Looking to get your first job in dermatology?

Applying for one of the Dermatology Nurse's Association's open board positions is an awesome opportunity! When you think about getting your first job in dermatology, think beyond patient care. When you think about your professional practice, your perspective should go beyond direct patient care, otherwise you are not working within the full scope of your education and training. Working for and with professional organizations expands your network and your net worth simultaneously.

You can only see so many patients in a day. Your experience is limited by who walks into your clinic. But, when you participate in research, policy, population health, and professional organizations you gain a broader understanding of trends, greater influence in practice change, and you can implement initiatives that will far surpass your career, maybe even your lifetime.

If you've never participated in a professional organization and/or never been in a leadership position and you have questions or are experiencing imposter syndrome, I invite you to contact me directly. I also encourage you to read the Volunteer Manual to learn more about the specific roles, responsibilities, and requirements.

Dermatology Nurse' Association: How You Can Participate

As mentioned, DNA has multiple ways you can contribute to support the organization and our professional practice. While DNA is a national organization, they have multiple local chapters. I invite you to view the Chapter Directory to see if there is a chapter near you! If you don't live near a chapter, but you're interested in starting one, read the Chapter Manual and then contact them directly to learn how you can start one.

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Standing Committees

-Awards & Scholarships

-Education Advisory Council

-Environmental Scanning

-Financial Oversight

-Health Policy and Advocacy

-Membership

-Nominating

-Program Planning

-Journal of Dermatology Nurses' Association: Author, Editorial Board, Peer Reviewer

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Scholarships & Awards

DNA Convention Scholarship

Purpose: Fund continuing education for a DNA member to enhance contributions to dermatologic care.

Criteria:
- 2+ years DNA membership.
- Employed in dermatology.
- Submit an article to Focus within one year.

Submission: Complete a scholarship application with demographic questions and an essay.

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DNA Career Mobility Scholarship

Purpose: Fund continuing education for a DNA member pursuing a nursing degree.

Criteria:
- 2+ years DNA membership.
- 2+ years in dermatology.
- Accepted in a nursing program.
- Submit an article to Focus within one year.

Award: $1,000 educational scholarship.

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Dermatology Nursing Certification Examination Grant

Purpose: Support nurses taking the Dermatology Nursing Certification or Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner Examination.

Criteria:

Registered Nurse:
- 2+ years DNA membership.
- 2+ years dermatology nursing experience.
- Submit an article to Focus within one year.

Nurse Practitioner:
- 2+ years DNA membership.
- Master’s degree, NP licensure, national certification.
- 3,000+ hours of NP practice in dermatology.
- Submit an article to Focus within one year.

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by October 1. Read the full list of criteria here.

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Mentorship

One of the most valuable services DNA offers it's members is mentorship. They offer mentorship for new board members and committee volunteers. You can learn more about the DNA Mentorship Program here and the Board of Directors Position Descriptions here. Their mentorship manual is a detailed guide for both the mentee and mentor to maximize the relationship and optimize their shared time. We all hear about the value of mentorship, but often lack the time, understanding, and strategy on how to find the appropriate Mentorship Match and leverage those relationships. It's one of the reasons I created the Nurse and Nurse Practitioner Mentorship Workbook which you can download today by visiting the Virtual Preceptor shop. I appreciate the detail and time that went into creating the DNA Mentorship Program and I think you will too. If you've participated, I would love to hear about your experience.

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Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (JDNA)

The Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (JDNA) is the premier publication for dermatology nurses and healthcare professionals seeking vital dermatology information and resources. As the official publication of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA), JDNA features engaging, peer-reviewed articles covering a wide range of dermatology topics, including:

- Clinical practice and management issues

- Research and case studies

- Patient education

- Interdisciplinary collaboration

JDNA is dedicated to providing critical information and research that directly applies to dermatology practice. It is a bi-monthly publication that can help you enhance your knowledge and skills.

Member Benefits

- Free Access: JDNA is available to members at no additional cost.

- Contribution Opportunities: Members are encouraged to contribute articles, photos, blogs, and web content.

- Exciting Features: JDNA offers clinical snapshots, patient perspective pieces, product reviews, legal forums, health policy and advocacy articles, nursing research studies, and columns on various dermatology nursing topics, including cutaneous oncology, cosmetics, and surgical dermatology.

Supporting Education

Revenue from JDNA through advertising and royalties is directed toward educational initiatives and the overall improvement of the DNA.

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Dermatology Nurse Certification (DNC) and Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification (DNPC)‍

Dermatology Nurse Certification (DNC) and Dermatology Nurse Practitioner Certification (DNPC) can be obtained from the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB). While certification is not required to practice, it is a powerful way to showcase your expertise and commitment to excellence in dermatologic care amongst our peers in nursing and our colleagues in medicine. The DNCB, though independently incorporated from the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA), administers these respected certifications.

