Aesthetic RN vs Aesthetic NP

[jlp10]

Hello,

I am a RN with a BSN that has a background in NICU and PACU outpatient surgery. I am extremely interested in aesthetics and I am debating if I should get into the field as a RN and gain experience first (I've seen RN's open their own injectables practice and make bank but I've also heard that RN's that work at a medspa is a dog eat dog world and is commission-based) OR just go back to school and start my aesthetics career as a FNP?

In addition, I am debating on whether to go the MSN or DNP route? I know the MSN is obviously much cheaper and can start practicing as a NP sooner but it is said that a DNP will be the new criteria come 2025 so I'd like to just be smart on what route I take. Also, if any FNP's know of any good/reasonably priced programs that would be amazing! ANY advice, suggestions, comments are greatly appreciated!!

[LoveJRenee, BSN, RN]

I think that you should start as a RN and get experience. It will make it a lot easier to get a job once you get you NP. I’m neither so I’m not really qualified to give advice but I have noticed that when I look for the jobs most places are asking for RN (very few asking for NP)...probably because it’s cheaper to pay a RN than a NP.

[deltadiva_RN, BSN]

I hope more people respond to this post. I have the exact some questions and you put all my thoughts in to perfect words.

[aestheticnurse7]

Aesthetic RN here, the switch has been to NP as all patients need a medical eval before being prescribed a treatment plan. Injecting Botox or Filler without an eval can be considered practicing medicine. Whatever you do, follow your states guideline and practice within your scope. Many facilities will pressure you to inject without a provider pre-eval because it’s all easy money for them, but always advocate for patient safety and your license!! With your NP you don’t have to worry about this but some facilities don’t want to pay an NP to do the skill an RN can do. Good luck!

[gchri2323, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I recently graduated from my DNP-FNP program. I have accepted a position at a national chain as an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner. I decided to do a Doctorate vs Masters because I was 23 and single at the time and knew that it would be much harder later in my career to go back and get a doctorate if needed for certain job opportunities. When I completed my DNP at 26, I was still single and was open to moving wherever necessary as long as I liked the jobs. The job market is slow but I have been fortunate enough to land this position and am excited to start. The opportunity depends on your location and how flexibility. Currently, only 2 aesthetic nurse practitioner positions are available in my state, and both require 2 years of experience.

I would recommend working as an NP vs RN in the aesthetics field merely because of the pay. There was over $45,000/annual difference between the positions while both positions (at this company) had the same job description. 

As an RN I have experience in inpatient (2 years), and outpatient (1 year in cardiology triage and Case Management PRN). The reason I was able to land this job is because I had the flexibility to move wherever necessary.

I do not know of any affordable DNP program, as mine was at a well-recognized state college. It was close to 75,000$.  

[Blondie 205]

Hello,

I've been interested in aesthetic nursing but I'm finding it difficult to find places that will take me on as a RN. I'm not sure if it's better to start as an Aesthetic Nurse vs NP in NJ?  Is it better to be a FNP or Acute Adult Care NP?

Is it better to get certifications first and if so, which places are good to get them?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Blondie

[jlp10]

@Blondie 205 Hi there! I personally started in Aesthetics as a RN while in my NP Program. I will say that initially getting my foot in the door was not an easy process and I did have to get certified (The Confidence Lab offers an amazing course!) in aesthetics before any of the med spas would even interview me; however, once you're in, you're in! I have noticed that many of the med spas, plastic surgery offices, etc. are looking for NP's nowadays. In terms of which specialty, any of the ones you mentioned will suffice. I personally chose FNP as it's more marketable (& I do not have a desire to be back in the hospital setting so acute care was a no-go for me LOL). I have several aesthetic NP colleagues there are Acute Care and some that are Adult Primary Care so either of those specialties will do getting into Aesthetics. Good luck to you!

[jlp10]

@deltadiva_RN Hi! I wanted to respond to your comment as you mentioned you had the same exact questions. I ended up starting in Aesthetics as a RN while in my NP Program because I wanted to gain experience before being in the NP role. I will say that initially getting my foot in the door was not an easy process and I did have to get certified in aesthetics before any of the med spas would even interview me; however, once you're in, you're in! I also ended up choosing the MSN route for my NP for the cost and timeframe in comparison to DNP; in addition, salary outlook for a DNP and MSN prepared NP was pretty much the same so that was also a huge determining factor!

[Blondie 205]

Hello!

Wow thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly jlp10 and deltadiva_RN!

Definitely helpful advice! @jlp10 I looked up that facility and while it looks great it wouldn't be doable for me as I'm in the Northeast. Can you recommend anything in NY? It would be difficult for me to get to Chicago.

Good to know about the different types of NP.  I would want a MSN not a DNP.  I am in a toss up about working on a hospital. I'm currently in outpatient surgeon's clinic so I have an interest in surgery as well.

Thanks again!

Blondie 205