Over the last 20 years, I have had the incredible privilege of becoming friends with some of the very best dermatology nurses in the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA). It is my immense honor that I have had the opportunity to benefit from the collective expertise of these colleagues and friends. Many of these dermatology nurses have practices that exemplify the very best of what dermatology nurses have to offer and, often, have been instrumental in helping to shape my own practice as a nurse practitioner. However, I also am acutely aware there are many fantastic dermatology nurses whom I have not yet had the chance to meet or become acquainted with, and this is where my next request begins. As I alluded to, I believe dermatology nurses to be enthusiastic, educated, articulate, and creative. I assume many of you are actively working to make your practices more efficient for the staff and beneficial for patients. So, would any of you be willing to share your "tips and tricks" that you've used over the years in the endeavor to make your patients have the best possible experience?
What I am asking is for you to share the small steps you take in your day-to-day practice that make things go a little more smoothly, offer time-savings in a busy practice, or help provide quality information and education to your patients. Would some of you consider sharing what you or others in your practice have done to streamline the daily effectiveness of your team? Maybe you've created a checklist or developed a document that is used repeatedly in your patient care? Maybe you have a tried-and-true way of doing something that just seems to work? Maybe your tips are individually specific, or maybe they are applicable to your general practice? In any case, I want to hear all about it; please consider sharing. If enough responses come in, I'd love to share these with readers at some point in the future. We all potentially have something to learn from each other, and I have no regrets saying that I would love to organize, compile, and distribute good tips and tricks! Will you help?
Speaking of sharing, it is with great enthusiasm I share with you that an experienced dermatology nurse and long-time friend of the DNA has agreed to serve on the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA) Editorial Board. Mary E. Nolan, MS, ANP-BC, DCNP, from Massachusetts is an ardent supporter of dermatology nursing and dermatology nurses. A long-standing member of the DNA, she states, "As co-developer and faculty of the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Post-graduate Nurse Practitioner (NP) program in Dermatology, I worked with many talented and passionate NPs seeking careers in dermatology. One aspect of the curriculum was the creation of a presentation/project that could be adapted to a publication, specifically with JDNA in mind. Several great papers have been submitted. I am hoping to encourage and support several of these NPs to further develop their project for publication." She goes on to say, "I will of course be available as a resource wherever needed." Please join me in welcoming her to the Editorial Board; we are looking forward to her participation and welcome her experience and influence having worked with many dermatology nurses.
By the time you read this Editorial, we are about halfway through the calendar year, which means the JDNA is at least halfway through our 15th year of publication celebration. Perhaps many of you have had the opportunity to read the JDNA Editorial outlining the history of the JDNA by Associate Editor Kyleen Davis published earlier this year. While I am extremely thankful to her for pulling this information together and this historical perspective is always vital for organizations, I also like to call your attention to looking forward and invite you to consider ways you may want to play a part in the next 15 years of the Journal. Have you been thinking about submitting a case study? Writing a review of a topic you see often in your clinical practice? Or submitting a well-thought-out Editorial about a controversial topic in current dermatology practice? We'd love to see it all and welcome your participation as we continue to publish; please consider reaching out if you have questions about how to take the next step to make this happen.
Finally, just a reminder to plan to attend the DNA's 42nd Annual Convention in San Diego, CA, from March 6 to 9, 2024. The theme is "Exceeding the Vision," and your participation is strongly encouraged and very much welcomed. Having a well-attended conference allows for exceptional networking and educational opportunities and is a demonstrable statement to the health of dermatology nursing. Please consider joining me at the 2024 Convention. You never know, I might just sit with you at one of the convention events and start asking about the tips and tricks you use in your practice!
As always, looking forward to hearing from you,
Angela L. Borger
Editor-in-Chief
[email protected]