The scope of practice of a nurse in Alberta is outlined in the legislative framework and is further defined by each respective regulatory body. Performing procedures that are not within a nurse’s scope of practice can result in significant professional and legal consequences.
Administering neuromodulators such as Botox and dermal fillers are post entry-level competencies and are not taught in the entry to practice nursing programs. Neuromodulators require a client specific order following an initial assessment by an authorized prescriber such as a physician, dentist or nurse practitioner. As aesthetic nursing procedures pose potential risk to the client, appropriate emergency support should be readily available.
The nurse providing an aesthetic procedure uses a skill set comprised of the following competencies:
In Alberta, RPNs, RNs and LPNs are authorized under regulation and have the education to administer medications and substances by injection. An order by an authorized prescriber is required before any nurse can administer Schedule 1 medications and/or substances (e.g., neuromodulators and dermal fillers). The nurse is responsible and accountable to have the required education and experience to carry out the order.
In addition, the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) requires that LPNs providing aesthetic nursing procedures within their defined scope of practice must have direct or indirect supervision by a physician or nurse practitioner. The physician or nurse practitioner must be trained in dermatology, on-site, and available to assist as necessary when aesthetic procedures and treatments are being performed.
Yes. Many esthetic procedures do not need to be performed by a regulated health professional (e.g., facials, waxing, piercings, tattooing including semi-permanent makeup). These would not fall within the definition of nursing or health services but are included in the Personal Services Regulation under the Public Health Act. The individual performing these personal services could not use the protected title “nurse” and these hours would not qualify as practice hours.
Yes. Nurses must have the additional education to practise competently and ensure public safety. At entry to practice, nurses do not have the competencies or education to administer dermal fillers, volume enhancers, collagen stimulators and neuromodulators (e.g., Botox). Nurses must be sure the education and training they take provides core competencies including infection prevention and control best practices. On the job training may not provide the necessary competencies to practise aesthetic nursing safely as this requires specific education in anatomy and physiology of the skin and underlying tissue, assessment, and knowledge of neuromodulators and dermal fillers. Each nurse is responsible and accountable to ensure they have the knowledge to practice safely, competently, and ethically.
Note: CLPNA, CRNA and CRPNA do not endorse any specific training course offering related to the field of aesthetic nursing at the present time. It is the responsibility of the nurse to ensure that any education and training they undertake provides core competencies to achieve competence to perform aesthetic procedures safely, it is expected that RNs, LPNs and RPNs undertake additional theoretical knowledge and supervised clinical practice pertaining to the procedures and treatments in the following areas (but not inclusive to):
Yes. Nurses are required to document the care they provide accurately and in a timely, factual, complete and confidential manner. All documentation and record keeping must adhere to the documentation and privacy requirements as defined by their regulatory body, employer policy and provincial legislation. These documentation expectations are the same across all practice settings.
Documentation is not separate from care and is not optional. It is an integral part of the nurse’s practice, and an important tool that nurses use to ensure high-quality client care. Nurses document holistic patient focused-care, including relevant components of the nursing process:
Documentation is evidence that care has been provided and is necessary for
Yes. It is very important that the client understand risks, benefits and expected outcomes of treatment. Before providing any aesthetic nursing procedures, the nurse must obtain informed consent from the client for the specific procedure. Consent must be valid and current, and not have been retracted or withdrawn at the time of the procedure or treatment. Performing a procedure on a client without informed consent is considered unlawful and can result in professional conduct investigations and/or criminal charges regardless of whether the client is harmed or not.
For consent to be “informed,” the nurse must explain the intervention, including alternative options, as well as the disclosure of risks and complications. Consent must be voluntary and cannot be coerced from the client through undue influence or intentional misrepresentation. It is the responsibility of the nurse providing the service to:
It is important that the nurse mitigate the risk of complaints and legal action by ensuring that consent is informed and addresses the client’s expectations regarding outcomes before any procedure is performed.
Nurses must ensure client safety which includes preventing health care-acquired infections. If you are practising in a clinic or have a self-employed practice it is important to use IP&C best practices and follow IP&C policies.
The following routine practices are an important component of IP&C and should be used at all times:
There are many IP&C resources available to help ensure the safety of the client and the nurse.
The Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) provides the CRNA members with professional liability protection, as well as offers legal advice, risk management services and legal assistance. CNPS will only provide liability protection if you are providing professional nursing services. When working in collaboration with other health care professionals you should confirm each health care professional has adequate liability protection.
RNs or NPs who engage in independent nursing practice by themselves, in partnership with other practitioners, or by employing others are considered to be self-employed.
Medication listed on Health Canada’s prescription drug list can only be prescribed by authorized regulated health professionals. In Alberta, these health professionals include:
Neuromodulators, such as botulinum toxin, are Schedule 1 medications and can only be prescribed by an authorized prescriber as outlined in the Government Organization Act and respective regulation for each health profession. Some dermal fillers are classified as Schedule 2 medications and do not need a client specific order unless required by employer policy.
Nurses must be satisfied that the practitioner prescribing the neuromodulator or dermal filler is authorized by their college to engage in this practice.
Authorized prescribers must abide by the standards of practice developed by their regulatory college. The standards of practice governing physicians and nurse practitioners require them to personally assess a client prior to providing a prescription. Physicians and nurse practitioners can only prescribe neuromodulators and other medication on Health Canada’s prescription drug list when a client assessment has been performed. Physicians can only provide a prescription for “office use” when they personally will be attending the patients for whom they will provide an order for injection. An office-use medication (e.g., a multi-dose vial) can be used for more than one patient attending a clinic.
Medications and substances for administration by injection (prescription or otherwise) must be procured through legitimate means (i.e., through a pharmacy or the pharmaceutical company). Medications and substances procured by other means may not be the correct substance, may be beyond expiration date, or may have been stored inappropriately, thereby altering composition, safety, and efficacy. Pharmaceutical companies may have restrictions on who may procure medications and substances. A nurse should not use another health-care professional purely for the purposes of procurement. Nurses need to follow the manufacturer recommendations for storage and handling as outlined in standards, best practice guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
Documentation Standards for Regulated Members
Guidelines for Medication and Vaccine Injection Safety
Prescribing Standards for Nurse Practitioners
Restricted Activities Standards
Competency Profile for Licensed Practical Nurses
Licensed Practical Nurses Profession Regulation
Considerations for providing cosmetic services
Consent to treatment: The role of the nurse
Professional Liability Protection
Quality documentation: Your best defense
Physician prescribing practices
Standards of Practice: Informed Consent
Standards of Practice: Telemedicine
Registered Psychiatric Nurse Profession Regulation
Infection prevention and control
Registered Nurses Profession Regulation