There are many advantages to being a nurse practitioner (NP). You are a respected and valued member of the medical community, usually the first point of contact for any patients, and you provide the high standard of care and compassion that one needs during times of challenge.
Unfortunately, being a NP also has its challenges: long hours, not much time for breaks, difficult patients and shift work can all wreak havoc on your life and your energy.
It’s no surprise that many NP’s are now add adjunct procedures to their practice – in many cases, to medical aesthetic clinics where they can utilize specialty Botox® training for nurse practitioners, to help patients. In most States, nurse practitioners can prescribe prescription drugs, so they can start their own practice without a medical director. In those States that don’t allow NP’s to prescribe, they will need to work with a medical director. The best parts about these opportunities are not only the hours, but the ability to perform specific procedures, such as Botox® and injectables, in an independent manner. It allows NP’s an opportunity to use their skills in a specialty field, while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of an independent practice.
Further, Botox® and Medical Aesthetics are growing in popularity, especially with the high population of baby boomers reaching a certain age and demanding to look and feel better. Overall, nurse practitioners who make the jump from traditional hospital and clinical jobs to the aesthetic field may feel happier, more useful and more financially stable thanks to the profitability and popularity of this booming industry.
What is Botox
Botox® is an injectable comprised of the onabotulinumtoxinA. When injected into a muscle, such as facial muscles, it acts on the neuromuscular junction to temporarily paralyze the muscle and subsequently smooth out the skin. Botox® can temporarily improve and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and is particularly effective for crow’s feet around the eyes and wrinkles of the forehead. Results can last anywhere from 2 to 4 months, and it can leave your face looking fresh and youthful.
The benefits of having a nurse practitioner administer Botox®
As mentioned before, nurse practitioners are trusted and respected member of the medical community. With their existing credentials, it is extremely easy for them to learn about the techniques for Botox® administration. All it takes is hands on Botox® training.
What kind of training is needed?
Before nurse practitioners can begin administering Botox®, comprehensive hands-on training is needed. The IAPAM offers hands on Botox® training for nurse practitioners and the program is taught by two board certified dermatologists. The training should offer CME or CE credits (most CME are treated as equal to CE credits, like the IAPAM’s program).
Botox® training: opportunity for jobs outside the traditional hospitals
As mentioned before, one of the greatest parts about providing medical aesthetic jobs for NP’s is that it is offering nurses a career outside of the traditional areas of medicine, such as hospitals and clinics. Aesthetic medical practices can have great working hours, and offer independence and autonomy that a NP may desire to perform his or her duties.
The options for jobs are plentiful, with medical aesthetic practices opening up all across the country. It can be a full-time position with great Monday to Friday hours, or can be a supplement to your shift work at a traditional hospital. Either way, the options are positive. Check out our blog on practical tips for NP’s who are adding aesthetics for a strategy to implement this new cosmetic procedure into your practice.
Botox is a trademark of Allergan Inc.
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