Question: “I recently saw an online advertisement for botulinum toxin (Botox) injections. What should I know before getting Botox by a nurse?”

Because administering Botox is a cosmetic procedure, it may seem as though it is a low-risk activity. This is not true. Administering Botox requires nurses to perform a controlled act. Controlled acts are procedures that can cause harm if the nurse does not have the knowledge, skill and judgment to perform them.

While all nurses (Registered Nurses [RNs], Registered Practical Nurses [RPNs], and Nurse Practitioners [NPs]) can administer Botox, RNs and RPNs can only perform this if they have the proper authorization, such as an order or a directive, from an NP or a physician. NPs can administer and order this prescription drug and procedure.

Questions you should ask your nurse before getting Botox:

• Do you work in a practice setting or collaborate with an NP or physician?
• Do you have an order to administer Botox?
• Do you have the knowledge, skill and judgment to administer Botox?
• What is the nature of the treatment?
• What are the expected benefits of this treatment?
• What are the potential risks and side effects of this treatment?
• What are the alternative courses of action?
• Is the procedure routinely performed in this practice setting?
• What safety measures do you have in place to support the procedure (for example, in the case of an emergency, or to prevent and control infection)?

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