Choosing the right Injection Specialist to help meet your aesthetic goals is essential. Not only should this person be medically licensed, experienced, and skilled at providing cosmetic injectables, but they should also possess a sense of artistry, listen well to interpret your goals for your appearance and have a passion for education to advance their craft continuously. One way to identify that your Injection Specialist is a cut above the rest is to see if they are a member of the International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN). Read on to learn what ISPAN is and why it matters that whoever is injecting your BOTOX® or dermal fillers is a member!
What is ISPAN?
The International Society of Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses (ISPAN) was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1975. ISPAN is the nurses’ association for the specialty. It is THE definitive voice for Plastic and Aesthetic Nurses with the mission of promoting the competency and education of these nursing specialties. The organization is focused on plastic and aesthetic nursing because the specialty has a diverse field encompassing many practice settings and educational backgrounds, from reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery clinics to skincare, aesthetics, and medical spas. ISPAN strives to identify, set, and exceed the standard regarding how plastic and aesthetic nurses practice.
What are the values of ISPAN?
ISPAN creates leaders in the nursing community. All members are committed to promoting the following values:
Unite: We believe in unity and teamwork.
Respect: We believe respect is the cornerstone of our profession.
Support: We believe in mentoring and encouragement.
Educate: We believe in lifelong learning.
Nurture: We believe in advancing professional development.
What is the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) Certification?
Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who are ISPAN members can qualify for and sit for the Certified Aesthetic Specialist, or CANS, certification. This prestigious certification celebrates nurses in the aesthetic industry who are exceptionally experienced and educated in medical aesthetics and show an immense commitment to continuing education. It is the ONLY certification recognized by the Accreditation Board for Speciality Nursing Certification (ABSNC).
Nurses who sit for the Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist (CANS) certification must:
- Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the United States, its territories, or Canada, holding a current full and unrestricted license.
- Have spent at least 1,000 practice hours within the core specialties during the last two (2) years.
- Have at least two (2) years of nursing experience as a registered nurse within the four Core Specialties in collaboration or in a practice with a physician who is board-certified within a core specialty or a Nurse Practitioner who is CANS certified and whose certification is in good standing. Experience can be in a general staff, administrative, teaching, or research capacity within three (3) years before application, depending on state practice requirements.
- Be currently working in collaboration or practice with a physician who is Board Certified within one of the following specialties: Plastic/Aesthetic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Facial Plastic Surgery (ENT), or a Nurse Practitioner who is CANS certified.
- Have your collaborating core physician or Nurse Practitioner who is CANS certified and holds a current full and unrestricted license provide a letter of recommendation.
Why does it matter if my Injection Specialist is an ISPAN member or CANS certified?
When your Injection Specialist is a member of ISPAN, you know that they are abreast of the current trends in the medical aesthetics specialty, are in the know about the most recent patient safety initiatives and legislative updates, and approach their profession with a higher level of commitment to education and passion than many of their peers. A CANS certification takes it even a step further by giving you the peace of mind that your Injection Specialist is exceptionally experienced and operates at a more advanced level of skill and professionalism than many of their peers. What does this mean for you? It signifies that the highest level of safety is being implemented during all of your appointments and that your provider has the experience, skills, and education to deliver fantastic results!
Are the Injection Specialists at Refinery Skin Clinic all members of ISPAN?
Absolutely! At Refinery Skin Clinic, we take the education and certifications of our providers very seriously because we know that they translate to safer treatments for our clients and optimal treatment outcomes. As a result, ALL of our Injection Specialists are members of ISPAN, are currently CANS certified or working toward their certification, and some even sit on the board of ISPAN itself!
Rebecca Suess RN, BSN, CPSN, CANS, ISPAN-F
Refinery Skin Clinic owner and Injection Specialist Rebecca Suess is an ISPAN member and the organization’s President-Elect! Rebecca is CANS-certified, a Certified Plastic Surgery Nurse (CPSN), and an ISPAN fellow.
Michele Lukkason RN, BSN, CANS
Injection Specialist Michele is also a CANS-certified ISPAN member working towards her CPSN certification. In addition to her certifications, she is the Chairperson of the Membership Engagement Committee and is heavily involved in organizing educational programs for ISPAN members outside of the annual meeting.
Sam Therres RN, APE
Injection Specialist Sam is an ISPAN member and will be eligible to sit for her CANS certification this fall! She also participates on the Membership Engagement Committee with Michele.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our exceptional Injection Specialists by calling (952) 479-0603, texting (952) 295-4681, or CLICKING HERE!