A Dermatology Nurse often works in an actual dermatology office although this professional also works within medical spa, medical clinic, and cosmetic surgery clinic environments. Working under the supervision of a Dermatologist, this type of nurse provides support in the treatment of various skin conditions to include eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and acne. However, a Dermatology Nurse might also work for a Dermatologist who offers people a number of rejuvenation treatments as a means of creating a more youthful appearance or someone who specializes in corrective procedures such as reducing the appearance of scarring.
Dermatology Nursing Career, Role of a Dermatology Nurse
A career as a Dermatology Nurse is highly specialized in providing care but also educating patients about issues of the skin, whether in the form of conventional problems or something more severe such as disease or wound. In addition to providing diagnosis, this type of nurse provides acute treatment, as well as long-term management based on the type of dermatological condition. As a general rule, the responsibilities associated with being a Dermatology Nurse include the following:
• Diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with dermatology conditions
• Helping patients understand the different treatment options
• Offering advice to referring General Practitioners, as well as other healthcare professionals
• Consulting patients and sometimes family members on the problem but also potential solution
Dermatology Nurse Educational Requirements
As a specialized area of medicine, a Dermatology Nurse must be a currently licensed Registered Nurse, which means completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an accredited college or university. While not mandatory, earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree would prove beneficial in opening doors of opportunity and earning a higher salary.
In addition to the Bachelor’s degree, often a Dermatology Nurse will seek certification through the Dermatology Nursing Board Certification board, which involves the individual meeting eligibility criteria, as well as passing a written examination. Once this certification has been secured, testing would be required every three years to keep it current. It is also highly recommended that anyone interested in working as a Dermatology Nurse also take continuing courses.
Another requirement for this specialized nursing career is working in a clinical environment to gain hands-on experience while under proper supervision. During this time, the person would have exposure to a number of skin disorders, learn corrective techniques available such as photodynamic therapy, laser treatment, and pulsed light therapy, among others, and have the chance to learn the right way to interact with patients.
Dermatology Nurse Salaries
According to the latest statistical studies, the current salary for a Dermatology Nursing career is around $60,000. Keep in mind that geographic location, education, experience, and hiring facility or doctor would all be determining factors in the actual salary offered. As with most nursing positions, with an advanced degree and several years of experience, additional possibilities would open up specific to this nursing arena. Not only would this provide a more advanced nursing position but also provide the chance to make significantly more money.
Dermatology Nurse Opportunities
For one thing, patient demand for dermatology services is on the rise and is not expected to slow down. Experts estimate that over the next 10 years, numbers of people who use services of this kind is going to increase. In addition to this, thanks to technology and other medical breakthroughs, the types of medications and treatments now being offered by Dermatologist has expanded significantly. This means that for issues beyond the norm, the number of people who will use these services in the future is expected to grow. Therefore, securing a career as a Dermatology Nurse is not just rewarding but a secure nursing field to consider.
