Aesthetic nurses, also known as cosmetic nurses, are registered nurses who provide aesthetic and cosmetic services and care to their patients. These nurses have specialized training in services ranging from fillers, laser skin treatments, liposuction, tattoo removal, aesthetic surgery, and more.
What Do Aesthetic/Cosmetic Nurses Do?
Aesthetic/cosmetic nurses help plastic surgeons and dermatologists provide cosmetic procedures. These healthcare procedures — whether invasive or non-invasive — are usually designed to improve patients’ appearance.
Is a cosmetic nurse a good job?
A career in cosmetic nursing is rewarding, dynamic and flexible and makes a great career pathway for those interested in nursing. The field of aesthetic nursing is growing with more and more patients being interested in trialling injectables, body sculpting and laser treatments.
Do you need to be a nurse to do aesthetics?
If you do not have this, you will be required to work with a nurse or doctor who does have it. If you are wanting to join a company, there are those that will take on nurses without any previous experience in aesthetics and who will provide you with full training and support.
Cosmetic Nurse Career Requirements
Aesthetic nurse requirements start with a bachelor’s degree. For those cosmetic nurses who wish to become nurse practitioners, a master’s degree is needed. Additionally, 2 to 3 years of experience is typically required to work in this field.
A state-issued RN license is also required, and voluntary certification is available. Cosmetic nurses should have good interpersonal, communication and critical-thinking skills. They should also have compassion, attention to detail, and physical stamina
Below are steps to Become A Cosmetic Nurse In South Africa
Step 1: Earn a Nursing Degree
Cosmetic nurse positions typically require that candidates have a registered nurse (RN) or nurse practitioner (NP) license, which constitutes having at least a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
A master’s degree is the minimum education needed to work as a nurse practitioner. However, this job does not require having an advanced nursing degree since the RN or NP requirement is interchangeable.
Step 2: Obtain a Nursing License
The next step for prospective cosmetic nurses is to obtain an RN license. Candidates must complete the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) as well as graduate from an approved nursing program.
Some licensing requirements for registered nurses may vary by state. Those who wish to pursue optional licensing as an advance practice registered nurse (APRN) must already posses an RN license and will need to pass an additional exam.
Step 3: Gain Experience in Cosmetic Nursing
Once licensed, individuals can find employment at plastic surgery and medial spa centers as an assistant to a cosmetic nurse. Since cosmetic nurses typically need at least two years of experience to practice, newly licensed nurses may benefit from job shadowing opportunities.
During shadowing, individuals may learn about common cosmetic nurse job functions, such as assessing skin aging, administering Botox injections and performing post-operative care.
Step 4: Consider an Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Certification
Although voluntary, obtaining this specialty certification can demonstrate to prospective employers that a nurse has competency in carrying out cosmetic procedures when you are looking at getting aesthetic nurse jobs. This can give you further information on how to become a cosmetic injector or other aesthetic nurse specialty.
How many years does it take to become a cosmetic nurse In South Africa?
The general timeline for becoming a cosmetic/aesthetic nurse is approximately 4-7 years (depending upon type of degree obtained and length of time spent passing the NCLEX-RN).
Can nurses administer Botox in South Africa?
Will the qualifications be accepted in South Africa and will I be able to administer BOTOX & Dermal Fillers to patients as a nurse? No, you cannot administer injections. These require a prescription from a doctor before a nurse can inject. Nurses do have training for these.
How much does a cosmetic nurse earn In South Africa?
Cosmetic Nurse Salaries
| Job Title | Salary |
|---|---|
| Results Laser Clinic Cosmetic Nurse Injector salaries – 1 salaries reported | R 649.86/hr |
| Australian Skin Clinics Cosmetic Nurse Injector salaries – 1 salaries reported | R 680089.42/yr |
| Artisan Aesthetic Clinics Cosmetic Nurse Injector salaries – 1 salaries reported | R 1209047.85/yr |
What qualifications do I need to be a cosmetic nurse In South Africa?
How to become … an aesthetic nurse
Step one: complete a nursing degree and get NMC registration.
Step two: get post-qualification nursing experience.
Step three: find an entry-level position in aesthetics, or undertake training independently.
9 Responses to “How to become … an aesthetic nurse”
Do you need to be a nurse to do South Africa?
If you do not have this, you will be required to work with a nurse or doctor who does have it. If you are wanting to join a company, there are those that will take on nurses without any previous experience in aesthetics and who will provide you with full training and support.
Can a cosmetic nurse have their own practice In South Africa?
Some aesthetic nurse practitioners may own their own facilities, depending on local state regulations. For these nurse practitioners, daily tasks may include everything from confirming appointments to initial consultations to aesthetic procedures themselves.
How do I become a cosmetic injector without being a nurse In South Africa?
Take A Medical Aesthetic Training Course:
Having this training will provide you with training and skills to start seeing clients. Even if you are practicing under a doctor, having a certification in aesthetic injections will help you to stand out from the other professionals seeking employment as an injector.
Is aesthetic nursing hard?
Mentally taxing, physically exhausting, and emotionally draining. Being an aesthetic nurse is not all glitz and glam like everyone thinks. There is a lot of mental stress, pressure to deliver results & meet expectations, and a whole lot of hand holding.