A Word about Aesthetic Nursing

From dermal fillers to collagen stimulators, the trendy glamour offered by cosmetic treatments is increasingly popular. Practice Consultants at the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) explain the key elements of aesthetic nursing practice:

There are specific aesthetic and dermatological treatments and procedures authorized for LPNs with advanced competency in this area. The information related to LPN scope of practice in aesthetic nursing can be found in Section DD: Dermatology of the CLPNA’s Competency Profile for LPNs (3rd ed., 2015).

LPNs that have completed education and are competent with intramuscular, intradermal, and subcutaneous injections may administer injectable aesthetic and dermatologic treatments including neuromodulators such as Botox and fillers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta requires that LPNs providing aesthetic nursing procedures within their defined scope of practice must have direct or indirect supervision by a physician. The physician must be trained in dermatology, on site, and available to assist as necessary. If this condition is not met, it would be considered that the LPN is working outside of their defined scope of practice and is in breach of professional conduct.

At this time, the CLPNA does not endorse any specific training course related to the field of aesthetic nursing. Aesthetic nursing treatments and procedures are often supported with onsite employer education or by pharmaceutical supplier certification. It is the responsibility of the LPN to ensure that any education and training they undertake provides core competencies to perform aesthetic procedures. The CLPNA would expect that LPNs undertake additional theoretical knowledge and supervised clinical practice pertaining to the procedures and treatments in at least the following areas:

• Anatomy and physiology related to the treatment area

• Specific assessment of the aesthetic/dermatology patient

• Medications, pharmacology, and technique for treatments and procedures

• Complications of treatments and procedures, and the appropriate interventions

For more information, please read Aesthetic Nursing in Alberta Frequently Asked Questions on www.clpna.com, or Ask a Practice Consultant at practice@clpna.com, 780-484-8886 or 1-800-661-5877 (toll free in Alberta).

care | WINTER 2018