Why Getting Certified is Important
Although all nurses meet competencies for their RN licensure, Certified Nurses and Certified Advanced Practice Nurses go beyond licensure to validate their specialty knowledge through a rigorous national examination. The Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certification demonstrates the clinical expertise necessary for providing quality, evidenced-based clinical care. This lets patients know that they will be safe and have an optimal outcome for procedures such neurotoxin injections, dermal fillers, sclerotherapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser and light treatments. Most states allow nurses to perform these procedures with proper training.
The Exam
The CANS exam is designed to test your existing knowledge, but there may be some topics which you might have not encountered in your practice. To be prepared for this, you may need to further expand your knowledge base. By advancing your knowledge in aesthetic nursing, you are showing patients that you are committed to patient safety and advocacy, striving for excellence in aesthetic outcomes and advancing your professional practice. You need to recertify every 3 years to show that you’ve maintained your skills and specialty knowledge through continuing education and clinical practice in medical aesthetic nursing.
Getting certified is a smart step to take professionally and personally. By meeting nationally recognized standards of proficiency and professionalism you are showing your patients and peers that you care. Some practices even offer incentives to receive certification. Check with your peers to see if they are certified and how certification benefitted them. If you would like to learn more about aesthetic nursing certification, you can reach out to us directly for help.