How can I transition from floor nurse to medical aesthetician without losing my nursing credibility?

Question:

Dear Donna,

I am interested in transitioning from floor nurse to medical aesthetician. Could you help me find out what is required? I have seen seminars advertised but they are very expensive. How do you go about getting a job that would recognize you as a professional RN, as well as an aesthetician? My nursing background is significant and I don’t want to be misconstrued as a cosmetologist.

Zoe

Dear Donna replies:

Dear Zoe,

To become a nurse esthetic specialist you do need to gain some training and experience. Training either is received in an office where the procedures are done or by taking the courses you mentioned. The courses are costly, but the ultimate financial gain of working in this specialty can make up for it.

I recommend that you do some informational interviewing (www.Nurse.com/Cardillo/Interviewing) with nurses already working in this specialty. Contact the American Academy of Medical Esthetic Professionals (http://www.amen-usa.org/) (formerly the Association of Medical Esthetic Nurses) and speak to the founder Sasha Parker or other nurse members. This will give you great insight.

Here are some articles you might find interesting: http://news.nurse.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2004409200358 and http://news.nurse.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006609240304.

Best wishes,

Donna