Aesthetics Clinical Nurses | Injectors
Cosmetic Nurse Practitioners
Nursing Practitioners are degree qualified and experienced in prescribing and administering scheduled medicines, and their advanced practice level allows them to work in cosmetic treatment.
All Nurse Practitioners must declare that they have completed the required practice requirements of the Registration standard: Recency of practice and Nursing Midwifery Board Australia (NMBA) Nurse practitioner standards for practice.
As jurisdictional differences are expected, nurses in cosmetic medical procedures must know and comply with organisational requirements and relevant state, territory and Commonwealth requirements. These differences include the following:
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Drugs and poisons legislation (however titled) regarding possessing, using, obtaining, selling, storing, prescribing, administering and supplying scheduled medicines. It also includes Botulinum toxin type A (commonly called Botox) and dermal fillers.
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the preparation and administration of platelet-enriched plasma and other blood products
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infection prevention and control, and
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organisational policies, protocols and guidelines.
Nursing Practitioners must be registered practitioners who can inject Schedule 4 Medications with the Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency (APHRA).
Registered Nurses
Registered nurses in or planning to work in cosmetic medicine must ensure that they have the required degree, education, skills, and experience to practice safely.
Registered Nurses are unlikely to be endorsed as Nursing Practitioners while working solely in cosmetic medical procedures. The Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBA) considers the practice of performing or assisting in cosmetic medical procedures, such as cosmetic injectables, as below the advanced practice level required to become a Nurse Practitioner.
Registered Nurses can administer cosmetic injections. However, the consultation must include a detailed assessment and care plan, requiring in-depth anatomical and physiological knowledge.
All Registered Nurses must be registered practitioners who can inject Schedule 4 Medications with the Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency (APHRA).
Enrolled Nurses -
Entry-Level Role in Cosmetic Medical Procedures
While enrolled nurses’ training does not prepare them for the risk and complexities of cosmetic medical procedures (including the administration of cosmetic injections).
They can still work in the industry with strict guidelines.
Enrolled Nurses already working in cosmetic nursing
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Must have direct supervision from a Registered Nurse for at least 75 hours while administering cosmetic injectables or until competence is achieved.
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Can’t administer injectables to high-risk areas (e.g. forehead, nose, or glabella area).
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Must continue professional development and skills training through cosmetic courses for nurses.
Enrolled Nurses planning on working in cosmetic nursing
On top of the above requirements, Enrolled Nurses intending to work in cosmetic medicine must complete the following:
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One-year study after initial registration to consolidate the foundational skills and knowledge of being an Enrolled Nurse.
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Two years experience in a related area of practice (e.g. dermatology or general surgery) before working in cosmetic medical procedures.
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Formal education in the relevant practice areas of cosmetic medical procedures.