Beyond the Ward – The Diverse World of Nursing
Registered nurses are simultaneously one of the most vital and versatile roles in the medical field, but also one of the least appreciated. Nurses are needed in every role field and subspecialty of medicine. From the operating room to hospice care to triage, nurses have many opportunities within the field and often can switch specialties more easily than physicians. While this does lead to underappreciation and toxic work environments at times, nurses can use their position to their advantage.
For nurses seeking a better working environment and work life balance, Botox certification and hands-on training allows nurses to explore their full potential in the medical field and potentially find their passion for medical aesthetics.
Yes, Nurses Can Do Botox: A Journey Beyond Traditional Nursing
Once a nurse finishes their nursing program and enters the workforce, they are often relegated to the worst shifts and tasks until they gain seniority. As they move through their career, a nurse may find themselves with more agency to choose their preferred specialty or become a travel nurse. Regardless, gaining experience can be both rewarding and soul-crushing.
Eventually, the traditional nursing path may cause a nurse to feel burned out or like they have reached a dead end. Advancement is often limited and the medical industry can be exceptionally brutal. Thankfully, nurses have more opportunities than ever to break out of the traditional nursing mold and embrace new and emerging fields. While non-invasive cosmetic treatments have been available for decades, nurses have become increasingly important to their administration.
Many states allow registered nurses to perform Botox, filler, and other cosmetic injections and treatments as they hold certain certifications and training requirements. These vary by state.
AACM – Pioneering Botox Certification for RNs
Botox training and certification requirements generally do not require taking a college course or a long term commitment. Nurses can attend a lecture program and be qualified to perform these procedures. Each state has different requirements on the number of training hours needed. The reason nurses only need to undergo minimal instruction is that they already have the specialized skillset to deliver injections. They simply need to learn the specifics and nuances of aesthetic injections.
Most aesthetic injection training and certification programs do not involve actual injecting. However, the American Academy of Cosmetic Medicine offers both lecture education with demonstrations as well as hands-on training with real patients. Nurses can feel confident after our weekend courses that they will have everything they need to begin a career in aesthetic medicine.
Why Botox? Understanding the Surge in Noninvasive Aesthetic Procedures
Why is there such a focus on Botox when it comes to nurse aesthetic injection training? Botox is the leading non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States. It is also relatively simple to administer and is similar to other injections nurses perform on a daily basis. Botox provides the perfect treatment for nurses looking to transition into the cosmetic field.
Additionally, Botox has several uses—including cosmetic and medical applications. Nurses can feel a sense of accomplishment and build better relationships with their patients. Botox provides a good foundation for learning other cosmetic injections too.
Areas of Expertise: Where Can a Registered Nurse Administer Botox?
Nurse injectors—like traditional nurses—work in a variety of settings and environments. However, nurse injectors tend to operate in better working environments with more freedom to determine their own path. Examples of places nurse injectors may work to include medical spas, plastic surgery offices, and even in their own homes or private practice.
When it comes to what nurses can actually treat with Botox, most states allow nurses to perform the basic cosmetic Botox injections on the glabella, forehead, and crow’s feet. Some states further let nurses administer Botox injections for ailments such as migraines and TMJ. AACM’s advanced training program includes hands-on training with more technical Botox applications such as those.
RN Botox Certification Process: A Quick Path to Expertise
AACM’s Botox certification program includes between eight and ten hours of in-person instruction which involves hands-on training and demonstration. We offer a beginner and advanced course for nurses of all skill levels and familiarity with aesthetic injections. Following completion of the training program, nurses can become certified via an exam administered at the end of the program.
The trainings are flexible and often take place over the weekend. However, other dates are occasionally available. Nurses should plan for a full weekend. The trainings take place on-site in Washington State.
For Physicians: A Golden Opportunity to Expand Practices
Physicians—while we do offer certification and training to them as well—need nurses with cosmetic injection training. Doctors are often required to perform other procedures only they can do such as surgeries or more advanced non-invasive procedures. Nurses can help physicians round out their practice and continue to see routine Botox patients.
Additionally, registered nurses usually need a physician to oversee them. This does not necessarily mean working under one, but it does involve having a relationship with a physician who can serve as a mentor and medical director for nurses who have their own practices. However, nurses can also choose a more traditional role and work under a physician in their practice.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Nursing
Registered nurses are underappreciated, talented individuals who deserve to use their vast skills in the way they want. Whether this means working with sick or healthy patients, nurses are necessary to meet the needs of nearly every medical patient. Choosing to undertake the transformative journey of aesthetic medicine education opens up several possibilities for registered nurses. Bringing together medical expertise and aesthetic passion is the perfect fusion for many nurses.
