If you are a nurse who specializes in dermatology, or want to find a position in the field, there are several places you can work. Learn more about these environments, connect with others in your field with professional organizations, stay up to date on the latest news with professional journals, and follow users in the field on Twitter.
Where to Work
Dermatology Office – The most obvious choice would be a dermatologist’s office. This location offers the widest variety of experiences as the nurse would interact with patients with a wide variety of skin problems.
Burn Unit – A burn unit in a hospital requires a special skill set. This is one of the more stressful locations for a nurse interested in dermatology.
Spa – Many spas are now working in tandem with plastic surgeons or dermatologists. This can be an excellent location for nurses to utilize their skills for patients who are following up in the spa or who may have a condition that could be referred to a dermatologist.
What to Join
DNA – The Dermatology Nurses’ Association is devoted entirely to this specialty of the nursing profession. There is a journal, national chapters, relevant news features, information about the latest research, continuing education options as well as career and advocacy sections. If you are a dermatology nurse or are considering the specialty, this is definitely an association you will want to know more about.
ANA – The American Nurses Association is one of the largest associations for registered nurses in the United States. While it is not specifically for dermatology nurses, there is an excellent selection of general information.
State Nursing Associations – Technically this is several organizations. There are links to all of the state nursing associations on this page as well as links to the individual state boards. Utilize your state association to connect with local nurses in the same field and to set up a support network.
What to Read
JAAD – The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology is the official journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The journal can be ordered in print or accessed online.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology – This journal is part of the Nature focuses on original research that cover virtually all aspects of dermatology.
British Journal of Dermatology – This journal was established in 1888 and has grown to be one of the most respected dermatology resources in the world. It is a great way to access information from areas outside of the United States.
Who to Follow
@DNAnurses – This is the official Twitter account of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. They update several times a day with information of interest to nurses and with current news in the world of dermatology.
@MelanomaReAlli – This is the official Twitter account of the Melanoma Research Alliance. They update several times a day with articles of general dermatological interest and news related to melanoma.
@mnt_dermatology – This is the official Twitter account of the dermatology section of the online e-zine Medical News Today. They update weekly with links to stories pertaining to dermatology in the news from around the world.