A dermatology nurse works within the field of medical dermatology, which the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) describes as clinical practice which involves “the evaluation, diagnosis, planning, and treatment of cutaneous presentations, conditions, and diseases which affect the skin, hair, and nails. Pathology will range from common conditions like acne or eczema to more complex presentations such as bullous disease or cutaneous lymphoma.”
The DNA says there are a variety of subspecialties in dermatology practice—including pediatric, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
What Does a Dermatology Nurse Do?
Dermatology nurses can be registered nurses (RNs) or nurse practitioners (NPs)—who may also be referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
A dermatology nurse’s duties are specific to the nurse’s credentials and setting of care. They may include:
Conducting patient assessments
Documenting the patient’s symptoms and health history in the medical record
Creating the patient’s plan of care and updating it as needed
Providing ongoing patient monitoring
Assisting the dermatologist with procedures
Providing wound care, including the removal of sutures
Administering treatments and medications
Operating medical equipment
Teaching the patient about the skin condition involved and the treatment plan
A nurse who is a dermatology NP is permitted to provide a much broader scope of care, depending upon state practice laws.
The DNA provides an overview of the types of duties for which a dermatology NP may be responsible.
“Dermatology NPs identify the patient’s need for dermatologic care using comprehensive assessment and diagnostic reasoning to elicit relevant data about a patient’s condition,” the DNA says. “The process includes conducting a comprehensive health history, medication review, and the interpretation of laboratory studies and pathology reports to establish a differential diagnosis.”
Additionally, the DNA says a dermatology NP “consults and refers to dermatologists, dermatopathologists, dermatology surgeons, oncologists, rheumatologists, primary care providers, and many other health care professionals as appropriate to provide comprehensive care.”
How Much Does a Dermatology Nurse Make Per Year?
According to salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses was $81,220 in May 2022—with half of nurses earning more than that amount and half earning less. Wages of nurses in the lowest 10 percent averaged $61,250. Wages of nurses in the highest 10 percent averaged $129,400.
The BLS does not provide a pay breakdown according to specialty but does provide median annual wages for registered nurses according to general categories of work location. Since most dermatology nurses care for patients in doctors’ offices and clinics, the following BLS mean annual salary may apply:
Office of physicians: $79,810
Outpatient care centers: $97,200
However, a dermatology nurse practitioner will earn a higher wage. According to BLS salary data, the median annual wage for nurse practitioners was $121,610 in May 2022—with half of nurse practitioners earning more than that amount and half earning less. Wages of nurse practitioners in the lowest 10 percent averaged $87,340. Wages of nurse practitioners in the highest 10 percent averaged $165,240.
Since most dermatology nurse practitioners care for patients in doctors’ offices and clinics, the following BLS mean annual salary may apply:
Office of physicians: $121,880
Outpatient care centers: $134,030
Offices of other health practitioners: $112,660
The salary of a dermatology nurse is also influenced by factors such as education, experience, and geographical region of the country.
RNs must also be licensed in the state in which they work. Licensure can be obtained by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meeting any additional requirements of the state’s board of nursing. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) offers a resource to determine state-based nursing licensure requirements. A dermatology nurse can also obtain specialty certification by meeting eligibility requirements and taking the exam to earn the Dermatology Nurse Certified (DNC) credential.
According to the DNA, the dermatology nursing certification examination is designed to measure the nurse’s ability to:
“Assess and monitor the status of patients with dermatologic disorders before, during, and after treatment. (30%)
Plan, administer (or assist others to administer), and monitor the medical, surgical, and phototherapeutic interventions for patients with dermatologic disorders. (30%)
Select appropriate strategies to meet the educational, health promotion, and psycho-socio-cultural needs of dermatology patients, their significant others, and the community. (29%)
Coordinate care to ensure safe, efficient delivery of high-quality dermatology care, in collaboration with other healthcare providers and community resources. (11%)”
Dermatology nurses who are nurse practitioners are licensed registered nurses who obtain at least a master’s degree in their specialty role, pass a national certification exam, and hold an APRN license in their state. A dermatology nurse who is a nurse practitioner can obtain specialty certification by meeting eligibility requirements and taking the exam to earn the Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP) credential.
What Are the Benefits of Being a Dermatology Nurse?
Being a dermatology nurse offers a variety of benefits, including the ability to:
Work in office settings with regular hours
Enjoy a fast-paced environment
Make a big difference in the lives of patients and their families
A 2020 research paper about the role of dermatology nurses in treating atopic dermatitis described the positive impact they make: “Dermatology nurse specialists play a central role in the assessment and management of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis patients and families. This places them in an ideal position to build strong and often long-term relationships with patients and parents. Such engagement promotes trust, assists in setting realistic expectations of treatment and outcomes, and enhances self-management and engagement in their own care. Providing emotional support, as well as formal and systematic education (including individualised practical advice) all contribute to improved treatment adherence and can enhance the quality of life of patients and their families throughout the course of this long-term condition.”
Additional Resources About Becoming a Dermatology Nurse
To learn more about becoming a dermatology nurse, these additional resources may help:
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