How to Become an Aesthetic Nurse In The USA

Have you decided to become an aesthetic nurse but aren't sure what steps to take next? Starting a new career journey can feel very overwhelming. However, you can look forward to seeing what you've accomplished a few years from now.

So, if you're ready to become an aesthetic nurse, keep reading! I've covered all of the critical steps in the article below. Let's begin.

1. Enroll in a Recognised Nursing Degree Program


students

First, you'll need the proper education to become an aesthetic nurse. You'll need to have a Registered Nurse degree to enter the field. The two best options to achieve this are through a two-year program or by earning a four-year Bachelor's degree in a BSN program.


Experts recommend pursuing a four-year degree, although it's not required. Those with a Bachelor's in Nursing make more money than those with a two-year degree. Although, if you work through the two-year ADN, you can still pursue further training to advance your career.

Overall, the first step is to get into a Nursing Degree program. You'll have plenty of options available, so make sure you research these schools as best you can before applying.


Staying Motivated

Your education and training will take the longest when you're trying to become a licensed aesthetic nurse. Many aspiring nurses need the motivation to get through the intense workload that comes with their classes.

Everything should naturally fall into place if you're passionate about becoming an aesthetic nurse. You'll enjoy learning and meeting new people within the field. Plus, you'll eventually have access to a high aesthetic nursing salary.

The average aesthetic nursing salary is $61,858, but you could make more than that with certificates and more working experience.

In short, becoming an aesthetic nurse requires a lot of dedication. You'll need to keep your motivation up by remembering your passions and future salary.

2. Take and Pass the NCLEX-RN

After your degree, you'll need to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This test is required before you can receive your nursing license, which you need to become an aesthetic nurse. The text covers everything you learned in school and is often six hours long.


You must locate your test site and review the exam format before you take it. The NCLEX-RN website has everything you need to know and more, so you'll want to take a look when you have time.


In short, you need to have a license before you can officially become an aesthetic nurse. 

3. Work and Collect Experience
nurse with injection

Now that you're licensed, you'll want to find a job within your field and preferred specialty. You should apply for jobs and work on your resume at this stage. You'll find a mentor at the practice you join who will teach you everything they know.


After getting a job as an aesthetic nurse, you must work and gain as much experience as possible. The best way to gain experience as a cosmetic nurse is at a practice, where you can gain hands-on experience. 


Many nurses in the field recommend working for two years to gain experience. Then, you can move to a more experienced job in the field or focus entirely on your speciality.

Required Aesthetic Nurse Skills

While in college and working your first aesthetic nursing job, you'll want to spend a lot of time working on essential skills. For aesthetic nursing, these functional skills include: 


  • Communication: You need to answer patient questions thoroughly and accurately. You'll also have to communicate with other team members easily.

  • Attention to detail: You must pay great attention to small details to ensure your patient is safe during procedures. Plus, you want to give them good results.

  • Compassion: Nurses need to have empathy, no matter their field. You need to understand your patient's wants and needs.

  • Working with equipment: Aesthetic nurses use a variety of tools and equipment. Before using them on your patients, you'll need to be very familiar with them.


Having this skill set is essential for this career path. You'll want to work on them constantly as you gain experience at your first job. Overall, these skills can lead you to better career opportunities, so you'll need to hone them as much as possible.


Where You Might Work

Aesthetic nurses can work in a variety of environments. Some of these settings can include: 


  • Clinics 

  • Med spas

  • Dermatology practices

  • Private practices

  • Outpatient practices


You'll have your choice of where you want to work because this job is very in-demand today. You can choose the setting, allowing you to pick a practice where you feel the most comfortable. 


4. Consider Becoming Certified

Becoming certified isn't required to be an aesthetic nurse, although it's a good idea with numerous benefits. You'll have more, higher-paying opportunities open up to you. Plus, becoming certified shows that you have ample nursing experience and knowledge. 


You can receive certification through the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board, also known as the PSNCB. Many cosmetic nurses receive the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certificate through this process.


However, you'll first need to do the following to be eligible for certification:


  • Have a current RN license.

  • Have at least 1,000 hours of practice in core specialities over the past two years.

  • Have a supervising physician endorse you.

  • Have at least two years of experience within one of four core aesthetic nursing competencies:

    • Facial plastic surgery

    • Dermatology

    • Ophthalmology

    • Plastic or aesthetic surgery


With a certification, you can offer your patients better care and enhance the quality of their lives— all while having access to competitive pay. Certification has several benefits since it allows you to advance further in your career in various ways.


Are You Ready To Become an Aesthetic Nurse?

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Are you feeling more ready to become an aesthetic nurse now that you know the correct steps? You'll enjoy making people happier through your cosmetic procedures and can even improve the quality of life for many. Plus, aesthetic nurses make a high salary, so it's a very valuable position. 


To summarize, you'll first need to go to school, and then take the NCLEX-RN. After you pass, you can work as an aesthetic nurse for a few years to gain experience before you consider becoming certified. 


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