NURSES’ ROLE

In your article ‘Do Your Beauty Homework’ (June), the statement is made that nurses practising with cosmetic injectables must be ‘supervised’ by a doctor. Registered nurses are independent practitioners covered by the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003). Their authority to practise is through the Nursing Council and as such, they are accountable for their own practice. Sometimes, when a registered nurse is employed by a doctor, then that doctor may provide employer supervision, as any other employer would.

Across healthcare, there is considerable overlap in

the practice of nursing and the practice of medicine. This is also true for cosmetic injectables. This can lead to confusion amongst doctors, nurses and the public. A registered nurse administering restricted medicines such a muscle relaxant, will work collaboratively with a doctor. Each party has a legally defined role and responsibilities. Doctors and registered nurses bring different attributes to their practice. It is worth noting that currently, fewer than 10% of medical misadventure claims in New Zealand involve nurses. Yet nurses outnumber doctors by more than 3 to 1. Jackie