certification is also recommended, but basic training and at least 6 months of hands-on experience are needed for this course.
5) Earn a Certification from the PSNCB
Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board (PSNCB) grants certification to aesthetic nurses who pass their exam during the spring or fall every year. The best cosmetic nurses are granted the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist credential.
This credential proves a nurse’s high level of knowledge and skill in the field of plastic surgery and aesthetic nursing. But unlike other aesthetic certifications, registered nurses don’t need to undergo special training courses to earn their PSNCB certificate.
Skills You Need to Become the Best Aesthetic Nurse
The field of medical aesthetics is rapidly growing as more patients look for treatments to enhance their appearance and many professional nurses join the industry to expand their skill sets.
Proper aesthetic training and certification give aesthetic nurses credibility and career flexibility for their medical spa or aesthetic clinic, but there are certain skills they need to ensure a successful career in the aesthetic medicine industry.
1) Exceptional Anatomical Knowledge
Extensive knowledge of facial anatomy is crucial in any cosmetic procedure, so a professional cosmetic nurse should have a good understanding of the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles in the face and neck. Knowing how these parts are interconnected allows aestheticians to treat patients using safe and effective cosmetic procedures. This also results in a lower chance of developing side effects or complications for patients.
2) Good Communication Skills
A good aesthetic nurse should be able to answer all questions that patients ask about the treatment. They must explain how each procedure works in a way that the patient understands. This includes everything from start to end – how to prepare for the treatment, what to expect during the procedure, and how to take care of the treated areas after the appointment.
Having good communication skills also allows aesthetic nurse professionals to put their patients at ease, especially when faced with an unfamiliar type of treatment. Consultations are crucial in deciding the best cosmetic treatment for each patient. If the aesthetician thinks the patient’s preferred treatment isn’t a viable option, they should explain why and offer other alternatives.
3) Familiarity With Different Equipment
Different aesthetic treatments require different sets of equipment, so a provider must be familiar with a wide range of tools. Knowing how to use them effectively lessens the risk of errors and allows the provider to do their best work for each patient.
For example, aestheticians have the option of using a cannula or traditional needle when dealing with injectable treatments. Their mastery of facial anatomy and experience with different tools allow them to choose the right equipment and treat their patient safely.
Another example is determining which laser device is the best for skin rejuvenation. Knowing the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers allows aestheticians to recommend the best technique that gives their patient smooth, blemish-free skin.
4) Great Attention to Detail
A simple error can lead to a botched job or sloppy work that puts the patient at risk of serious side effects and complications. It’s also detrimental to an aesthetician’s reputation, leaving them open to legal issues in case the patient decides to sue. Having great attention to detail when administering treatments minimizes a lot of risks associated with cosmetic treatments and ensures the patient’s safety.
In case some complications occur during the procedure, this skill also lets aestheticians find out what went wrong and rectify the situation quickly. Some mild side effects are normal and easy to fix, so make sure to pay close attention to possible long-term damages or issues for each patient.
5) Invest In Yourself As a Professional
Additional aesthetic courses and training can be extremely expensive and time-consuming, but they’re worthy investments that can help aesthetic nurses build a good reputation and gain a competitive edge over others. They’re a great way to hone aesthetic skills and techniques to become one of the best treatment providers in the industry.
Investing in yourself as a professional means keeping up with the latest treatments, techniques, and technologies in cosmetic medicine. Aside from attending training and seminars, aesthetic professionals should also invest in high-quality equipment for their medical spa or skin clinic.
6) Compassion for Your Patients
Being compassionate for each patient’s condition helps aestheticians understand their concerns better. It also gives you an insight into the patient’s desire and eagerness to improve their lives through cosmetic treatments.
Aesthetic treatments, regardless if they’re surgical or non-surgical, can make patients nervous, especially during the first time. Each of them should be treated with the care and compassion they deserve for successful cosmetic results.
Why Should You Consider Being an Aesthetic Nurse?
Working as a cosmetic nurse is a rewarding job that many professional nurses want to try. Here are some of the reasons why you should also consider a career in the aesthetic medicine industry:
1) You Can Help Patients Restore Their Confidence
Most patients who undergo aesthetic treatments often do so because they want to boost their confidence in their appearance. Aesthetic nurses have the privilege to support patients as they go through the entire transformation process. They also become first hand witnesses of how their work can make patients feel happier.
2) You Receive Great Pay
Most aesthetic nurses receive a bit more in earnings and compensations compared to other nurses who work in traditional hospitals. Aesthetic nurses typically treat more patients in a day. They also have loyal customers who return for additional treatments, so it’s not surprising that they earn a bit more than other nurses. All the extra work and preparation invested in aesthetic training courses are rewarded with a slightly higher salary.
3) You Want to Experience Less Stress Than Usual
Clinical or hospital nurses are typically required to work night hours or holiday shifts which add to their stress and tiredness. Most aesthetic nurses don’t experience the same stress because they often enjoy regular work schedules. This allows them to feel more energetic and functional as they work in a medical spa, skin clinic, or other aesthetic centers.
4) You Can Take Your Pick from Many Kinds of Work Environments
A career in the aesthetic medicine industry allows aesthetic nurses a unique opportunity to get away from stressful healthcare facilities because they can choose a work environment that suits them. Some of the potential workplaces for cosmetic nurses include medical spas, plastic surgery offices, dermatology clinics, and private practices that specialize in aesthetic care.
Choose the Best Aesthetic Training Courses at FACE Med Store
Aesthetic training courses can help clinical professionals who want to venture into new medical fields and add new things to their resumes. The good thing about hese training courses is that they can be taken online.
Whether you’re starting a career as an aesthetic nurse or you simply want to develop your aesthetic skills, FACE Med Store offers various online courses with CME credits to help you expand your skill set. Our online training courses are designed by industry experts, so you can be a certified aesthetic nurse. Call us today to know more about our aesthetic training courses and other products.
Master Your Skills With Only the Best CME Courses
Our complete library of CME Credits Courses will help you and your team provide the world-class care your clients and patients deserve. Start learning today!
