Are you comfortable selling BOTOX?

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  1. This is a discussion on Are you comfortable selling BOTOX? in General Nursing Discussion, part of General Nursing ... That is the question the Dr. who interviewed me asked me today. I went to the second interview...

    by May 12, '11
    That is the question the Dr. who interviewed me asked me today.

    I went to the second interview I landed in one year of applications. I prepared for all kinds of questions and I researched about the company, but none of that was needed.

    The interview was 7 min long. He introduced himself and asked me if I knew about dermatological nursing. I responded that I did not have direct experience, but I was eager to learn and that I learn fast. He said that they had entry level positions, so it didn't really matter if I didn't have experience. They would train me on the job.

    THEN, he said that what was really stressfull in dermatological nursing was that nurses actually do a lot: Botox injections (for which he would train me), and stitches for minor surgical procedures (he would also train me on this). But the main issue here was that I would have to meet weekly with a marketing/sales/botox committee to learn/improve Botox sales techniques. And then he asked me "Are you going to be comfortable selling botox?". Of course I said yes, but as soon as I got out of the facility, I felt that, if they offered me the job and I took it, I'd be more a saleswoman than a nurse. I had the impresion that if I am not able to sell the product, I would not be a good option for this job.

    I was so excited when I got the call for the interview, but now I'm not so sure. I still have to get that second call; however, I never pictured myself "selling" treatment. And what's worse, I know I shouldn't be picky after all this time of not even getting an interview, but I don't want to risk my license or the stability I have now. At least, now I have a very stable job whereas if I take this other job, and I don't meet their sales expectations, I'll be jobless.

    Wow, sorry for the long post. I needed to take this out of my chest.

    Does anyone agree with me that there is something wrong/missing in this nursing job I interviewed for?
    Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
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    by witc May 12, '11 8:10 pm
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  3. 21 Comments so far...

  4. May 12, '11 by
    You'll be working in a derm office that makes its money TO PAY THE STAFF by selling Botox. It isn't as though the women who come in there don't know what's up.

    BTW - - I am currently in a urological study involving Botox injections in the bladder. It's made a big difference in my life!!!

    Best wishes!
    Mrs. SnowStormRN, greenfiremajick, and witc like this.
  5. May 12, '11 by
    I know what you mean. I worked for a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon in the past. BOTH of which did injectables such as botox and restylane. I finally got tired of "selling" these products. I felt pressured to meet sales goals. I finally got out of the cosmetic end of the medical field because A.) you deal with ALOT of fake and snobby women and B.) ALOT of emphasis is placed on being able to sell, not so much medical education or ability. Although I loved most parts of dermatology, the negatives ended up outweighing the positives. But I wish you the best of luck, it just wasn't for me personally.
  6. May 12, '11 by
    If you are hired, it is not unreasonable to request for an injection specialist to train you (Allergan can send someone at no cost to the practice).

    I have worked in plastics for 4 years and it is certainly a different type of nursing.

    Think of it this way: You do not want to "sell" botox or fillers to someone who is not a good candidate (ie pregnant or just had botox 3 weeks ago). They are your walking, talking advertisement. As a good nurse, it is your job to teach them about botox and how they might benefit, along with what the risks are, just like you would teach about an ADA diet. Once the patient has all of the information and can make an informed decision, your job is to perform a medical procedure.
  7. May 12, '11 by
    Sure. I get it, so I'd sell it. Your customer/patient/client/whatever knows what they want when they get there (generally speaking) so it isn't as though you have to talk them into something. It isn't snake oil, it works. They are paying cash, so they can afford it (if they are skipping meals to pay for botox, that is really not your problem, lol). If you get the position and find after a time it isn't a good fit for you, keep looking while working. It may not be relevant experience skill wise, but all work experience is relevant when it comes to professionalism, work habits, interpersonal communication, etc. Good luck.
  8. May 12, '11 by
    As long as you aren't giving it to 8-year-old kids...

    http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mom-yea...ry?id=13580804

  9. May 12, '11 by
    According to NYS BON, it is perfectly legal for you to give botox injections.
    "Can a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) administer botox, sclera therapy,
    dermabrasion, laser hair removal and other alternative or cosmetic procedures to a
    patient?
    Answer: Yes. The RN, who has been found competent in these procedures, may carry them
    out upon the prescription of an authorized provider who has examined the patient."
    I have no idea what state you live in.

    But it says right before, this:
    "Can a Registered Professional Nurse (RN) be hired by a business corporation to
    practice nursing?
    Answer: No. Business ventures such as med spas, nutrition stores and durable equipment
    companies may not hire licensed professionals to provide professional health care services
    in New York State."
    Seems confusing.
  10. May 12, '11 by
    Quote from Moogie
    As long as you aren't giving it to 8-year-old kids...

    http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mom-yea...ry?id=13580804

    I know Moogie, can you believe it? I was shocked when I saw that on TV:smackingf
    Moogie likes this.
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    May 12, '11 by
    Quote from merlee
    You'll be working in a derm office that makes its money TO PAY THE STAFF by selling Botox. It isn't as though the women who come in there don't know what's up.

    BTW - - I am currently in a urological study involving Botox injections in the bladder. It's made a big difference in my life!!!

    Best wishes!
    Most people think "cosmetic" when they hear "botox" - but it's a really fascinating thing to see ways it can be used to help people who suffer from things like that and probably many who haven't made it to market for that disorder.

    Nurses who have done this - I worked for 3 years in derm where the closet thing to "cosmetic" would probably have been to cauterize your skin tags or freeze off your wart.

    I'm curious how the "selling" part works? Do patients come in for a consultation and you need to close the deal? Do you travel like the pharm reps do? I've heard of Botox parties or Juvaderm parties, too. Are you expected to set up promotional events like that?
  12. May 12, '11 by
    Thank you all for the responses!

    It is true that most people that go to cosmetic clinics DO know what they want, in which case the only thing I'd do is to make sure they do it. However, there is something in the enphasis the Dr. put into being "comfortable selling" that made me feel that I'd be pressured into making certaing amount of sales to be considered "competitive".

    On the one hand, I like the new challenge, but on the other hand I fear that the selling part will mess me up. I am just not meant to be in the retail field (specially when it comes to nursing)

    Hahaha! Look at me, I don't even know if they're gonna call me back, and I am all stressed out...

    Thanks again. You guys make this whole process a lot easier!
    nursel56 likes this.