How to Become a Cosmetic Nurse
Becoming a cosmetic nurse will allow you to pursue a career that is both rewarding and challenging. It also gives you the necessary skills required to make a difference in people's lives. As a cosmetic nurse, you will be able to make the most of your time and training by offering exceptional care to individuals that need it most.
What Does A Cosmetic Nurse Do?
An aesthetic nurse mainly performs procedures relating to cosmetics and dermatology. A variety of surgical procedures are assisted by them, including some of the most well-known:
- Breast augmentation.
- Liposuction.
- Rhinoplasty.
- Abdominoplasty.
In addition, cosmetic nurses also perform or assist with less invasive procedures, such as the following:
- Collagen replacement therapy.
- Dermal fillers.
- Laser hair removal.
- Botox.
- Chemical peels.
These less invasive operations are often carried out directly by the nurse without supervision from a doctor. The most popular is a Botox injection, which must be administered several times to a patient to get the best results. Although some nurses will have already learned about injecting patients, many will have to participate in botox courses for nurses to become fully qualified. Due to Botox being the most prevalent cosmetic treatment, many nurses will need this specific qualification to be eligible for employment. Furthermore, it serves as an additional qualification in an industry that takes pride in presenting its credentials.
Steps To Becoming A Cosmetic Nurse
There are several steps involved with becoming fully qualified. These steps begin in a similar way to how nurses in other specialties begin.
Gain a Registered Nursing Degree
The Registered Nurse (RN) degree is a professional degree earned after a bachelor's degree and required in all nursing and allied health programs. RN's are critical to the well-being of individuals and communities and are responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. There are two paths to this, either a two-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science degree (BSN). Once these have been completed, students can choose to complete a Master's degree (MSN) which further boosts employment prospects.
Take the NCLEX-RN
The National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) is an exam that all potential applicants must take and pass to progress further. Passing this test allows you to become registered in most states around the country, which is vital if you want to work in the states more well-known for cosmetic treatments.
Get On The Job Experience
This is a vital and unavoidable step to becoming a fully licensed cosmetic nurse. Just like doctors have to go through years of internship, so do nurses. Typically, it lasts at least two years, and you will be working closely with a board-certified physician. You will be gaining experience in a real-world setting but under the supervision of a doctor and other experienced nurses. This is a great opportunity for you to develop your patient-facing skills.
Become A Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS)
Once you have completed your on-the-job experience, you become a CANS. While this specialization is not required to get started, it enables you to stand out from the competition and helps you to secure the better jobs available.
Becoming a cosmetic nurse requires a lot of hard work and dedication. However, it is a gratifying job, both in terms of monetary reward and personal satisfaction.
