Want to be a Cosmetic Nurse

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I would like to become an Aesthetic Nurse/ Cosmetic Nurse. Most of the jobs I see posted require 2-3 years experience specifically with injecting fillers and BOTOX. How do I obtain this experience as a new graduate?

Dear Cosmetic Nurse,

Cosmetic nurses, also known as plastic surgery nurses, are RNs who perform cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, collagen replacement therapy, sclerotherapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, photofacials, tattoo removal, and more.

Most are trained on the job or sent for training by their employers.

Be careful where you apply and make sure it's a reputable clinic. Signs of disreputable medical spas are those that hire nurses on a commission basis or where the majority of work is hair removal.

Look for job postings that say "experience preferred" or "no experience required". Have you considered getting a traditional nursing job and specializing later? The problem with specializing early in your career is that you limit your future options.

Join the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN) for additional educational resources and information.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!