Most people go into nursing because they have a strong desire to help others and it’s because of their caring, calming and professional manner that nurses make brilliant Botox practitioners.

A career in the NHS can be extremely rewarding but the hours are long, the pay isn’t great and the work-life balance can become non-existent which is why we see so many nurses coming through our doors for Botox courses as they seek to carve out a new path.

Popping out at lunch to get Botox is no longer something reserved solely for the rich, famous and well-connected, thanks to our changing attitudes towards the treatment.

Over 2 million procedures are carried out in the UK every year and our search for eternal youth has seen the industry rocket to more than £1.7 billion.

While around 70% of people say they have the procedure in order to look ‘fresher’, Botox can also be used to treat a number of other conditions including excessive sweating and pain during sex!

While Botox and dermal fillers are getting more and more popular, it’s important to remember that injecting Botox isn’t something that should be taken lightly as it is, after all, a toxin, a protein made from Botulinum toxin, which the bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces. This is the same toxin that causes botulism.

A sound and working knowledge of the facial anatomy is needed along with the awareness of any safety concerns and the right application techniques.

Precision, knowledge and a caring nature are all excellent attributes for someone looking to work within the aesthetic industry – of which nurses have a wealth of experience.

3 Essential Skills of a good Botox nurse

Sound knowledge of different cosmetic procedures.

Understanding the difference between the various procedures available as well as which would be most suitable for your client is a really important factor when it comes to running your own aesthetics business.

No two faces are the same so you must have the ability to focus on the smallest of details as it can be the tiniest of things that create the best results.

Undertaking the very best and most up-to-date training will ensure you’re ahead of the game when it comes to products and injecting techniques and will also help you understand the consenting system and how to cope with unexpected issues.

Superb communication.

Earning the trust of your patients is a must if you want to build up a good reputation and have clients come back and also recommend you to their friends and family.

Always take the time to listen to your patients and their concerns, no matter how small they may be. Assure them and explain everything you’re doing and why you’re doing or asking it – especially when consulting with them for the first time.

In-depth knowledge of facial anatomy.

Using your patient’s unique facial anatomy to create a personalised treatment plan is the final essential skill.

Just as every face is different, so too is every line and every wrinkle and they all need treating differently.

As with the whole of the human body, our faces have numerous muscles which all perform specific functions. For example, there are many small muscles used to make a scowl by pulling the eyebrow down, and one big muscle that can pull the eyebrow up.

Tips for nurses setting up their own aesthetics practice

Practice with integrity

As with any element of health care, a good Botox nurse will follow the safe practice of aesthetics while keeping up the highest standards of ethical conduct. Working and communicating with honesty and integrity will ensure your clients receive the best care and advice.

Know when to say ‘No’

Having the experience and confidence to say to a patient is a must and you must be able to deliver that answer with a firm but fair explanation of your reasoning. Setting up realistic expectations is an essential part of your skillset and you need to be aware of any issues or situations where treating a patient isn’t safe such as with allergies, pregnancy or if the patient is taking certain medication.

Focus on the natural look

Sometimes less is more; for the best results, which look less artificial, use a minimal amount of product in the right place. Using a small Botox injection is a safe way to avoid dramatic results, even if your patient asks for it.

Keep on top of the latest trends and products

The best Botox nurses never stop learning and investing in their training. Stay on top of the latest products and injecting techniques so your clients never have a reason to go elsewhere. If you’re new to the aesthetics industry then once you’re fully skilled in the basics, consider adding other treatments such as lip fillers to your portfolio.

Seek out the best training

Whether it’s a foundation level Botox training course or a more advanced skillset you’re looking to achieve, ensuring you’re trained by the best mentors is essential. When you’re researching where to train make sure you look at the content of the course and make sure you’ll be practising on live models and have a course that offers a lot of practical experience as well as the theory so you’re comfortable and confident as soon as it’s completed.

It’s also worth considering whether your trainers will offer ongoing support and mentoring after your course so you always have a strong support network to help you develop and grow your aesthetics business.

How much money can I make doing Botox?

As a registered nurse, you’re already well placed to undertake the relevant training and hit the ground running as a Botox practitioner, a career that offers greater professional freedom and flexibility as well as fantastic earning potential.

As an aesthetics nurse you will have two options; working for an established clinic or setting up your own aesthetics business.

Working at an established clinic

If you choose to work within a clinic then the chances are you will be paid a salary – the average salary for a qualified full-time aesthetic nurse in the UK is between £25,000 and £35,000, depending on location and experience.

As well as your guaranteed income you will also have a guaranteed client base and, if you are an aesthetic nurse with prescribing power, you could see your income rise to around £50,000 per annum.

Running your own aesthetics business

As with running any business, you set your own prices which means your earning ability is limitless.

However, your income will depend on how many clients you can secure so you will need to spend time and money on networking and marketing your aesthetics business.

If you’re a nurse and are ready to take the next step then take a look at our variety of our cosmetic courses which offer a mix of theory and hands-on practical training.