What I look for in a Nurse Injector – Mary Peirson MD, Medical Director – ArtMed

I’ve been working in medical aesthetics for over 12 years now, and I’ve hired and worked with many aesthetic nurse injectors over the years. This is what I’ve learned to look for in an Aesthetic Nurse Injector:

1. Nursing Education – I prefer to hire RN’s (registered nurse) because they have a significantly higher level of training than RPNs (registered practical nurse). An RPN training to become an RN is also great. 

2. Nursing Experience – Nurses who’ve worked in health care and not solely in aesthetics have a high level of nursing professionalism and a diverse skill set. I am particularly interested in nurses who have worked in tertiary care hospitals or with MD specialists as these nurses have advanced skills and knowledge.

3. Aesthetics training – Because aesthetics training is not regulated in Ontario, training can be as little as a weekend course or as much as a college degree. I look for nurses who’ve taken extended aesthetics training that provides plenty of hands-on experience.

4. Previous work experience in aesthetics – The number of years a nurse has worked in the aesthetics field can be a benefit or a detriment. If a nurse has worked in an environment with lax standards or poor oversight for years, it can be problematic. I would rather hire a hospital nurse who has just obtained an aesthetics certificate than hire an experienced aesthetics nurse with lax standards. Ideally, I look for an RN who has several years of healthcare experience and has worked at a reputable aesthetics clinic.

5. Specialized skills / training – Nurses who have taken cadaver dissection courses, or specialized training courses tend to have a greater aptitude in aesthetic injecting and a commitment to continuing education.

6. Collaborative - Many nurse injectors have worked independently or as hired consultants. I find it can be difficult for these nurses to integrate into a team-based environment like ArtMed. This is why I prefer working with nurses who’ve worked in team-based environments like hospitals or medical clinics.

7. Days per week working in aesthetics – As with anything, the more you do it, the higher your skill level. I prefer to see a nurse injector working at least 3 full-time days per week in aesthetics to ensure optimal aptitude in aesthetic injecting.

8. Access to continuing medical education and training – Nurses who’ve had ongoing and regular updates to their aesthetic education and access to expert industry trainers are an asset to any clinic.

What doesn’t matter?

1. Age – a younger nurse can be a much better nurse injector than an older nurse if she has the skills and training listed above and an older nurse doesn’t. The vice versa also applies.

2. The previous clinic name, popularity, location they worked in the past. Having worked at a well-known clinic or a chain doesn’t guarantee a nurse injector has what I’m looking for listed above. 

Meet ArtMed’s Nurse Injectors:

Morgan Lowe

Morgan is an RPN and RN in training (RPN-Humber College/RN-TMU) who worked for several years with a highly respected aesthetic/oncology dermatologist in Toronto before coming to ArtMed. She has previously worked in primary care, acute care, mental health and occupational health. She has extensive aesthetics training including advanced specialty courses and designations and has undertaken cadaver dissections. She has expert level skills in neurotoxins, dermal fillers, biostimulatory fillers, and PRP.  She is certified by the Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine. Morgan works 3+ full-time days per week at ArtMed.

Vanessa Vuong

Vanessa is an RN who trained at McMaster University. She has worked in labour and delivery and surgery in tertiary care hospitals and continues to work part-time at Oakville Trafalgar hospital. She has extensive training and specialized certifications in aesthetic medicine through Seamless Health. Vanessa has advanced skills in neurotoxins, dermal filler, biostimulatory filler, PRP and sclerotherapy. She is certified by the Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine. Vanessa works 3-4+ full-time days per week at ArtMed.