I am sure it's been asked

[luvche]

So if anyone could point me in the right directio:

I am an RN. For 10 years I have done everything from Oncology to Psych. I would like to learn how to do chemical peels and the like. Not for a full time career, but just for side work. I am in Oklahoma, and the aesthetician schools around here don't seem to be what I need (they don't teach you to do peels and laser work, etc). So A)what am I looking for in the way of classes? B)I can't find any info online about Oklahoma licensing requirements to do those things (only info on cosmotology and aesthetician licenses that don't include any of the above. C). I can't find anything on the BON website on if RNs can do this, and if so what kind of training is needed. I don't see medical aesthetics schools here.

Any info would help!

Thanks!

[Sam J.]

Check cosmetic nursing.

[GrrlRN]

I found this in regards to your question:http://www.ok.gov/nursing/newsltr112009.pdf scroll down to page 7. AZ has similar laws, you have to practice "under a physician".

[GrrlRN]

PS there are a lot of "schools" that travel around the country training RN's for Peels, Laser, ect.

I found this training program as well out of Tulsa:

http://www.tulsamedicalspa.com/certification_training.html

[luvche]

GrrlRN,

I also found that. But it addresses specifically laser hair removal and micropigmentation. As far as chemical peels: would it be considered medication. If so, then who is doing these peels in beauty salons? Because I am sure a physician isnt there. I know some deep peels require doctors. But I am not speaking of those. I looked on the board of cosmotology's website and aesthetician licensing did not specify peels or microdermabrasion. . The question is, also: as an aesthetician, could I do these things with just further training.....whereas. doing them as a nurse, would I need a doctor's order (jkind of like how I could do things as a mediccal assistant if it was ok with the doctor....without an official orddr, but as a nurse it would violate the practice act). Excuse my cruddy typing, this website makes my phone all funky!

[GrrlRN]

Luvche, Here's where it addresses chemical peels in the article:

"Registered nurses (RN) cannot perform aesthetic procedures independently. Such proceduresrequire an order by a physician. The OklahomaState Board of Medical Licensure and Supervisionhas developed a policy for physicians who ordermedications and treatment that may be used for cosmetic purposes. According to their Policy andGuidelines for Medical Spas and Aesthetic Proce-dures, surgery is defined as “the ablation or alteration of any human tissue by any means includingbut not limited to the use of sharp surgery, heat,cold, abrasion, laser, chemicals, injection/placementof substances subcutaneous, or the use of FDA ap-proved devices that can only be initially purchasedby physicians.” The policy and guidelines describethe practice of medicine and surgery as beinggrounded upon the doctor/patient relationshipwhich at a minimum requires a face-to-face evalua-tion of the patient by the physician or physician’sassistant under a physician’s supervision, prior tothe treatment or procedure.

According to the Policy and Guidelines forMedical Spas and Aesthetic Procedures, if the phy-sician is utilizing an Oklahoma licensed nurse, andIF the nurse is functioning within the scope of theirpractice act, the physician may delegate any of thedefined medical services to that licensed nurse un-der physician supervision. In order for an RN toadminister dermal filler injections, inject Botox,perform microdermabrasion, etc., a physician mustprescribe via a physician’s order the medica-tion/treatment to be administered, and this ordermust be documented.

Looks like a physician would have to evaluate the client prior to the chemical peel before you could administer it (with an order) if you're working under your RN license in OK. The area is SO GRAY in aesthetics nursing, and every state has various limitations of what a RN can do and how they can do it. I would recommend contacting a medspa who employs RN's and ask them if you have any more questions.

[luvche]

So what about these salons that do the superficial chem peels. I know they don't have physicians. Is it the fact that I have an RN license that now makes it need an order? It is a gray area on that, I think. Because there are peels you can buy without being a physician. What I want to do is be able to provide independant aesthetic services in a family member's salon.

[GrrlRN]

Yeah I think it's because you would be practicing under your RN license since you are not a esthetician.

[luvche]

Hmmmmm, if I got my aesthetician license, and didn't advertise my RN credentials, maybe. Ugh. This will probably end up being a phon cal. To both the BON and cosmotology board. It totally sucks that I see non medical people do things like botox parties, and work independently at salons but as soon as you have "RN" you are limited! I would think the "RN" would make for safer independent practice. But, again, when I was a medical assistant, I could do things that an RN could not do (or could not do without a doctor on premesis)

[GoldenStateRN]

There are a variety of facial peels. Some are very light, others much deeper. It depends on the solution you use and the strength of these solutions. I worked in a cosmetic surgery office and I did many of the peels. When doing the light peels, I was able to assess the patient's skin condition using the Fitzpatrick skin scale and easily determine the type of light peel to do and the length of time to leave the solution on the face. When using the deeper peel solution, I would check with the doctor about the strength and length of time because some of the solutions are very strong and can cause severe burning if not done carefully.

You may want to "intern" at a cosmetic surgery office or dermatology practice, just to get background and some experience. You won't be paid, but the experience and knowledge you learn would outweigh what you'd get at a paid training course.

[luvche]

Oh, yeah. I would definitely be open to interning. Yes, the peels I am wanting to do are the superficial. Such as the light ones that are offered with some facials at regular salon/spas.