Nursing School Student Is LOST!

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Aug 27, 2017

Hello,

There are different levels of practice within nursing and the medical field. When it comes to a plastic surgeon office, you will find a Plastic Surgeon (MD), a Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA), Certified Medical Assistants (CMA), and probably an Advanced Practitioner (ARNP or PA). Perhaps also a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

First, let's distinguish between a degree and a license:

1) There are many short-term training programs for CNA and CMA (a few weeks of training) across the nation. They provide a supportive role within the clinic with direct (but very limited) patient care. There is typically no State license issued for these positions.

2) An LPN goes through a lengthier program, about a year. Upon completion of their coursework and graduation, students need to take a State sponsored board examination (NCLEX-PN) to become licensed... hence, Licensed Practical Nurses.

3) An RN goes through an even lengthier and more in depth program (than an LPN) to being able to take the State's board examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed (RN).

4) A Bachelor's degree in Nursing (known as BSN) expands knowledge, ethical skills, and administrative skills to an RN.

5) A Master's degree Nursing (MSN) is required to become an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP). In Florida, you'd be required to carry a malpractice insurance when you are an ARNP. Florida ARNP applicants are required to hold an RN license, a master's degree or post-master's certificate in a nursing clinical specialty area and national advanced practice certification from an approved nursing specialty board. You would need to check the requirements on your State.

6) Nowadays, a Registered Nurse may also strive for a Doctorate degree as a Practitioner (DNP) or as a Philosopher (PhD). You would need the DNP for clinical practice.

Now, if you were to go through the Medical route... you will need to follow the Physician Assistant education track.

I have never worked in a plastic surgeon office, but I can tell you that CNAs, CMAs, LPNs, nor RNs (ASN nor BSN) are allowed to administer Botox. The surgeon would. Is the ARNP allowed?? Maybe, I don't know. Botox is a toxin. It requires skill, education, experience, and a whole lot of responsibility. It must be allowed by the Governing Board and Scope of Practice of the License.

I hope I have answered your question. Cheers! :)

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 27, 2017

You can't specialize in aesthetic nursing or dermatology in nursing school. Try to get a dermatology clinical rotation during school. After earning your RN, then try to get a job in aesthetics, dermatology, or plastic surgery. Once you have an RN you can get certified as a registered nurse aesthetician. Here in California, there are RNs that have their own aesthetics clinic. Here is an example:

Brittany Haley, RN, BSN - La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

Another suggestion is try to get a job in an aesthetics or equivalent practice as a Medical Assistant, CNA, or even doing office work before and while in nursing school. Most MDs are happy to let you observe and so forth if they know you are pursuing this field.

I don't understand why you said you "dropped out." If you want to be an RN you have to go to nursing school. All RNs go to nursing school. You don't specialize until after you finish school and start working.

direw0lf, BSN · Aug 27, 2017

My good friend who is graduating with me in May is going on to pursue her DNP (doctor of nurse practitioner) and will have a residency in dermatology!

As an RN - you need to obtain specific certifications to perform skills such as administering botox injections (info about that: RN Botox Certification - The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS) )

So short answer is yes you can work in the areas you want but it will require more education or certifications. You might want to see if you can shadow some nurses who specialize in dermatology or cosmetics.

CRODRIG · Aug 28, 2017

You can't specialize in aesthetic nursing or dermatology in nursing school. Try to get a dermatology clinical rotation during school. After earning your RN, then try to get a job in aesthetics, dermatology, or plastic surgery. Once you have an RN you can get certified as a registered nurse aesthetician. Here in California, there are RNs that have their own aesthetics clinic. Here is an example:
I don't understand why you said you "dropped out." If you want to be an RN you have to go to nursing school. All RNs go to nursing school. You don't specialize until after you finish school and start working.

I'm aware that RN's have to go to Nursing School. That's common sense. I'm also aware that Aesthetic Nursing isn't a degree. It's a specialty which I made clear in my post, hence why I asked what I can do with a NURSING DEGREE, more than once in the post.

I mentioned dropping out of College (which is a requirement to become an RN) because I was unsure of pursuing Nursing major over something else if I can't use it in the ways I'd like to.

Please reread the post in its entirety.

caliotter3 · Aug 28, 2017

Honey vs. vinegar.

FutureNurseInfo · Aug 28, 2017

First, you are not a nursing student yet, so your post title is misleading. Second, I think other posters have given you a very detailed piece of information that is invaluable. I'd be very grateful to these people.

Also, dropping out of college is a requirement to become RN? Where does it say so? You can still finish your whatever degree and do an accelerated BSN track.

CRODRIG · Aug 28, 2017

I'm very grateful to everyone who answered without unnecessary condescension, for the acception of You, and the other poster.

Thank you to everyone else who answered! I appreciate the advice.

CRODRIG · Aug 28, 2017

Going to college is a requirement, not dropping out. Obviously. Reading between the lines of an obvious text error is clearly not a skill for most people.

Devon Rex, ADN, BSN · Aug 28, 2017

Another suggestion: write a letter, email, or visit a dermatologist office and ask to speak with the nurse. Introduce yourself and express your interest in pursuing a career in their field, but would like some advice from someone who is familiar and skilled in that specialty. Many people are enthusiastic in giving advice and tell you their stories.

Good luck!

shibaowner, MSN, RN, NP · Aug 28, 2017

I'm aware that RN's have to go to Nursing School. That's common sense. I'm also aware that Aesthetic Nursing isn't a degree. It's a specialty which I made clear in my post, hence why I asked what I can do with a NURSING DEGREE, more than once in the post.
I mentioned dropping out of College (which is a requirement to become an RN) because I was unsure of pursuing Nursing major over something else if I can't use it in the ways I'd like to.
Please reread the post in its entirety.

First, you stated you were dropping out. Other responders were also confused by your statement. What are you dropping out of?

Second, I tried to provide you with useful information, which evidently you are too ignorant to know how to find on the internet. I will not provide you with information again.

Third, you need a major attitude adjustment if you are going to nursing school and are going to be a nurse. Your instructors, coworkers, and supervisors won't put up with that giant chip on your shoulder.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Aug 28, 2017

Going to college is a requirement, not dropping out. Obviously. Reading between the lines of an obvious text error is clearly not a skill for most people.

My unsolicited advice: change your attitude. No one should have to read between the lines when they are taking time out of their day in an effort to help you.