Ideal Image APRN?!

[NHGN]

Hi all,

Does anyone have experience working at a place like Ideal Image for laser hair removal?

My former ICU preceptor recently passed her boards, started in primary care, and hated it. She is the most caring, serious, play-by-the-rules nurse I know. She started lasering hair at Ideal Image and really enjoys it! I am suprised. She said her base rate is $55/hr and has standard monthly and quarterly bonuses. She says the company doesn't *need* to hire APRNs for the position, but...something about looking good to consumers or something...

That sounds like a good deal to me. She says the experience should be helpful if she wants to go into derm.

Anyone's thoughts, experiences?

Thanks!

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

The role itself doesn't sound much like advanced practice. Laser hair removal may be part of the services a Dermatologist offers in a clinic setting but this is a very small fraction of the entire spectrum of Dermatology.

The field of Dermatology is a complex specialty that not only deals with cosmetic improvement of skin but more importantly in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders some of which have systemic implications (connective tissue disorders, autoimmune disorders are examples).

That said, if that hourly salary sounds good in your neck of the woods, I don't see why someone would not consider it as a career. It sounds like a "cushy" job with very little stress. The website for the company does show that they have positions open for FNP's and ANP's.

[zoidberg, BSN, RN]

a diploma esthetician can do laser work, but most people would trust a trained PA/NP to do it more than an esthetician... so there you go. I would say to maybe to 3 days a week in the med spa to get the pay check and work 2 days family practice or derm(real derm, not just cosmetics) to stay marketable and keep your skills up.