Date of Award

Spring 5-22-2026

Document Type

Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Eligio David Soliman Jr., DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, CDCES

Abstract

Background: Vascular occlusion is a rare, but serious complication of dermal filler injections that can lead to severe adverse outcomes, including tissue necrosis and vision loss. As the demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures increases, proper nurse education and preparedness in managing vascular complications remain essential to ensuring patient safety.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured educational session combined with simulation-based training on nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and clinical competency in recognizing and managing vascular occlusion associated with dermal filler injections.

Methods: A pretest-posttest educational intervention design was used. Four registered nurses (N=4) employed at a medical spa participated voluntarily. The intervention consisted of an in-person educational session covering facial vascular anatomy, safe injection techniques, and vascular occlusion management protocols, followed by a simulation training. Outcomes were measured using a 7-item multiple choice knowledge assessment, a 10-item Likert-scale confidence survey, and a competency-based simulation checklist evaluated across five clinical skills.

Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 5.25 to 6.75 out of 7 following the intervention. Mean confidence scores increased from 3.25 to 4.85 on a 5-point scale, reflecting a mean increase of 1.60 points. All four participants demonstrated full competency across all five simulation checklist criteria.

Conclusion: A structured educational session combined with simulation-based training effectively improved nurses’ knowledge, confidence, and competency in vascular occlusion management.

Keywords: Dermal Fillers, Vascular Occlusion, Simulation-Based Training, Hyaluronidase, Nurse Competency, Cosmetic Injections, Patient Safety

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