Why Pursue Certification?

Certification goes beyond licensure, offering an additional credential that underscores your specialized knowledge and adherence to high nursing standards. It’s a formal recognition of your proficiency, assuring both consumer protection and peer acknowledgment.

Benefits of Certification

- Enhanced Credibility: Certification demonstrates your commitment to the field and your proficiency in dermatology nursing.

- Consumer Trust: Patients and employers gain confidence in your skills and expertise.

- Professional Recognition: Stand out in your field with credentials that highlight your specialized training and knowledge.

Certification Details

The certification process involves meeting eligibility criteria and passing a multiple-choice examination. Successful candidates earn the following credentials:

- Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC)

To be eligible to sit for the Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC) exam, you must meet the following requirements:

-Have a minimum of 2 years of dermatology nursing experience as a RN.
-Hold a current and unrestricted license as a RN in the U.S. or Canada.
-Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of work experience in dermatology nursing within the past 2 years in a general staff, administrative, teaching or research capacity.

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- Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP)

To be eligible to sit for the Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP) exam, you must meet the following requirements:

-Masters or Doctoral degree in nursing
-Current NP state licensure
-National certification as a NP
-Minimum of 3,000 hours of recent dermatology NP practice (within the last 3 years) with current practice in dermatology (hours obtained from a formal dermatology NP academic program count towards the 3,000 hours).

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These certifications are valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education credits or re-examination.

Importance of Specialty Nursing Certification

The American Board of Nursing Specialties (ABNS) emphasizes the value of specialty nursing certification. Additionally, the National Certification Corporation (NCC) has initiated the “Just Ask” campaign to educate the public on the importance of certified nurses.

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Join the Elite

Becoming certified as a DNC or DCNP not only enhances your career but also contributes to the broader dermatologic community. It’s a mark of distinction that sets you apart and signals your dedication to providing the highest quality care. To learn more about the certification process, eligibility criteria, and examination dates, please visit the DNCB certification page.

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Nurse Practitioner Society

DNA started the Nurse Practitioner Society (NPS), a vital sector of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) to support nurse practitioners in dermatology by providing essential resources and opportunities. They offer evidence-based educational materials, professional networking events, and leadership development programs.

Core Values and Beliefs

The NPS believes in the integrity, respect, and leadership demonstrated by dermatology nurse practitioners. With over 150 years of professional nursing history, NPs have honed a unique set of skills vital to dermatology. The NPS is dedicated to fostering these skills through a shared vision of diversity and collaboration.

Role and Certification

Dermatology nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses licensed in their respective states with specialized training in dermatology. We work closely with other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and manage patients’ health needs, emphasizing patient-centered care. This holistic approach considers cultural traditions, personal preferences, family situations, and lifestyles, making patients active participants in their healthcare decisions.

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Research

The DNA aims to be the leading voice in dermatology nursing. As such, it is important that we understand the value of research and disseminating our contributions to practice. Members are encouraged to participate in research and present their findings at the annual convention by showcasing a poster. They provide a detailed list of what should be included in your abstract and a template which visually depicts the final result.

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FOCUS Member Newsletter

FOCUS is the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) quarterly newsletter, featuring the latest DNA news, educational events, and dermatological information. It thrives on member-submitted content, making it a collaborative effort. When new newsletters are published, they are only accessible to members. But after a certain period of time, they are accessible to the public by visiting the website. I was fortunate to be the first one to write for FOCUS which I've written about before. Dr. Susan Taylor, President-Elect for 2025 of the American Academy of Dermatology, granted me permission to share her research team's study titled, Beyond the Hot Comb: Updates in Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment of Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia from 2011 to 2021.

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Dermatology Nurses' Association Membership

DNA offers many benefits and opportunities. A key qualifying feature is that you must be a member for two consecutive years at the time of application or participation. When it comes to membership, you must complete an application and pay a membership fee. The fee is based on the membership type. There are membership options for nurses, nurse practitioners, associates, students, a lifetime, and corporate. If you're not already a member of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA), I invite you to join today and tell them I sent you as part of their New Member Campaign which is currently running from October 2023 to October 2024.

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Kimberly Madison, DNP, AGPCNP-BC

I am a nurse practitioner with a passion for writing, entrepreneurship, education, and mentorship. I created this blog to share my journey as source of motivation and as a blueprint as you embark on your journey. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to increasing access to dermatology education and clinical training for aspiring and practicing nurse practitioners. I invite you to view the mission and vision statement on the homepage to see how we can best partner to make our dreams align.

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