[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Registered nurses (RNs) can transition into cosmetic nursing in just a few days. Also called aesthetic nurses or [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/plastic-surgery-nurse/”]plastic surgical nurses[/hen-ui-link], cosmetic nurses help clients realize their aesthetic goals by administering procedures and treatments.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a cosmetic nurse requires professional experience and a valid RN or nurse practitioner (NP) license. Many also hold cosmetic certification. Aesthetic nurses find work in private practices, hospitals, dermatology offices, and medical spas. Full- and part-time cosmetic nurses work under the guidance of plastic surgeons and physicians.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Every day in a cosmetic nurse’s career brings new challenges and excitement. Read on to learn how you can become a cosmetic nurse and what you can earn on the job.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Q&A with a Cosmetic Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.instagram.com/fayasgharii/?hl=en”]Fay Asghari[/hen-ui-link] is a board certified cosmetic RN in Beverly Hills, California. Asghari holds a double bachelor’s degree in microbiology and nursing science and currently attends school to become a nurse practitioner. She is also a national trainer and speaker for cosmetic procedures and PRP treatments. Asghari has worked as a cosmetic injector for almost four years and specializes in facial contouring and non-surgical mini facelifts with PDO threads.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a cosmetic nurse? Describe the range of treatments and procedures you provide.[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cosmetic nurse is a [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/rn-to-np-is-it-worth-it/”]registered nurse or a nurse practitioner[/hen-ui-link] who specializes in performing non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic nurses perform procedures, such as Botox, dermal fillers, non-surgical facelifts using PDO threads, hair restoration, and skin rejuvenation using PRP, chemical peels, microneedling, and IV drips.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What drew you to the idea of helping patients in this way? When in your nursing career did you decide this was something you were interested in doing?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I was always passionate about beauty and aesthetics. I’ve been painting portraits since a young age and have always been passionate about depicting the beauty found in our faces. I realized I had a keen eye for improving people’s appearances. After graduating from nursing school and working in the ICU for a few years, I discovered I can do cosmetic procedures as an RN. I was so happy to find a career path that combined my lifelong interest in cosmetics with my desire to help others in a medical setting. I have been in love with what I do ever since.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What does a typical day look like for you?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I am a board-certified cosmetic RN, specializing in injectables. I often do a lot of facial contouring and lip injections. I would say that I do at least 4-5 lip augmentations a day. I’m also an expert in doing mini facelifts with PDO threads. Each day at work is packed with fun, excitement, and learning opportunities. Watching my clients’ ecstatic emotions is the most rewarding experience of my life, and I get to experience that on a daily basis. I also enjoy being a national trainer and speaker. I usually travel to different states every month and teach about different injectables. I’m currently going to school to become a nurse practitioner, so I usually study after getting home from work. In my spare time, I love to exercise, dance, take my puppy to the park or spend time with friends and family.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What are some of the greatest challenges and rewards of your day-to-day work?[/hen-ui-heading][my] suggestions. Those who do listen will realize that they’ve gotten what they really wanted. I usually spend a lot of time educating my clients about beauty and cosmetic procedures and help them make the decision based on knowledge rather than Google or word of mouth. The biggest reward is when you gain the patients’ trust, and they love their results. It’s very fulfilling when I see the impact I have on their lives and self-esteem. I believe it is the greatest feeling in the world when you love your job, and you see the positive impact of your hard work.[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What was the process of becoming a certified cosmetic RN like?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To be a cosmetic RN you need to first earn your BSN and become licensed as an RN in the state you want to practice. Then you need to get certifications for each of the cosmetic procedures you will be doing. You need to gain a lot of hands-on experience with each procedure before you can start your career as a cosmetic RN. I personally got over five certifications on each one of the procedures I perform, and I also got my board certification in aesthetics.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]You have a huge following on social media! Any tips for other nurses in the field trying to get their name out there?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I would recommend that injectors stay engaged with their followers and share tips and educational materials on the procedures they are doing. I spend a lot of time sharing before and after pictures because I know people want to see your work before they can trust you with their faces. I try to have Q&As about my work every month.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What advice would you give to nurses considering working in the field of aesthetic nursing?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I would advise RNs who are interested in doing cosmetic procedures to attend a lot of different conferences and classes about each of the cosmetic procedures, and constantly try to educate themselves. Learning how to deal with complications that may arise are just as important as learning how to do the procedures themselves. I would recommend new injectors start with injecting safer areas on the face. Try to be more conservative when you are new to the field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What is a Cosmetic Nurse?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical spas and plastic surgeon offices typically employ cosmetic nurses, while hospitals rarely need aesthetic nurses. While RNs and NPs may perform cosmetic procedures, they lack the authority to run private practices. Only licensed dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and physicians can order injectables used for clinical procedures.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs with advanced training and education often work autonomously. NPs can prescribe medications in all 50 states. In a cosmetic setting, RNs can administer injectables and perform procedures, such as facial contouring, laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal, and body contouring.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cosmetic nurses with an RN or NP license work intimately with clients from many different backgrounds and age groups, designing treatment plans that safely address patients’ aesthetic concerns. They also discuss potential side effects with clients.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Become an Aesthetic Cosmetic Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cosmetic nurses come to the profession after working as RNs and NPs. They must hold valid licenses to work as cosmetic nurses and voluntarily pursue certifications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs and RNS need to meet different educational requirements. RNs must hold an[hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”] associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor’s degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] to become an RN. After earning a two- or four-year degree, future RNs take the NCLEX-RN exam within two months of graduating from nursing school. Check out some [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/things-to-know-about-the-nclex-exam/”]tips from nurses[/hen-ui-link] on passing the NCLEX.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NPs, who need a graduate degree to practice, earn higher wages and enjoy more autonomy in the workplace. NPs must pass a national certification exam before obtaining licensure. You may be interested in this list of the [hen-ui-link href=”/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]best online NP programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a cosmetic nurse requires board certification in aesthetics. Many aesthetic nurses also hold up to five certifications in different clinical procedures. States regulate the certification process. Certifications, such as a Botox certification, can take as few as a weekend to earn.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Read on to see what other specialized certifications cosmetic nurses hold.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Specialized Certifications for Cosmetic Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While cosmetic nurses do not need a certificate to find a job, credentials give them more credibility. The primary resource for cosmetic nursing credentials, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://psncb.org/” target=”_blank”]Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board[/hen-ui-link], offers certifications for aesthetic nurse specialists and plastic surgical nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates must complete continuing nursing education courses to maintain certification. Nurses accumulate contact hours in specialties like [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/plastic-surgery-nurse/”]plastic surgery[/hen-ui-link], dermatology, and facial plastic surgery. Some of the common cosmetic certifications include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Salary and Job Outlook for Aesthetic Cosmetic Nurses[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cosmetic nurses’ salaries correlate with education level and professional experience. Most come to the profession after gaining experience as RNs or NPs. RNs hold an associate degree or bachelor’s degree, while NPs hold a master’s degree at minimum.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs make a median annual salary of $73,300, with the top 10% taking home more than $111,220 a year. The median annual pay for NPs hit $115,800 in 2019, and the upper 10% made $184,180, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning potential also varies by industry. Hospitals, outpatient care centers, and physician offices pay NPs the most, with salaries falling between $122,420-$113,190. RNs earn the highest pay in government, hospitals, and ambulatory healthcare services, where salaries range from $79,790-$70,330.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The demand for NPs, with a 45% projected job growth rate from 2019-29, should outpace RNs, which the BLS projects to increase by 7% during that same timeframe. Employers could hire some 24,200 NPs each year and 175,900 RNs every year in the coming decade.[/hen-ui-text]