Introduction
The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) has the responsibility and authority to regulate Registered Nurses (RN) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) in all areas of nursing practice, including aesthetic nursing. This resource is a compilation of current CRNS guidelines and recommendations for registrants regarding aesthetic nursing and includes links to related information for RNs and NPs.
Registrants must understand that the CRNS documents (i.e., Practice Standards; Code of Conduct; Entry-Level Competencies; etc.) outline the minimum expectations set for RN and NP practice across all settings. They are intentionally broad and flexible so they can be adapted to each unique context. Employers and registrants share responsibility for determining how these expectations will be applied consistently within their specific practice environments. Every setting and context have unique considerations for risk mitigation and management, along with legislation that may apply to it.
For example, in hospital settings you may find nurse educators; risk management teams; ethics committee; infection prevention and control (IPAC), and clinical standards teams who all provide expertise to determine what is required for safe care in a particular clinical setting. Aesthetic nursing often takes place in smaller private settings that may not have access to a similar team of researchers, policy writers, or lawyers for example, as seen in the traditional larger practice settings. RNs and NPs engaging in aesthetic nursing remain accountable for identifying and mitigating the potential risks while reflecting on their own knowledge, skills and competencies, and seeking out expertise when needed.
This aesthetic nursing resource supports registrants in understanding regulatory expectations related to aesthetic nursing practice. It does not set industry-specific standards or direct day-to-day work (i.e., set clinical best practices or individual policies). Registrants and employers must determine what current evidence-informed best practices are applicable in their setting and context, and the services they provide. They must also obtain and apply current knowledge and evidence related to the products, devices, medications and procedures being used or offered in their practice setting.