What does an Aesthetic Nurse do?

Aesthetic Nurses may perform or help physicians and surgeons perform a variety of procedures, including chemical peels, liposuction, dermabrasion, dermal filler injections, Botox injections, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, collagen replacement therapy, rhinoplasty and abdominoplasty. When they successfully complete their job duties, Aesthetic Nurses ensure that patients receive quality care, lowering the likelihood of medical errors and increasing patient satisfaction. Their role as patient educators also helps to reduce the risk of complications following procedures.

Aesthetic Nurse skills and qualifications

To perform well as an Aesthetic Nurse, a candidate must possess key skills and qualifications. Consider including the following skills in your Aesthetic Nurse job description:

• Verbal communication skills to interact with other health care professionals and provide clear instructions to patients

• Observation skills to monitor patient status during procedures

• Interpersonal skills to help patients feel at ease

• Attentiveness to detail to perform procedures correctly and update records accurately

• In-depth knowledge of common dermatological and plastic surgery procedures 

• Ability to use the tools and equipment necessary to perform procedures

• Familiarity with patient records management software

• Ability to remain upright for long periods during procedures

Aesthetic Nurse experience requirements

How much experience an Aesthetic Nurse will need to fulfill their job responsibilities will depend on the nature of their positions. Aesthetic Nurses who will mostly assist dermatologists and plastic surgeons may require only one to two years of patient care experience. In comparison, those performing procedures independently may benefit from three or more years of experience. If you’re writing a Cosmetic Nurse job description for a position that involves overseeing other nurses or health care professionals, you may wish to mention that previous supervisory experience is required or preferred.

Aesthetic Nurse education and training requirements

Generally, a Registered Nurse (RN) license is necessary to work as an Aesthetic Nurse. Each state has licensing rules, but most require candidates to hold a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor’s degree and to pass a written examination.

In your Cosmetic Nurse job description, you also might want to stipulate whether candidates need to hold voluntary certification. The American Association of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery offers a general certification for Aesthetic Nurses who meet minimum experience requirements, complete a training course and pass an examination. Certifications are also available for specific procedures, such as administering Botox injections and laser hair removal.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Aesthetic Nurse job description described above isn’t a complete match for your open position, consider the following related job titles:

• Dermatologist

• Esthetician

• Registered Nurse

• Nurse Practitioner

Aesthetic Nurse job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Aesthetic Nurse? 

Flexibility is an important quality for Aesthetic Nurses, as their specific job duties are subject to change daily. Good Aesthetic Nurses are often resilient and able to think quickly on their feet when emergencies arise. Success in the position also requires a desire to continue to learn and develop skills because the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery continue to advance rapidly from year to year.

How do I make my Aesthetic Nurse job description stand out?

To draw attention to your Cosmetic Nurse job description, begin with a three to five-point list of the top benefits of working for your practice, clinic or hospital. You can call out things like employee health insurance, retirement plans and flexible work schedules. A strongly written description of your organization that showcases your core values and describes your achievements can also separate your Aesthetic Nurse job description from competitors’.

What’s the difference between an Aesthetic Nurse and an Esthetician?

An Aesthetic Nurse has medical training that allows them to perform and assist with invasive cosmetic procedures. Estheticians don’t receive as much medical training and provide non-medical services like facials as a result. Typically, an Aesthetic Nurse job description will state that a two- or four-year college degree is necessary for the position, while Estheticians usually only hold post-secondary certificates.

What’s the difference between an Aesthetic Nurse and an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner?

An Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner holds an advanced nursing license that allows them to independently perform more procedures than an Aesthetic Nurse. In some states, they can also prescribe medications, while Aesthetic Nurses cannot. Generally, an Aesthetic Nurse Practitioner job description will list a graduate-level degree, such as a master’s or doctorate in nursing, as a minimum education requirement.