Are you a cosmetic or aesthetic nurse? Have you watched your brave colleagues return to the NHS to help in the battle against Covid-19?

At ProMedical, we too have heard accounts of nurses from local cosmetic clinics returning to support the NHS. We couldn’t be prouder of them: in fact, we owe them a debt we can never repay. 

But we also understand the doubts that come with returning to the NHS front line after what could be a long time away. 

As a cosmetic or aesthetic nurse, you will have spent around three years or more gaining general adult nursing experience. More than that, you’re a registered nurse! 

No matter how much time has passed since you switched pathways to cosmetic medicine, the training you received both in your nursing degree and years of experience afterwards will continue to stand you in good stead. At this critical moment, your skills are highly desirable – and you really can make a difference. 

According to the BACN, 80% of their members have more than 10 years experience in the NHS. These medical professionals are uniquely equipped to make a difference in the fight for lives against Covid-19. Are you one of them? Whether your personal level of experience meets this number or not, your NHS needs you. 

Michaela’s Story 

Essex Cosmetics Clinic in Loughton specialises in aesthetic treatments such as lip augmentation and facial contouring, providing a high standard of client care. However, the clinic has made the decision to temporarily shut its doors. That’s because, in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, nurse Michaela has chosen to rejoin her colleagues at the NHS.

We spoke to Michaela to hear the story in her own words:

“My choice to return to A&E wasn’t a difficult one. I closed the clinic on Monday, managed to get my application for the trust temps fast-tracked, and worked a 12 hour night shift five days later! My reasons behind returning to work are really quite simple. The worldwide outbreak of this virus, and its rapid transmission, is like nothing I have ever experienced in my entire nursing career.  To sit at home and isolate was just not an option I considered. Nursing is a vocation and I think for most of us going back to muck in during this time was a no brainer.

Without the NHS I wouldn’t have gained the skill set and knowledge I have: it was almost impulsive that I returned. I knew that Emergency departments all over the country would be hit the hardest and simply wanted to jump back in and do what I could. My first night shift back I was actually most anxious about being able to stay awake all shift! I was petrified that I’d forget how to do my job properly: you could say nursing in A&E is slightly more stressful than botox injections, and I was worried that I had deskilled.

Within four hours and with some fantastic support from my nurse in charge, I felt like I had never been away. Another colleague gave a teaching session on the physiology of Covid-19, explaining patient management, treatment and prognosis. The support from every single healthcare professional was overwhelming. 

Going back to the NHS in such troubled times has reminded me why I chose this as my career. Possessing the ability to help others in their time of need is a responsibility like no other. Botox and fillers are great, but the fundamental nursing values that the NHS taught me are something I am eternally grateful for, and I’m glad that I could play a part in one of the greatest challenges our healthcare system has faced.”

Thanks to nurses like Michaela, the NHS is receiving the additional medical support that it so desperately needs.

Do you want to do the same? Become a locum/contracted nurse today to return to the NHS in its hour of need. You can also visit the NHS website to register there.