Eliminating the Divide
There is a fine line that divides a dermatology nurse from a nurse who works in dermatology. Robert Kalb, MD, a dermatologist and clinical trials leader at the Buffalo Medical Group in Williamsville, NY, believes that the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is instrumental in making this divide all but invisible by promoting excellence in dermatologic care through education, research, and advocacy. This is extremely important in the primary care setting, which is often where patients first present with a skin condition. There are many cutaneous manifestations of internal diseases that a nurse will triage to establish what kind of care the patient should receive. A solid foundation in dermatology can prevent conditions such as pemphigoid, hidradenitis suppurativa, and even psoriasis from being diagnosed as a “rash” with frequently disastrous consequences.
Although dermatology nurses are not qualified to make a diagnosis, they can perform an initial examination of the skin issue. They can then off er an educated opinion of the cause before the patient is seen by the health care provider. This aids the provider in treating the patient’s skin problem, which can lead to better treatment outcomes. Dermatology nurses can also provide patient education regarding skin health, as well as sun protection. How do we help nurses develop the confidence and capability to be dermatology nurses and not just nurses who work in dermatology?
Education
The first step, Dr Kalb suggests, is to encourage staff to join the DNA to gain access to all available educational offerings. He facilitates this for his staff by reimbursing the annual dues paid, as well as the cost of attendance at and travel to the DNA’s annual convention. He is always struck by the energy of his staff members when they return from the meeting where they are kept up to date on innovative therapies and education surrounding changing patient needs. The benefit to his practice is manifested in the increased understanding of skin conditions, rationales for procedures, and the importance of supporting and educating patients. When dermatology nurses increase their knowledge, they also increase their confidence level.
Advocacy
Dr Kalb posits that the next step in development is advocacy. As the most trusted US profession for the 21st year, nurses can use their position to protect the rights, health, and safety of their patients. The DNA has an advocacy committee whose purpose is to promote awareness of issues and concerns in health policy and advocacy to effectively advocate for members, patients, and the public. It also partners with many organizations to educate nurses and patients about types of skin diseases. Advocacy empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their health and wellbeing. The dermatology nurse advocate who develops the skill to clearly define a patient’s problem, which can help eliminate the waste of valuable time and effort, is a benefit to any practice.
Research
A third step is supporting and engaging in skin disease research. Dr Kalb credits participation in clinical trials with helping health care providers find groundbreaking new treatments for many skin conditions. The DNA’s goals include promoting members’ awareness and understanding of evidence-based practice and developing their skills in assessing, critiquing, and utilizing research-based evidence to influence dermatology nursing practice and policy. DNA members embrace the use of research findings to improve patient care outcomes, add to the science of nursing, and promote the role of the nurse to other health care team members and the public. A dermatology nurse serving as research nurse in a dermatology clinical trial can not only act as a liaison between the researcher and patient volunteers but will also bring expert knowledge of the skin condition being studied when performing study procedures and measures.
Reaping the Benefits
In conclusion and on a personal note, I made the crossing to being a dermatology nurse 10 years ago in my employment within the office-based medical dermatology practice of Dr Kalb, and the benefits I have received have been at least as rewarding as the benefits I hope his practice has reaped
