As an NHS nurse, the leap from working in a Critical Care environment to running an aesthetics business is a big one and the transition can be uncomfortable and incredibly challenging.  The differences between the two worlds may seem incomparable but in reality nursing is nursing and the Code of Practice transcends all areas of practice and expertise.

My nursing registration has allowed me to work in different countries, areas and hospitals. It has opened doors and given me the opportunity to work with some of the kindest, most skilled people in healthcare. I have cared for families in some of their darkest hours, nursed victims of violence, accidents, bombings and disease. I have nursed during the pandemic, major incidents and during times of extreme staff shortages.

Ten years ago I commenced my MSc in Advanced Clinical Practice alongside my NHS job and aesthetics business. My children were 4 and 2 years old and I worked harder than I can imagine being able to now I’m in my 40’s.

I made the decision to leave my NHS job just a couple of months ago so that I can concentrate all of my efforts into my business.  I have opened a new clinic on the High Street and I’m so blessed that it is going from strength to strength.

As both a client and practitioner it is so important to understand the Code of Conduct that nurses are bound by.  I will never perform a treatment unless I am sure that it will be of cosmetic benefit. I will always do all that I can to minimise risk. I will never be dishonest or unprofessional. My practice will always be evidence based. I will ensure safety and be prepared for complications.

To understand the NMC Code of Conduct and its place in aesthetics I have produced this (relatively) short blog. It is important to note that non medics do not have a Code of Conduct and are therefore not bound to these standards.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct provides a vital framework for the professional standards and behaviours expected of nurses and midwives. For nurses working in the field of aesthetics, the Code is particularly crucial due to the specialised and often elective nature of their practice. This essay will explore the NMC Code of Conduct in detail, focusing on its application to nurses in aesthetics, and highlighting the key principles and their relevance to safe and ethical practice.

Introduction to the NMC Code of Conduct

The NMC Code of Conduct, formally known as “The Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates,” sets out the fundamental standards required for practice in the UK. It aims to ensure that all nursing professionals provide high-quality care and maintain public trust. The Code is structured around four primary themes: prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety, and promoting professionalism and trust.

Prioritising People

  1. Dignity and Respect: Nurses in aesthetics must always treat clients with dignity and respect, recognising the uniqueness of each individual and their specific needs and preferences. This involves listening to clients’ concerns, providing information in an understandable way, and ensuring informed consent is obtained before any procedure.
  2. Compassion and Sensitivity: Aesthetic treatments often involve personal and sensitive areas of an individual’s body, making compassion and sensitivity essential. Nurses must be empathetic to clients’ desires and anxieties, providing reassurance and support throughout the treatment process.
  3. Individualised Care: Nurses should tailor their care to meet the individual needs of each client. This involves thorough assessments, considering the client’s health history, and personal goals for the aesthetic treatment. Customised treatment plans should be developed in collaboration with the client, ensuring their expectations and safety are prioritised.

Practising Effectively

  1. Evidence-Based Practice: Nurses in aesthetics must base their practice on the best available evidence. This includes staying updated with the latest research, guidelines, and advancements in aesthetic treatments and technologies. Utilising evidence-based practice ensures that clients receive safe, effective, and current treatments.
  2. Competence and Skill: It is essential for aesthetic nurses to maintain and develop their skills and knowledge. This involves engaging in continuous professional development (CPD), attending relevant training programs, and seeking mentorship or supervision when needed. Competence in administering aesthetic treatments, such as injectables, laser therapies, and skin rejuvenation techniques, is critical for achieving desired outcomes and minimising risks.
  3. Effective Communication: Clear and effective communication with clients and colleagues is crucial. Nurses must be able to explain procedures, potential risks, and aftercare instructions comprehensively. They should also document all consultations, treatments, and client interactions accurately to ensure continuity of care and legal protection.

Preserving Safety

  1. Risk Assessment and Management: Safety is paramount in aesthetic nursing. Nurses must conduct thorough risk assessments before any treatment, considering factors such as the client’s medical history, current medications, and potential contraindications. Identifying and managing risks helps prevent complications and ensures client safety.
  2. Infection Control: Strict adherence to infection control protocols is essential to prevent infections and cross-contamination. This includes using sterile equipment, maintaining a clean treatment environment, and following hand hygiene practices. Nurses should also educate clients on post-treatment care to minimise the risk of infection.
  3. Emergency Preparedness: Aesthetic procedures, while generally safe, can occasionally result in adverse reactions or complications. Nurses must be prepared to handle emergencies by having access to appropriate emergency equipment and medications. They should be trained in basic life support (BLS) and know how to respond to complications such as allergic reactions, vascular occlusions, or infections.
  4. Ethical Prescribing: When prescribing medications, including botulinum toxin or dermal fillers, nurses must follow legal and ethical guidelines. This involves conducting thorough assessments, ensuring the prescription is appropriate for the client’s needs, and avoiding overuse or misuse of aesthetic products. Nurses should only prescribe within their competence and scope of practice, seeking guidance when necessary.

Promoting Professionalism and Trust

  1. Integrity and Honesty: Integrity and honesty are foundational to the trust clients place in aesthetic nurses. Nurses must provide truthful information about the potential outcomes and risks of treatments. Misleading claims or exaggerations about results can damage trust and lead to client dissatisfaction.
  2. Professional Boundaries: Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in the client-nurse relationship. Nurses should avoid developing personal relationships with clients that could impair their professional judgement. They must also respect clients’ privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that personal information is protected and only shared with relevant healthcare professionals.
  3. Accountability: Nurses in aesthetics must be accountable for their practice. This involves acknowledging their limitations, seeking supervision or referral when necessary, and accepting responsibility for their actions. Nurses should reflect on their practice, learn from experiences, and strive for continuous improvement.
  4. Advocacy: Advocacy is a crucial aspect of nursing practice. In aesthetics, nurses must advocate for clients’ best interests, ensuring they are fully informed and consenting to treatments. This includes providing unbiased information about all available options and supporting clients in making decisions that align with their values and goals.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Commercial Pressure: The aesthetic industry can exert commercial pressures on nurses, potentially compromising ethical practice. Nurses must resist the temptation to prioritise profit over client safety and well-being. Upholding the principles of the NMC Code helps navigate these challenges, ensuring that care remains client-centred.
  2. Public Perception: Aesthetic nursing is often perceived differently from other nursing specialties due to its focus on elective procedures. Nurses must work to educate the public and colleagues about the professionalism and skill required in aesthetic practice, emphasising the importance of safety and ethical conduct.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Nurses must stay informed about regulations governing aesthetic practice, including those related to prescribing, advertising, and professional conduct. Compliance with these regulations is essential to maintain professional registration and avoid legal issues.

Conclusion

The NMC Code of Conduct provides a comprehensive framework for the professional standards and behaviours expected of nurses, including those working in aesthetics. By adhering to the principles of prioritising people, practising effectively, preserving safety, and promoting professionalism and trust, aesthetic nurses can deliver high-quality, ethical care that meets the needs and expectations of their clients. Navigating the unique challenges of the aesthetic industry requires a commitment to continuous learning, integrity, and client advocacy. Ultimately, the NMC Code serves as a vital guide for ensuring safe, effective, and client-centred practice in the ever-evolving field of aesthetic nursing.