Aesthetic Nurse and One

Aesthetic Nurse Job Description

Aesthetic nurses deeply understand facial anatomy, skin conditions, and various aesthetic procedures. Their primary goal is to help patients achieve their desired cosmetic outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and well‑being. This role is integral to modern aesthetic medicine, typically working in outpatient settings such as medical spas, plastic surgery centers, and private physician offices.

For those considering a career in this specialization, we've compiled the job description, responsibilities, salary expectations, and steps to becoming one.

• Laser facial treatments to address skin discoloration and reduce acne scarring
• Injectable procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles and refine facial features
• Laser hair removal to remove unwanted hair from various body areas
• Tattoo removal using laser technology, including risk discussion
• Non‑surgical body treatments such as radio frequency for cellulite reduction
• Chemical peel applications for smoother, more youthful skin

• Outpatient medical clinics
• Plastic surgery centers
• Private physician's offices
• Medical spas
• Dermatologist's offices

The benefits of a nursing career in aesthetics include a less stressful work environment, a more flexible schedule, numerous job opportunities, and increased earning potential. Aesthetic nurses care for patients who are healthy and medically stable, with a workload that is less physically demanding and generally daytime hours without night shifts.

As the aesthetic industry grows, demand for aesthetic nurses is increasing.

• Administer non‑invasive, in‑office cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, chemical peels, micro‑needling, Botox injections, and anti‑wrinkle injections
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures (e.g., liposuction, body contouring) and provide post‑operative care
• Research new procedures and protocols to stay up‑to‑date
• Assess patients’ skin‑related health problems
• Assist surgeons or physicians with cosmetic surgeries and procedures
• Schedule appointments and screen patients
• Prepare treatment rooms and sterilize medical tools
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of patient assessments, treatment plans, procedures performed, and post‑procedure processes
• Prioritize patient safety and follow strict infection control protocols to prevent transmission of infections during procedures

These responsibilities may vary depending on setting, scope of work, and experience.

According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary for an aesthetic nurse is $89,970 per year. Salary varies by location, employer, experience, and education level.

• Sunnyvale, CA: $112,227
• Livermore, CA: $109,343
• Santa Rosa, CA: $108,696
• Dimondale, MI: $108,151
• Cambridge, MA: $105,606

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not have specific job outlook data for aesthetic nurses; it reports on registered nurses and skin care specialists. Registered nurses have an expected job growth of 6% between 2021 and 2031, while skin care specialists have 17% growth, both higher than the overall 5% growth rate, indicating good job stability.

The educational path typically starts with an undergraduate nursing degree. An associate degree in nursing (ADN) can be completed in two years, whereas a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes four years. Coursework covers patient care, clinical studies, psychology, anatomy and physiology, nursing research, pharmacology, and health care policy, and equips candidates for the NCLEX‑RN exam.

After graduation, pass the NCLEX‑RN to obtain the RN license. Gaining work experience as an RN enhances your credentials. You can work in roles such as a nurse assistant at a medical spa or outpatient surgery center, or assist a board‑certified physician in a different surgical specialty while you build experience in aesthetic nursing.

A voluntary certification as a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) offered by the Plastic Surgical Nursing Certification Board can be advantageous. Renewal occurs every three years, and continuing education is required to maintain RN licensure.