The Mile High City of Denver, Colorado, is pleased to host the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) 38th Annual Convention from March 18 to March 21, 2020. The conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel and Convention Center. Convenient complimentary shuttles are available to and from Denver International Airport to the convention center. The theme for this year's conference is "Heightened Inspiration: Learning, Leading, Engaging in Dermatology Nursing" (Figure 1).
The first annual DNA convention was held in New Orleans in 1982. The field of dermatology nursing has grown exponentially since that time as dermatology nurses have made their niche as integral partners in the healthcare system. In 2008, the first Nurse Practitioner Forum was added to the annual convention to meet the needs of nurse practitioners working as healthcare providers in dermatology. Since the first convention in 1982, the DNA has continued to offer evidence-based educational opportunities for all attendees, including medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nurse practitioners. Through the course of its history, attendees' needs have changed with the expanding dermatology climate. In keeping with DNA's commitment to meet the needs of staff and providers working in the field of dermatology, the convention has expanded educational opportunities to include care of surgical wounds, care of the patient with Mohs micrographic surgery, care of the patient with chronic dermatology disorders, and care and management of the cosmetic patient, including neurotoxins, fillers, and laser procedures. The 2020 convention will offer 17 educational contact hours for the main convention sessions, accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. The Nurse Practitioner Forum will offer 12 additional educational contact hours, accredited through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. In addition, attendees may register for the postconvention Special Interest Workshops, which will award an additional credit of 7.5 contact hours.
The DNA Awards and Business meeting will be held during the convention. Open to all attendees, select DNA members will be recognized for outstanding service to the community and will be awarded funds for advocacy scholarships as well as scholarships for nursing education. To nominate someone, including yourself, for a 2021 award in one of the above categories, please visit the DNA Web site at http://www.dnanurse.org.
In addition to educational opportunities, connect with colleagues from across the country and network with those new to the field of dermatology. There will be ample time to meet pharmaceutical representatives, thank them for their support, and learn about new treatment choices for patients. We are grateful to the pharmaceutical companies who support the educational opportunities offered by the DNA.
Exciting nighttime entertainment is planned as well, or you may take a ride to historic downtown Denver and walk the 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square, visit the newly renovated Union Station, and enjoy the excellent cuisine Denver has to offer. Registration is now open for the 2020 DNA Annual Convention. We look forward to seeing you in Denver!
Jane Glaze, BSN, RN, DNC, is the DNA 2019-2020 President. She states: "What better way to start the 'Year of the Nurse' than attending our annual DNA Convention? The DNA Planning Committee has worked diligently to provide you with a dynamic educational convention that includes the latest in clinical care and treatment, advocacy, and advances in research. We have many outstanding speakers including DNA members, American Academy of Dermatology physicians, and representatives from national product advocacy associations. Product theaters will be available from our industry partners. Above all, you will have time to network with dermatology colleagues from a variety of geographic areas and specialties. We look forward to hearing your input on topics related to DNA membership and more, as we move into the next decade of dermatology nursing. It is not too late to register! I look forward to greeting you in Denver."
Peggy Vernon, RN, MA, CPNP, DCNP, FAANP
DNA 2020 Program Chair
mailto:[email protected]
Castle Rock, Colorado