Are you comfortable selling BOTOX?

[witc]

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!

[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!

[Kaitlinaubree]

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.

[PetiteOpRN]

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.

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

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.

[Moogie]

As long as you aren't giving it to 8-year-old kids...

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mom-year-daughter-botox-young-young/story?id=13580804

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

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.

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

As long as you aren't giving it to 8-year-old kids...

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/mom-year-daughter-botox-young-young/story?id=13580804

I know Moogie, can you believe it? I was shocked when I saw that on TV:smackingf

[nursel56]

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?

[witc]

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! :)

[LongislandRN23]

I was actually talking to my friend today who I graduated with and she just got a job offer at a cosmetic dermatology office. During the interview the woman said that sometimes it could be like "therapy" meaning a lot of the customers ask the nurse and the staff if they should get something done, and if they dont get botox their husbands are going to leave them and blah blah blah. I told her not to encourage and not to discourage! I said be like Switzerland (neutral).

I would assume people coming into the office already made up their mind about having botox. Why would they make appointments for it?

Bottom line: This was your second interview in a year you said so if you get the job offer than take it!! It is money in the bank and expeirence on your resume which is better than nothing.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I had melasma for many years and went to a couple dermatologists who simply gave me different creams to use, which was a slow process of only temporary results that frankly were very disappointing. Finally I learned that chemical peels could help and went to a plastic surgeon's office and had a couple glycolic peels done by their aesthetician. This worked very quickly but again the results were reversed as soon as I went out in the sun.

Finally I went to a medical spa and a cosmetic RN recommended a mid level TCA peel. I was reluctant and afraid of burns but finally went thru with it and after several treatments the melasma is gone! She mentioned other things like botox, laser treatments and even had given me a free laser treatment and microdermabrasion over the times I went. I never felt pressured and I'm glad I listened to her and had the TCA peels. Botox is used in so many ways now a days besides just cosmetic, it's been approved to treat migraine headaches and muscle disorders. I wouldn't feel uncomfortable recommending it other than if you don't have a natural sales personality. Still I don't think Botox selling would be high pressure because most women that go to these offices want work on their face done and if they can afford it, they will do it. It's not like you were making cold calls trying to get people to buy something they don't want. So it might be worth it to give it a try. The RN at the spa had worked at a hospital before and was very unhappy with the stress, high staffing ratios and working conditions. She was trained by the doctors and worked their many years and happy with her job. The amazing thing was the medispa prices were so reasonable, less than 1/2 what the other place charged. She even became an NP and is still working in the field.

I'm glad I met her and had the TCA peel done. I think this is one job where you'd get alot of patient satisfaction and repeat customers!