We have had several nurses inquire about how to get into an aesthetics setting. Check out Jaclyn’s job as an LPN in an aesthetics role!
Jackie how did you get into your role as an LPN in aesthetics?
Prior to nursing I received my Bachelor’s degree in science from Kansas State University and worked as a Patient Registration Representative for a multi-specialty office at KU that included GI, Ortho, Urology, Pain Management, and Facial Plastics just to name a few. I had always wanted to become a nurse, the position as a PRR just sealed the deal because I was so fortunate to work with many wonderful nurses, physicians, and other peers that inspired me to continue my education. Luckily, KU offers a great tuition reimbursement program that I was able to use to help put me through school in Johnson County Community College Evening/Weekend LPN Program. Before graduation/NCLEX I applied for the Department of Otolaryngology but was unsure of what subspecialty I would be working with when I accepted the position. Soon after I was approached with an opportunity to join the Department of Otolaryngology Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery group. I had already worked with this group for three years and could not turn down the chance to work with such an incredible team.
What kinds of aesthetics procedures do you do and how were you trained for them?
After becoming the Aesthetics nurse for Facial Plastics I had many different training sessions with different reps. I had Laser training that is a must have if you plan to operate a Laser and perform BBL, MicroLaserPeels, Laser Hair Reduction, etc. It is important to know how to safely operate this equipment as it can be harmful to not only the patient but the operator as well. There are many different ways you can go about receiving laser training. There are places in the Kansas City area as well as outlying areas that you can attend courses or have a trainer come to your facility. I was also trained on microneedling by the rep for Bellus Medical at no cost to the facility or myself. I do not do injectables as the physicians I work with have perfected the art of injecting and perform all injectables themselves. If you desire injectable training, there are also many places that offer that specific training as well.
At my particular practice, we see a wide range of patients that have had cancer reconstruction surgery or that simply just want to feel better about themselves. I have been successful in improving the looks of scars, reducing unwanted hair from a forehead flap post MOHS, or just improving the overall look of skin and leaving it lighter, brighter, and tighter. All in all, the happiness that patients express after these treatments gives me a great sense of satisfaction in my work.
How can other nurses get into this field?
You can get into this type of work by applying to different types of positions whether it be Facial Plastics, General Plastics, or Dermatology. If you do not have any prior training in this particular field, it would probably benefit you to do your research and take some online courses through various companies to receive some certifications in various products. I was fortunate enough to be allowed to complete training through my current job but you can attend training at various locations but it can be costly. I also encourage you to attend seminars to learn about various procedures.
I am an Aesthetic Nurse in the Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department. There are so many things that I have learned in this nursing role. Not only do I still do the nursing side of things with clinic but I have also become trained with Chemical Peels, Microneedling, the Sciton laser to perform Microlaser Peels, BBL Photofacials, etc. It has been very rewarding to be able to transform vascular areas of scars after patients have had reconstructive surgery for cancer repairs. We also commonly do forehead flaps and often times patients will grow unwanted hair on the surface of their nose. I get to help reduce hair growth with the use of laser technology. Not only am I cosmetically helping patients due to medical needs but I also help patients who just want to improve their overall appearance. It has been very rewarding to see patients gain their self-confidence back.
Thank you for sharing your story Jackie!
Jaclyn Frazee, LPN
Nurse-Aesthetic Services for Dr. J David Kriet & Dr. Clinton Humphrey
KU Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The University of Kansas Health System
Phone 913-588-6758 | Fax 913-588-8581 | jfrazee2@kumc.edu
7405 Renner Rd Pod C Shawnee, KS 66217
