Are You Ready to Bring on New Staff?

Many nurses come to me asking if they are ready to bring on another staff member. It’s a great question and one worth thinking through. 

In general, many think that bringing on another nurse is the first stage of progression. In reality, the most successful nurses start by hiring in this order: 

1. Admin support
2. Dermal therapist 
3. Nurse

Why Start with Admin? 

An admin assistant or receptionist is the foundation of growth. They free up your time so you can focus on treatments. They make sure your books are always full and that clients are looked after before, during, and after their appointments. A strong admin presence reduces white space in your calendar, which directly impacts your revenue. It also elevates the client experience, creating loyalty and repeat bookings. In many cases, this single role pays for itself quickly by maximising your treatment hours. 

When to Add a Dermal Therapist or Nurse 

Once your admin role is running smoothly and your calendar is consistently full, the next decision is whether to bring on a dermal therapist or another nurse. 

Ask yourself: 

• Do I need more injecting hours available, or am I overloaded with skin treatments? 
• Where is my highest profit margin per hour?

Steps to Hiring 

The golden rule: hire slow, fire fast. 

Clinical skills are important, but alignment with your values comes first. Skills can be taught. Attitude, reliability, and drive are much harder to instil. 

When interviewing, go deeper than technical ability. Try questions like: 

1. Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult client. What did you do and how did it turn out? 
   Reveals emotional intelligence, patience, and professionalism. 

1. What does great client care mean to you? 
   Shows if they naturally value service and connection, not just technical skill. 

1. Describe a time you made a mistake at work. How did you handle it? 
   Tests accountability, honesty, and growth mindset. 

1. What do you enjoy most about working in a team, and what do you find challenging? 
   Uncovers self-awareness and how they might fit into your culture. 

1. If you joined my business, what would you do in your first 90 days to add value? 
   – Highlights initiative, drive, and whether they see themselves as part of the bigger picture. 

 Contracts and Compliance 

Once you’ve found the right person: 

• Refer to the relevant Fair Work Award for pay structure and entitlements. 
• Draft a clear contract that outlines responsibilities. 
• Include a probation period clause so both sides can assess fit. 
• Set clear expectations about hours, training, and professional development.

Much Love,
Jacinta x