Meet April Daniel, APRN, FNP-C

What made you decide to attend nursing school?

I started off college wanting to be a dermatologist because I loved everything about the skin and helping people. But what I didn’t realize in my early college days was that it took about 12 years of school to go down that path. I was good at math and science, and I had a college counselor who told me I had more than enough hours in those subjects to apply to nursing school and finish my bachelor’s degree in 4 years, so I applied—and the rest is history.

What made you decide to become an aesthetic nurse practitioner working in plastic surgery?

I had already been working for about ten years in the aesthetic realm as a nurse doing lasers and injectables when I decided to go back to graduate school and become a Nurse Practitioner. Having an advanced degree opened up the opportunity to specialize in plastic surgery and help bridge the gap between the surgical and nonsurgical side of plastics. During my days as a nurse working in oncology, I would take care of women post-mastectomy. I witnessed first-hand the importance of feeling whole again to these women. They wanted to feel good about their bodies after surviving chemo and radiation treatment. Plastic surgery isn’t just about being vain but regaining a sense of pride and self-esteem.

How did you choose Austin?

It was actually by chance. After I graduated with my nurse practitioner’s degree, I told my husband I was going to apply for jobs all over the state of Texas and see what happens. I had several opportunities that were offered to me, but after visiting Austin and the surrounding Hill Country, combined with my love for the outdoors, I knew it was where I wanted to be.

How did you become an injection nurse?

From the very beginning of my nursing career, I always enjoyed and excelled at anything hands-on. I loved to start IVs, give injections, draw blood, assist in procedures…you name it! So, it was only natural for me to be drawn to aesthetic injectables—it combined my love of science, skin, and helping people feel their best. My first nurse injector job sealed the deal for me; I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

How did you come to know Dr. Piazza?

I had heard great things about him after I moved to Austin. He had a very good reputation as an amazing plastic surgeon. I happened to meet a nurse injector that worked for him, and that’s how I first met him. A few years later, I received a call out of the blue from his practice administrator saying that he wants you to come work at The Piazza Center, and your answer can’t be no.

What is your favorite thing about working at The Piazza Center?

My favorite things are that our patients always come first, and we all are committed to forming lifetime relationships with our patients. Another thing is knowing that we have a team of people supporting each other and coming together to do whatever is best for our patients.

What are your favorite treatments for yourself at The Piazza Center?

My favorite injectable treatments are BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport® for my frown and forehead lines. I also try to defy gravity and normal aging with dermal fillers or Sculptra®. Hands down, my favorite laser procedure is BBL, as it clears up any sun damage from the hot South Texas summers. I am an avid outdoor person and diligent about wearing medical-grade sunscreen and hats to protect my skin. BBL allows me to clean up my canvas so I’m not trying to cover up any imperfections. I leave it up to our knowledgeable aestheticians to tell me when it’s time for a relaxing HydraFacial® or chemical peel. And I always use quality, science-based medical-grade products. It’s the cheapest way to protect your investment.

You seem passionate about your work. Can you share some insights?

You can only truly be happy at your job if you love what you do and your values align with who you work for or with. If you don’t have a reason to get out of bed in the morning and go to work, you are in the wrong profession. My reason is my patients; it’s rewarding to help them accomplish their goals. With age and experience comes wisdom. Sometimes you have to work at a job that you don’t really like to fully appreciate and acknowledge when you land somewhere amazing.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?

We are a very sports and outdoors-oriented family. I love:

• Hiking new trails around Austin and the Hill Country.
• Listening to live music while trying out new vineyards or distilleries.
• Boating or fishing many of the lakes around the area.
• Floating the river or taking a dip in the local swimming holes.
• Attending college football, baseball, or volleyball games.

Share about your family.

I married my high school sweetheart in 2003, and we reside in Dripping Springs with our two sons. They are very active in school and church activities. You can usually find us throughout the week cheering them on from the stands at football, tennis, basketball, or baseball games. We enjoy hosting people at our house and get a little competitive when it comes to game night, an occasional shuffleboard tournament, or a game of ping-pong. We love to visit friends and family all throughout Texas and try to make it up to the mountains during Christmas time to do a little snow skiing.