"How can I transition into the industry when most clinics ask for at least two years of injecting experience?"
This is a question we are asked by aspiring cosmetic nurse injectors daily and a question I have wanted to address for you all for quite some time!
We are contacted by graduate nurses who recently completed their nursing degrees with the sole purpose of being injectors or experienced nurses who want to transition into injecting.
The first thing to mention is that many nurses with similar backgrounds/experiences as yourself ask the same question. Knowing that you are competing with other candidates with similar backgrounds, how can you differentiate yourself from other candidates? How can you have a slight advantage over the many other RNs knocking on employers' doors, asking the same questions, and having the same end goal?
Get some treatments/book a consultation with an injector
I'm always surprised at how many people say they want to be an injector but they have never had a consultation or treatment. Beyond wanting a role that offers more flexibility or gets you away from shift work, there is much more to the role. Attending a consultation allows you to see the process an injector goes through and enables you to put yourself in your client's shoes should you become an injector.
Create a network & make friends in the industry/find a mentor
Connect with industry experts, educators, providers, influencers and other injectors via Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. If any of your friends/colleagues have connections in the industry, ask them to introduce you or go to industry events and create new contacts there and keep in touch. Having connections in the industry to ask questions, be a sounding board, keep an ear to the ground for opportunities or provide shadowing opportunities will be invaluable in your quest to get into the industry. Find a mentor and learn everything you can from that person.
Get a part-time job at an aesthetic clinic/transferrable industry
If you can't get a job as an injector, other transferable roles/industries might make it a little easier to transition into injecting. For instance, PRP/Skin Cancer/Dermatology/supporting surgeons, etc. Perhaps there is an opportunity to transition into injecting for the same company if you do a great job.
READ everything you can find on aesthetics & look at associations within the aesthetics industry
Suppliers to the Aesthetic industry often share articles, blogs, and updates and subscribe to their newsletters to learn about events and other critical updates in the aesthetic industry. For instance, aesthetic course training providers, medical device companies, and product providers such as Allergan, Galderma, Merz, Derma Medical, CPD Institute, APAN, and ABIC.
Watch YouTube videos on injecting
Watching videos on facial anatomy, complications, treatments, techniques, consultation, before and aftercare, skincare, or any other relevant area will give you some baseline knowledge of the industry day to day and expectations.
Go to conferences
There are conferences in Australia yearly with a specific focus on Aesthetics; these include Cosmedicon, Apan Conference and the Aesthetic conference - you can keep up to date via https://aestheticmedicalpractitioner.com.au/event-list/
Find Linkedin and Facebook Group pages
Some groups have been created specifically for aesthetic professionals/RNs. These Facebook pages include Aesthetic & Skin Institute (training provider in the industry), Aesthetic Nurses of Australia, and Aesthetic Industries Support Group. This provides an opportunity to learn and engage with industry professionals.
Take online courses
Some providers offer free and paid online courses; some examples of this are - https://www.aestheticmedicinetraining.com/
https://www.aestheticandskininstitute.com/online-courses/
https://dermamedical.net.au/cosmetic-training-courses-australia/
Or webinars on different areas of aesthetics.
Complete Study in Cosmetic Injecting Both Via Theory & Practical Courses
There is a range of courses you can take that range from a couple of days to one year. This includes the Graduate Diploma through AACDS, Gray Clay, ACN or another provider who provide Cosmetic Injecting and the short courses, which include basic foundational or advanced injecting courses in Neurotoxins or Dermal Fillers; some of the providers of these types of courses include Australian Skin Institute, Derma Medical, CPD Institute, Fresh Clinics & Esteem Institute. (We do not specifically recommend any of these courses but suggest your research to ensure you select the right one for you).
Become your OWN BOSS as a Cosmetic Injector
Some training or other organisations provide the resources to support you if you plan to work for yourself as an injector; again, research and consult with those companies if you are interested in pursuing this route.
REGISTER for Jobs with Aesthetics Recruitment Australia
Aesthetics Recruitment has placed many Cosmetic Nurse Injectors for clinics across Australia.
View our candidate testimonials
To start your injecting journey, register your details and resume via - https://jobs.aestheticsrecruitmentaustralia.com.au/
Feel free to comment and share your own experiences/hints, and tips!