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Aesthetic Nurse Job Description: Required Skills, Key Responsibilities, and Qualifications

Mar 15 2022

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Author: Patricia Pezzano

Interested in joining the world of nursing?

This diverse industry is the largest healthcare profession in Canada with over 100 specialties you can pursue.

Some specialties include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Nurse Practitioner, and one of the most in-demand jobs today — aesthetic nursing.

Aesthetic nursing is a rewarding career. But what do these nurses really do? What are their key responsibilities? What should you look for in an aesthetic nurse job description? Where do they practice?

We’ll answer all these questions for you below:

Aesthetic Nurse Definition: What Do They Really Do?

An aesthetic nurse is a registered nurse. They are specifically trained and certified to perform non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic services. These include:

• Injection of:
  • Neurotoxins
  • Fillers
  • Collagen
  • Sclerotherapy
• Skin treatments including:
  • Hydrafacials
  • Photofacials
  • Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical peels
  • Light therapy
  • Skin rejuvenation
• Tattoo removal
• Non-surgical body contouring
• Cold therapy
• Laser treatments
• Microneedling
• Other non-surgical, anti-aging treatments

What Are the Responsibilities of an Aesthetic Nurse?

Aside from performing non-surgical aesthetic services, an aesthetic nurse also has these responsibilities:

• Consulting with patients;
• Setting appointments;
• Interviewing and medically screening patients before services;
• Performing skin examinations/assessments;
• Preparing treatment rooms;
• Sterilizing medical instruments and tools;
• Educating patients on treatments and procedures;
• Assisting physicians and surgeons with cosmetic procedures;
• Performing pre-operative and post-operative care;
• Monitoring patients during the procedure; and
• Staying up-to-date with new procedures and protocols.

What to Look For in an Aesthetic Nurse Job Description

When searching for jobs in this field, first check the aesthetic nurse job description.

• What are the tasks and responsibilities? It should clearly explain the specific work needed.
• Check the required skills and qualifications. Specific medical aesthetics training may be required.
• Look into the required working hours. Aesthetic nurses often have a healthy work-life balance.
• Pay is another thing to consider. Salary depends on skills, education, and experience.
• Location matters too. The average salary in Canada is around $82,000 a year.
• Job descriptions often mention perks such as:
  -Sign-on bonuses
  -Health insurance
  -Dental and vision insurance
  -Family medical leave
  -Retirement plan
  -Maternity leave
  -Education reimbursement
  -Certification reimbursement
  -Access to discounted procedures

If Not in Hospitals, Where Do Aesthetic Nurses Work?

If aesthetic nurses don’t work in hospitals, where do they work? They are typically not involved in surgical procedures. Aesthetic nurses generally work in:

• Dermatology clinics;
• Medical spas
• Private offices; and
• Plastic surgery centres.

What Skills and Knowledge Are Required for Aesthetics Nurses?

Aesthetic nurses only perform non-surgical procedures. But they still need robust knowledge and skills in these areas:

• A deep understanding of medications and substances used in aesthetics;
• Knowledge of physiology and anatomy, especially of the skin;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Familiarity with the equipment used; and
• Excellent communication skills.

A pleasing personality is not often a listed requirement. But it is an asset in this field. You must show empathy and comfort patients. You need good body language and tone to build rapport.

Aesthetic Nurse Certification: How to Get Started

Typically you need appropriate education. This could be a two-year college diploma (RPN). Or a four-year university degree (BSN). Or an advanced degree like a Nurse Practitioner.

In Canada, many RPNs, RNs, and Nurse Practitioners work in aesthetics. To get started, your employer may require a specialist certification.

Where can you get a specialist certification? Here are some tips:

• Choose an internationally-recognized institution for your certification;
• Opt for a course with hands-on training and theoretical instruction;
• Ensure practice on live models under a skilled trainer is included; and
• Select a program with a low student to instructor ratio for focused training.

Begin the Journey with APT Injection Training

Are you ready to get qualified for those aesthetic nurse job descriptions? It’s time to begin your journey in aesthetics. We offer premier training for a successful career.

APT Injection Training is an internationally-recognized facility. We offer programs like International Certificate in Clinical Aesthetic Injectable Therapies, Botox training, and other aesthetic training courses.

Visit our website or get in touch with us to find out more about our courses and how to register!