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A BRIEF LOOK AT COSMETIC NURSING

Cosmetic procedures are a vital part of the ever-expanding beauty industry. And assisting cosmetologists during delicate procedures is no easy task. Often, it is up to the cosmetic nurses to administer botox fillers, chemical peels, and other cosmetic procedures.

Microdermabrasion, sclerotherapy, and botox training for nurses, among others, form an integral part of cosmetic nursing. Registered nurses with the right core skills can become cosmetic nurses. They will work hand-in-hand with the cosmetic surgeon to help people look and feel great.

What are the medical duties of a cosmetic nurse?

Cosmetic nurses perform a vast range of medical services each day. Some typical, everyday functions of a cosmetic nursing practitioner include:

  • Consulting with patients after which, screening and scheduling them
  • Assessing ageing skin and other skin-related health problems
  • Sterilizing essential instruments and operating rooms
  • Providing pre and post-operative care to patients
  • Assisting the cosmetic surgeon during various procedures and surgeries
  • Administering non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels, laser treatments, dermal fillers, and botox injections for wrinkles and other facial problems.
  • Staying up to date with the latest protocols and medical procedures.

So, a cosmetic nurse will do all the above and more, depending on individual patient needs.

Reasons to become a cosmetic nurse

The rise in non-invasive cosmetic treatments around the world has given a boost to the cosmetic nursing profession. An increasing number of registered nurses are seeking to become aesthetic or cosmetic nurses. And there is no single reason for this happening.

There are a myriad of reasons for one to delve into cosmetic nursing. Some are in it for the incredible financial gains it offers, while others seek knowledge in various aesthetic cosmetic treatments.

There are others yet, who derive deep satisfaction from helping people feel better about themselves. They build lasting relationships with patients they treat and earn their trust, resulting in them returning for repeat treatments.

But how does one become a cosmetic nurse?

Steps to become a registered cosmetic nurse

  • Have the right educational qualifications

Registered Nurses, or RNs, require a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, which can take up to four years or more. The educational program for Licensed Practical Nurses, LPNs, usually lasts for a year. It includes classroom training and practical experience wherein they care for actual patients under the supervision of licensed medical doctors.

A Master of Science in Nursing is required to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). Certain states may have requirements other than these.

  • Obtain a nursing license

Nursing licenses vary from one state to another, depending on the educational qualifications. For instance, NPs should have a Master’s Degree in addition to an RN license. Similarly, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse) examination. They must also meet other requirements and be graduates of nursing programs that the licensing agency has approved. On the other hand, LPs need to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse) examination.

  • Specialization in cosmetic nursing

It is possible to attain a specialization in cosmetic nursing while still in school. You can seek a placement or internship at a cosmetic clinic that provides aesthetic medical procedures such as chemical peels and dermal fillers. You can learn their intricacies under experienced tutelage. This practical knowledge will come in handy when looking for a job as a cosmetic nurse after graduation, as many clinics prefer nurses with hands-on experience in cosmetic procedures.

  • Botox training for nurses

Clinical internships during the course of graduation may or may not result in the knowledge of botox use in cosmetic procedures. That’s because administering botox to treat wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and other facial issues is not an easy task. Since botox is a neurotoxin, it is essential to handle it carefully. You can apply to courses that provide training to nurses in botox injections. They will teach you how to identify key facial muscles and administer botox into them with care.

  • Keep learning

There is no end to learning regardless of the profession one is in. But when it comes to cosmetic nursing, nurses need continual education and get timely license renewals. They must also maintain the various voluntary certifications they enroll in. Besides cosmetic courses, there are a variety of seminars nurses can attend to expand their knowledge in the field.

Summary

Following the above steps will enable you to become an able cosmetic nurse with plenty of job prospects. You can work with reputed cosmetic surgeons or even open your own cosmetic clinic – provided your state laws permit it. Many nurses prefer to perform aesthetic procedures part-time. Being a cosmetic nurse is a huge leap in the growing and exciting field of aesthetic medicine.

Photo by Ani Kolleshi

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