In addition to feature articles, as a special addition in this issue, there are two editorials from the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA) Board members. The first is written by Sarah Neider and is introducing what we hope will become a regular column for the journal. Our hope is that we can have a recurring department both about and for the medical assistant demographic of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA). Medical assistants make up about one out of every five DNA members, and we want our readers to know that their educational needs are important to us. Ms. Neider has been strongly advocating for medical assistants who are part of the DNA and hopes that many of you will contribute to this column. Please consider submitting your ideas to this column; because it's still newly being developed, there are many possibilities for what can be included here. Maybe you have an idea that would help streamline the flow of patients in an office setting, or perhaps, you would like to share a pearl that you've learned from working with surgical patients. Please consider sharing your knowledge and expertise so that we, both nurses and patients alike, can benefit.
The second editorial in this issue was written by Patti Paull. Ms. Paull joined the JDNA's editorial board last year and is instrumental in helping make the final journal content finely polished. She joins the JDNA after many years in higher education and with a strong background in some of the things that I think tend to make nurses nervous-grammar, sentence structure, and composition. Her command of the English language and good writing keeps all of us on our toes. Her editorial is an explanation of why dermatology nurses should get in the habit of writing well, along with a little bit of encouragement asking you to do so. I know this is daunting to consider for many of us. Please do know the JDNA has offered, and will continue to offer, support in these areas. We are committed to having your work represented well. So, please do share with us-we will be looking for your contributions.
On Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the DNA's annual conference in Orlando, Florida, the JDNA will be hosting a Writers Workshop. Please consider joining myself and the Editorial Board of the JDNA for this important session. At this breakfast conference session, you will have the opportunity to bring your manuscript, or ideas, and get instant and important feedback, encouragement, and advice about your work. This is an ideal workshop for both the novice as well as the experienced author. Designed in an informal, round-table format, this workshop will give you the time to talk about your writing and discuss publication in the JDNA. Please considering joining us for this event, but keep in mind that this is limited to the first 50 people who register, so be sure to reserve your spot! You can start your conference registration here: http://www.dnanurse.org/education/annual-convention.
As many of you know, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins has again committed to giving JDNA writers three Writing Awards for 2014. As in the past, the three writing categories will be as follows: The Best Clinical Article, Best Research Article, and the Most Viewed on JDNAonline.com Article. Please consider submitting your best work, so that you are eligible for consideration to receive one of these awards. I would be thrilled to present you with one of these awards at the 2015 Annual DNA Meeting in Las Vegas, NV.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Angela L. Borger
Editor-in-Chief