Aesthetics is one of the fastest growing areas of practice in the nursing profession.
With more nurses entering this area of practice and rising demand from Ontarians for aesthetic procedures, CNO has developed a new Aesthetic Services practice guideline that helps support nurses in providing safe, ethical aesthetic procedures, while prioritizing client safety.
This guideline aligns with CNO’s broader purpose as a regulator: to promote safe nursing practice across all settings. By setting clear expectations and accountabilities, CNO’s standards and guidelines support safe nursing practice by reducing risk, establishing evidence-informed expectations and protecting clients.
“This guideline reinforces CNO’s commitment to supporting nurses in their evolving roles, while upholding its responsibility to safeguard the public,” explained Maya Nikoloski, CNO’s Director, Professional Practice. “By clarifying accountabilities and promoting ethical practice, it helps nurses provide aesthetic services with confidence and integrity.”
What are aesthetic services?
Aesthetic services are cosmetic procedures used to enhance, preserve or alter a client’s appearance and may include controlled acts. When nurses have the appropriate training and authority, they can provide certain aesthetic procedures to their clients. Such aesthetic procedures can include neuromodulator injections (for example, Botox), dermal filler injections, thread lifts, platelet rich plasma and microneedling. These services can also carry serious risks and side effects, including infection and pain.
About the Aesthetic Services guideline
The new guideline supports the delivery of safe aesthetic care by:
- clarifying nursing accountabilities in aesthetic nursing
- providing guidance around the required training and ongoing education
- clarifying delegation responsibilities
- outlining the use of Health Canada-approved substances, products and equipment
- using ethical advertising by nurses and employers
- making sure there are supports in place to respond to side effects or medical emergencies
- supporting ethical decision-making and professional integrity
A look forward
CNO continues to consult with health system partners to actively review how authorizing mechanisms, including directives and delegation, are used in this area of practice. Nurses are expected to understand their accountabilities and stay informed of any changes when they take effect.
New resource available for clients on aesthetic services
Clients who want to learn more about what they can expect when booking aesthetic services with a nurse are encouraged to read Thinking About Aesthetic Services from a Nurse? What You Should Know Before You Book.