If you wish to work as a nurse in a non-emergency setting, becoming an aesthetic nurse is a good option.
An aesthetic nurse is someone who works at a spa or a dermatologist’s office. Typical procedures include non-invasive treatments like botox injections, tattoo removals, and soft tissue fillers.
Australia has more than 4000 cosmetic nurses due to the growing demand for aesthetic surgeries and procedures.
If you also want to become one, here are some things you need to remember.
1. Know the types of aesthetic nursing courses
Before you start training for your nursing course, knowing what kind of job opportunities you’ll get is important.
Here are some common types of aesthetic nursing sectors that you can look out for:
a. Laser facial nurse: As the name suggests, a laser facial nurse specializes in laser treatments such as the removal of pigmentation or acne scars from deep layers of the skin.
b. Tattoo removal nurse: A tattoo removal nurse can be found in a tattoo parlor or at a dermatologist’s office. He or she specializes in removing permanent ink tattoos from the body.
c. Chemical peel nurse: A chemical peel nurse is related to dermatological procedures like applying chemicals on the face or skin to remove wrinkles. Chemical peeling helps the patient to achieve youthful-looking skin.
d. Injectables nurse: An injectables nurse works with a dermatologist to inject cosmetological fillers like Botox or dermal fillers. These help to reduce fine lines, sagging, and wrinkles on the face.
2. Take a course in a reputed institution
After understanding the basics of aesthetic nursing, it’s time for you to join a professional course.
You can earn your registered nursing degree either through a bachelor’s in nursing program or an advanced nursing degree.
In most cases, having a bachelor’s degree can help you land a good job in a reputed institution.
By joining an online course, you can shift from a registered nurse degree (RN) to a bachelor’s in nursing program (BSN). This way, you won’t have to give up your full-time job, and you’ll also widen your skill set.
3. Attend crash courses
If you study for a bachelor’s degree in cosmetic nursing, you’ll get good exposure to the world of dermatology and aesthetic procedures.
But many aspiring nurses prefer to attend crash courses. These short-term courses are offered by various institutions all over the world.
Enroll in an institute that specializes in different dermatological procedures to help students. The experts must have personalized approaches to focus on students so everyone can learn something valuable.
If you’re confused about which one to choose, check out the website cpdinstitute.com.au.
Here, you can have a hands-on approach to cosmetic modules, PRP courses, mesotherapy, and even first-aid courses.
4. Take the NCLEX-RN exam
You must qualify for the NCLEX nursing exam to be certified as an aesthetic nurse. This exam tests your previously-learned knowledge about all the nursing procedures and protocols.
It is conducted by NCSBN, which is the leading body in worldwide nursing regulatory practices.
You can review the Next Generation NCLEX sample question papers to better understand the exam pattern.
The scoring is based on a computer adaptive test (CAT), which can increase your accuracy and efficiency in the exam.
5. Research the salary
Aesthetic nurses can earn quite a lot of money through their services. But even then, the specific salary structure will depend on your educational qualification, experience, location, and certification.
On average, you can expect about $89,976 every year. However, after gaining some experience and expertise, you can earn up to $134,000 annually.
Other than high salaries, aesthetic nurses also receive medical benefits like medical insurance, paid vacations, sick leaves, and prescription coverage.
6. Get to know the work environment
Despite your industry, you should know how an average day goes by. For example, aesthetic nurses don’t spend the entire day tending to critical patients or in the emergency medical wards.
Since they usually work in a non-hospital setting, their work mostly involves managing a lot of patients at the same time.
You’ll be expected to work in plastic surgery centers, outpatient clinics, dermatological offices, and even medical spas.
Over to you
Becoming an aesthetic nurse is a rewarding experience. Therefore, don’t wait anymore and start working toward your dream job today!
