Embracing 2021 and looking to the future

It is commendable that a significant and growing number of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses' membership is part of the national COVID-19 vaccination workforce

The British Association of Cosmetic Nurses (BACN) is proud to enter 2021 with a number of exciting updates and developments to share. Firstly, and in light of the evolving and specialist role of aesthetic nurses, the BACN has produced an extensive review and update of its existing membership code of conduct. This is to reflect the unique and specialist nature of medical aesthetic practice, as a holistic pathway and process beyond the procedure itself. The newly updated BACN code of professional conduct is designed to be read and applied to clinical practice in conjunction with the BACN nurse competencies and is an addition to relevant statutory guidance, principally the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018)Code. The BACN code of professional conduct outlines that members are expected to understand their responsibilities by demonstrating accountability and safety in all aspects of their practice by abiding to the professional legislative standards and guidelines referenced within the document. The updated code underpins the principles that a nurse conducting medical aesthetic treatments is required to exercise a unique and multi-faceted clinical judgement and skillset, often in complex scenarios that are intrinsic to the aesthetic specialism. In light of this, nurses working within this speciality are required to demonstrate not only an awareness of, but also knowledge and accountability of the moral, ethical, clinical and professional aspects of aesthetic practice, which includes developing a business acumen.