Cosmetic nursing is a specialized field of nursing that focuses on cosmetic and dermatological procedures. Cosmetic nurses help doctors with various surgical procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, and tummy tuck. They work in dermatology and plastic surgery clinics, medical centers, and hospital operating rooms. Aesthetic nurses maintain a regular schedule and do not usually work at night. Cosmetic nurses perform or assist with aesthetic procedures that are beyond the scope of cosmetologists and beauticians.
They need a broad and in-depth knowledge of health care to evaluate and monitor treatments. These treatments may include Botox injections, chemical peels, skin resurfacing, microneedling, and laser treatments. Cosmetic nurses help plastic surgeons and dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of patients. The role of a cosmetic nurse is quite similar to that of a plastic surgery nurse, but the focus is more on cosmetic treatments in the office and non-invasive procedures rather than surgical ones. Nurses should always consult with the Board of Nursing and the local State Medical Board for the defined scope of practice for each area.
The aesthetic nursing career allows you to help people through the use of non-invasive in-office skin treatments such as injectables, skin contouring, laser techniques and more. Unlike aesthetic nurses, aesthetic nurse practitioners can often be in charge of virtually every aspect of the practice, whether it is a medical spa or another type of clinic or outpatient center. Most states regulate the use of lasers by non-medical providers through the Board of Nursing, the State Board of Electrolysis, the State Department of Health and Human Services, or a radiation regulatory agency.
Medical spas
and plastic surgeons' offices often employ aesthetic nurses, while hospitals rarely need aesthetic nurses. The National Laser Institute offers courses to provide nurses with a certificate of education and continuing education units.The only common denominator in any nursing specialty is that nurses help patients maintain their overall health and well-being. Once you pass the Certified Aesthetics Nurse Specialist (CANS) exam, you will be required to re-certify every three years to retain the credential. DNA recommends that nurses seek education from validated sources, such as professional organizations (including DNA), physician organizations, or laser manufacturers. You will need to submit your license application to the board of the state where you plan to work as a cosmetic nurse. In medical aesthetics, nurses can observe how their treatments improve the appearance of patients and the increase in self-confidence they receive due to meeting their personal aesthetic goals. However, while many aspiring nurses have the same goal in mind to help or improve the lives of others, not all nursing specializations are right for everyone.
Cosmetic nurses usually work in private practices or medical spas affiliated with plastic surgery or cosmetic dermatology offices. I was very fortunate to find a career path that combined my lifelong interest in cosmetics with my desire to help others in a medical setting. Unlike the high-risk atmosphere experienced by ICU or emergency nurses, aesthetic nurses usually work in medical spas, clinics, outpatient surgery centers, or private offices. The National Laser Institute offers courses to provide nurses with a certificate of education and continuing education units. DNA recommends that nurses seek education from validated sources such as professional organizations (including DNA), physician organizations, or laser manufacturers. You will need to submit your license application to the board of the state where you plan to work as a cosmetic nurse. In medical aesthetics, nurses can observe how their treatments improve the appearance of patients and the increase in self-confidence they receive due to meeting their personal aesthetic goals. Aesthetic nursing is an exciting career path for those who want to combine their passion for cosmetics with their desire to help others in a medical setting.
Aesthetic nurses typically work in medical spas, clinics, outpatient surgery centers or private offices where they can provide non-invasive treatments such as injectables, skin contouring and laser techniques. In order to become an aesthetic nurse specialist (CANS), you must pass an exam administered by your state's board of nursing. Once certified, you must re-certify every three years in order to maintain your credential. It is important for aspiring aesthetic nurses to seek education from validated sources such as professional organizations (including DNA), physician organizations or laser manufacturers.
