What is an Aesthetic Registered Nurse?

Understanding the Role

An Aesthetic Registered Nurse (ARN) is a qualified healthcare professional who provides medically supervised aesthetic consultations and procedures. These nurses support patients at every stage of their care journey, from consultation and education to treatment and aftercare while operating under a clear medical governance framework.

At Shellharbour Skin, our focus is on ensuring every aesthetic service is grounded in medical integrity, safety, and evidence-informed care, fully aligned with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) standards.

What Does an Aesthetic Nurse Do?

Aesthetic nurses (sometimes called cosmetic nurses) are Registered Nurses (RNs) who combine their clinical nursing foundation with additional training in aesthetic and dermatological practice.

They do not act independently, instead, they work in collaboration with medical practitioners or nurse practitioners within a doctor-led clinical governance structure.

Their responsibilities may include:

• Conducting aesthetic and skin consultations under medical supervision.
• Providing pre- and post-treatment care and education to support safe recovery.
• Assisting prescribers in medically directed aesthetic procedures.
• Maintaining thorough documentation and ensuring compliance with all clinical standards.

The 2025 AHPRA Guidelines for Cosmetic Practice

From 2 September 2025, new national AHPRA cosmetic procedure guidelines apply to all practitioners involved in aesthetic medicine across Australia. These reforms were introduced to improve patient safety, strengthen clinical governance, and ensure consistent professional standards.

1. Minimum Clinical Experience Before Entering Aesthetics

Registered Nurses must complete at least 12 months (full-time equivalent) of general clinical practice before commencing any non-surgical cosmetic work.

This experience must be gained outside of the cosmetic field  for example, in hospital, general practice, or acute care settings to build skills in patient assessment, medical decision-making, and emergency response.

In practice, this means newly graduated nurses cannot move directly into aesthetic injecting.

This post-graduate period ensures nurses develop the clinical reasoning and patient safety competence essential for working in aesthetics.

2. Education and Competency

Before entering aesthetic practice, RNs must complete formal training that covers:

• Facial anatomy, pharmacology, and complication management.
• Infection control and emergency protocols.
• Informed consent and patient education.
• Documentation and professional boundaries.

Nurses must demonstrate competency and understanding of risk before performing any procedure and must complete annual continuing professional development (CPD) directly related to aesthetic practice.

Supervision and Prescribing Requirements (Updated for NSW, 2025)

Registered Nurses cannot prescribe or independently obtain any Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medicines, which include cosmetic injectables.

Under the 2025 national and NSW-specific guidelines:

• Prescribing must be conducted by a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner after a face-to-face consultation with the patient.
• The face-to-face consultation may occur:
  • In person, or
  • Via live video telehealth (e.g. Zoom or other platforms) — only if both the prescriber and patient are visible and can interact in real time.
• Asynchronous or non-visual consultations are not permitted.
  This includes email, text, telephone-only, or pre-recorded questionnaires.
• The prescriber must personally:
  • Review the patient’s medical history, allergies, and current medications.
  • Discuss the patient’s goals and suitability for the procedure.
  • Explain risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  • Document the informed consent discussion.
• The Registered Nurse may administer the prescribed medicine only:
  • Under written authority and supervision from the prescriber.
  • Within an established clinical governance framework that includes direct contact with the prescriber for advice, escalation, or emergency management.

These requirements are consistent across Australia but are strictly enforced in New South Wales to ensure that prescribing and administration occur within a safe, medically governed system.

Scope of Practice and Professional Standards

Performing aesthetic procedures is not automatically part of a nurse’s scope of practice.
Each nurse must confirm they have the relevant training, experience, and authorisation to perform the task safely.

All aesthetic RNs must:

• Work under a named supervising prescriber (doctor or nurse practitioner).
• Comply with local clinical governance policies and documentation standards.
• Disclose their registration status and level of supervision to patients.

Title Use and Advertising

• The only recognised title under AHPRA is “Registered Nurse.”
• Descriptive context (e.g. Registered Nurse – Aesthetic Practice) may be used if accurate.
• “Cosmetic Nurse” is not a protected or specialist title and should not be used in a way that implies specialist registration or endorsement.
• All public communication, advertising, and social media must be factual, educational, and free of testimonials, inducements, or exaggerated claims.

NSW-Specific Expectations

For Registered Nurses working in aesthetic practice in New South Wales, the following standards apply:

• A minimum of 12 months of post-graduate general nursing experience prior to entering the aesthetic industry.
• Face-to-face (visual) prescribing consultations are mandatory — asynchronous prescribing is not compliant.
• Doctor-led supervision is required at all times when performing Schedule 4 procedures.
• Comprehensive documentation must be completed for every patient, including consent, product details, and aftercare.
• Ongoing professional education and adherence to clinic policies form part of the RN’s continuing competency.

The Career Path to Becoming an Aesthetic Nurse

To legally and ethically practise in the Australian aesthetic industry, an RN must:

1. Complete a Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurse qualification).
2. Gain at least 12–24 months of general clinical experience in a medical or hospital environment.
3. Undertake accredited aesthetic training.
4. Maintain current AHPRA registration.
5. Work under the supervision of a prescribing doctor or nurse practitioner.
6. Complete CPD relevant to aesthetic medicine each year.

Aesthetic Nursing at Shellharbour Skin

At Shellharbour Skin, our Registered Nurses work within a strict doctor-led governance model that prioritises safety, compliance, and patient education.

We believe aesthetic practice should never be rushed, it requires clinical expertise, communication, and ethical awareness.

Every consultation is guided by medical oversight, informed consent, and a shared commitment to patient care.