Q: What's a typical workday like for you?
A: I see a variety of patients every 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the treatment. I do cosmetic treatments, including Botox, fillers, laser hair removal, photo rejuvenation, chemical peels and microdermabrasion. One day a week, I prepare patients for the doctor, who performs laser treatments such as laser peels, resurfacing, laser vein removal and fillers.
Q: How does your role fit into the bigger healthcare picture?
A: We help people improve how they look and that helps how they feel every day. It enhances the quality of their lives.
Q: Who do you interact with during the course of the day?
A: I interact with patients of different ages and with different concerns, including people who travel here from Iowa and the Dakotas. I also interact with other nurses, aestheticians and four physicians.
Q: Why did you become a dermatology nurse?
A: I grew up with problematic skin and went to several dermatologists. It was very frustrating until I met a fabulous dermatologist who cleared up my skin in three months. I realized that with the right doctor and the right products you can clear up your skin. So I can relate to patients' frustrations. I took that knowledge with me and am able to share that with patients.
