WORKING NURSE:  What is your nursing specialty and where do you work?  

LORI HANEY, RN, CMLSO: I have worked at Celibre Medical Corporation in Torrance, California, for three years. Our organization is one of the largest laser skin care facilities in Southern California. My role is that of nurse educator for staff, patients, and the community. I am also a certified medical laser safety officer (CMLSO) through the Laser Institute of America (LIA). The role of a CMLSO is to ensure proper training of staff members in laser safety and physics, as well as in compliance with specific standards within the industry.

How did you get into this specialty and did it require any special training?

I had worked in neurology/neurosurgery for nine years and was looking for an opportunity to transition out of the hospital setting on a part-time basis. Once I began working with Class IV medical lasers, I realized that the technology was fascinating and the patient interaction very rewarding. It wasn’t long before I became full time. Training was provided by my organization inasmuch as we are a BRN provider for continuing education. We provide classes for nurses and physicians that are seeking to learn cosmetic laser skin care. Many people do not realize that in the state of California, one must be an RN, PA, or physician to work with these high-powered lasers.
 
What does a typical day involve for you?

I still remain very active in patient treatments with a variety of services throughout the day. A large percentage of our services are for acne and acne scars. Being able to obtain good outcomes for our acne patients is extremely rewarding. We also perform skin resurfacing, laser hair reduction, tattoo removal, spider vein removal, and treat rosacea, sun damage, and much more. I particularly enjoy the injectibles that involve Botox and fillers such as Restylane/Juvederm, which we use to reshape the face. Most days are extremely busy, with approximately 30-40 treatments.
 
What are your favorite aspects of the job?

I enjoy the educator role the most. When I transitioned out of acute care nursing, I was concerned that I would be saying goodbye to patient education. I was pleased to discover that aesthetic patients and consumers appreciate honest, clear feedback and education. Being a resource of information is very rewarding, and requires me to pursue an outlet I enjoy: research.

I’m also passionate about the laser technology, which is ever-evolving. Although I enjoy our acne/scar service the most, I have always been quite impressed with a classification of lasers known as Q-switched lasers. These high-powered, precise, and effective lasers have the ability to fragment tattoo ink, resolve brown pigmentation such as sun spots, and fade hyperpigmented acne scarring as well as mild skin tightening.

Any challenges or least favorite aspects of the job?

I enjoy all aspects of my position. However, one common challenge that we encounter in our practice is that patient who has unrealistic expectations. When it comes to one's appearance, the concerns are quite personal and oftentimes emotional. It is difficult to guide certain individuals to be objective in their self-assessment. We pride ourselves on setting realistic, honest expectations and then attempt to over-deliver on those expectations. This is especially true when working with those patients struggling with acne, so I am most passionate about finding the most appropriate treatment plan to render good outcomes for those suffering from this condition. Whether it's adolescent or adult-onset acne, this condition impacts individuals in many ways.  

Apart from patient treatments, another significant challenge is the ability to stay on the forefront of research and technology. Because the technology is rapidly changing, it is necessary to remain diligent in providing best practices and outcomes. Technology changes, but people's concern with their appearance and skin care goals remains constant.
 
What advice would you give to a nurse looking to enter your field of nursing?

I would recommend contacting facilities in their area to find out what their requirements are for consideration of employment. Not all organizations require a nurse to have experience, as they may want to provide their own preceptorship and training. If one does look into a training class, they should make certain that it provides the basics of laser physics and safety, rather than just learning a few specific lasers. It’s the baseline knowledge of Class IV medical lasers that is extremely important. Also, nurses should become familiar with current regulations and these are in the midst of changes. 

RESOURCES

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery www.aslms.org

Laser Institute of America www.laserinstitute.org

Consumer website for practitioners/consumers to share information www.realself.com