The answer is – yes, you can!
RNs are allowed to administer Botox injections as part of the cosmetic medical procedure, but they need to be supervised by the physician.
Non-invasive cosmetic procedures are getting more popular as a field of interest for nurses.
These cosmetic surgeries have many requirements, regulations, and considerations.
In each state, a Board of Nursing regulates the practice of Botox injections with the Standards of Practise, to address all consideration related to this field.
In general, medical procedures changing the appearance of the body features, including color, texture, structure, or position are cosmetic medical procedures.
These procedures aim to achieve an acceptable appearance the way how the patient perceives it.
Forms of purified neurotoxin botulinum toxin A are Botox, Dysport, and Xeomin.
If used properly, these forms don’t have the risk of botulism.
In cosmetics, Botox is used to block the nerves that cause muscle contraction, and that way can reduce the wrinkles and fine lines.
Botox can be used to treat severe underarm sweating or neurological disorders such as dystonia and blepharospasm.
Dystonia causes neck pain with muscle contraction, a blepharospasm is a disorder which causes uncontrolled blinking.
Other uses of Botox are strabismus, chronic migraine, and overactive bladder.
In all of these cases, physicians use Botox to paralyze certain nerves as part of the treatment.
Botox effects usually last from three to twelve months.
Botox can have side effects such as pain, swelling, and bruising, but only on the injection site.
Some patients experience symptoms similar to flu, including nausea and headache.
Temporary drooping of eyelids can happen after facial injection, but it is a rare side effect.
If you are interested in working in cosmetic medicine, you will have to go to the training and earn a certificate.
American Associaton of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery (AAAMS) regulates and administers certificates in this field.
Courses are usually short and last two weeks or weekends.
On the course, you will practice how to inject Botox and perform other cosmetic medical procedures.
However, every course should include classes for advanced face anatomy and physiology of the face.
You will also have to improve your knowledge about facial muscles, pharmacology, and neurotoxins side-effects.
After you get your certificate as proof to have all the necessary knowledge and skills, you can inject Botox under the physician’s supervision.
In some cases, you can perform it under the indirect physician’s supervision.
However, the physician must be available to help if any side effects occur or there is a need to increased medical attention.
The physician’s responsibility is to evaluate the patient and order the dosage of the Botox before the nurse gets to inject it.
To learn more about the defined scope of practice for the cosmetic field, you should contact your local state Board of Nursing.