7 Key Aesthetic Nurse Interview Questions to Ask

Aesthetic nurses, often referred to as cosmetic nurses or plastic surgery nurses, are trained to enhance the confidence and appearance of patients in their care. By providing dermatologic treatments and assisting with surgical procedures, these clinicians serve a vital role in helping patients look and feel their best. If you’re looking to hire one of these specialized nurses, asking the right aesthetic nurse interview questions can help you identify the best candidate.

In this article, we’ll outline seven high-quality aesthetic nursing interview questions that can help you through the hiring process. We’ll also review answers to listen for that highlight a candidate’s preparedness and list follow up questions you can ask to learn more about their professional experience.

Before drafting your interview questions, you’ll want to check out local aesthetic nurse job postings to see what compensation and benefits are being offered at other competitive facilities. You can then develop your aesthetic nurse job description to attract candidates to your vacant position. Once you’ve collected enough applications, you’re ready to begin interviewing candidates. The following assessment form will help you take notes and keep track of aesthetic nurse candidates as you conduct interviews.

Aesthetic Nurse Interview Questions and Answers

When drafting interview questions for aesthetic nurse applicants, you’ll want to ask a mix of introductory, behavioral, and critical-thinking interview questions to fully understand the strengths of each candidate. Tailoring each question to suit your facility’s needs can help you find the nurse who’s the best fit for your team.

1. Why do you want to be an aesthetic nurse at our organization?

Starting out with an open-ended aesthetic nurse interview question can give you a sense of a candidate’s passion and enthusiasm for patient care. Nurses can share a bit about their personal and professional background, highlighting their career aspirations and goals for working at your facility.

What to listen for:

• Communicates clearly with a warm, professional tone
• Demonstrates familiarity with your organization’s mission, vision, and values

Potential follow-up questions:

• How do you plan to help us reach our clinical goals?
• What strengths will you bring to our multidisciplinary team?

2. How has your previous experience prepared you for this role?

In this next question, gain insight into a candidate’s previous roles and responsibilities. While you may have already reviewed their resume and cover letter, you’ll want to make sure their nursing experience will serve them well when working at your facility.

What to listen for:

• Thoroughly understands aesthetic nurse duties and responsibilities
• Displays a genuine passion for aesthetic nursing

Potential follow-up questions:

• What do you find most challenging about being an aesthetic nurse?
• Why are you looking to leave your current job?

3. What strategies would you use to relieve a patient’s anxiety about a pending procedure or treatment?

Many aesthetic procedures can greatly affect a patient’s appearance and individuals may worry about how their procedure will go. Qualified and experienced nurses utilize active listening to identify pressing concerns, ease fears, and bring a sense of peace and comfort to patients and their family members.

What to listen for:

• Utilizes a calm, reassuring tone to build patient trust and confidence
• Sets realistic expectations for what to expect during and after the procedure

Potential follow-up questions:

• Have you ever experienced any moral or ethical dilemmas while working as an aesthetic nurse?
• Can you think of a situation at work where you had to think quickly under pressure? Describe the steps you took to ensure safe, appropriate care.

4. How would you provide discharge teaching to a patient who received a laser treatment?

Teaching patients how to care for their skin after an invasive procedure is essential to minimizing complications and preventing infection. Strong nurses will educate their patients on post-procedure precautions like minimizing sun exposure and avoiding abrasive skin cleansers. If a candidate struggles to answer this aesthetic nurse interview question, they may not have the level of experience you’re looking for.

What to listen for:

• Asks each patient about their preferred learning style and tailors their approach to match individual preferences
• Allows patients the opportunity to ask clarifying questions after receiving their discharge instructions

Potential follow-up questions:

• Do you have any experience utilizing phone interpreter services?
• Why is it essential to document a post-procedure skin assessment on each patient?

5. What would you do if you witnessed a patient having an allergic reaction to a skin treatment?

Preventing and managing allergic reactions is important to keeping patients safe and satisfied. You’ll want to ensure that the nurse you hire can recognize the signs of an allergic reaction and is confident enough to intervene quickly to prevent complications.

What to listen for:

• Understands the necessity for prompt intervention
• Prioritizes patient safety by communicating concerns along the clinical chain-of-command

Potential follow-up questions:

• How would you provide a facial peel for a patient who reports having sensitive skin?
• What non-pharmacological methods of pain control do you encourage before, during, and after an injection procedure?

6. How would you respond to a patient who was unhappy with the results of their procedure?

Answers to this aesthetic nurse interview question can highlight a candidate’s ability to handle interpersonal conflict. Sometimes, patients may not be happy with the results of their aesthetic procedure and may inappropriately blame or criticize their clinician. Communicating with unsatisfied patients can be intense and stressful, so you’ll want to make sure a nurse you hire has the skills and experience to handle this sort of situation.

What to listen for:

• Demonstrates behaviors like empathy, respect, patience, and understanding
• Displays strong problem-solving skills and prioritizes finding a solution

Potential follow-up questions:

• Have you ever made an error on the job? Describe the situation and explain how you handled your mistake.
• How do you like to receive professional feedback?

7. How do you stay informed on the latest aesthetic trends?

Cosmetic nursing industry trends are constantly changing. Facilities often adopt new policies, procedures, and guidelines to improve safety and quality. Nurses excited about the opportunity to provide the latest treatments and procedures are the ones your patients will appreciate the most.

What to listen for:

• Mentions previous attendance at aesthetic conferences, product fairs, and research symposiums
• Shows enthusiasm for involvement in evidence-based practice projects and quality improvement initiatives

Potential follow-up questions:

• How do you involve patients in the development of their unique plan of care?
• What are your professional goals for the next 10 years?

Fill Your Vacancies With the Most Qualified Professionals

Once you’ve decided on your aesthetic nurse interview questions, you’re ready to begin the hiring process. Want to spread the word about your job openings? Post your vacant positions to IntelyCare’s healthcare hiring board and match with qualified candidates who are ready to work.