How to Become a Dermatology Nurse

Nurses serve an important function in assisting those with illness. Nurses typically work alongside doctors and others to provide medical care for patients. However, not all nursing work is the same; there are various specialties within nursing. Dermatology nursing is one nursing specialty. Dermatology nurses can work in a variety of settings. However, generally speaking, dermatology nurses work with dermatologists and patients who have skin problems or skin diseases. The path to being a dermatology nurse requires schooling and good interpersonal skills. If you have good academic skills, particularly in science courses, being a dermatology nurse might be a career worth considering.

Instructions

1. Get an RN degree in nursing from a two-year college or a bachelor's degree in nursing from a four-year college. The Registered Nurse or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree will include courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology and human development, and extensive coursework in nursing, including supervised work experience with patients. The RN or BSN will provide the basic academic preparation that you need to become a licensed nurse.

2. Pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed nurse. This exam assesses the skills that are needed to provide safe and effective nursing care. The exam is presented in a multiple-choice format and includes topics such as infection control, health promotion, psychosocial integrity, care and comfort of patients, reduction of risk, and pharmacology.

3. Work as a nurse in a dermatology work setting for two years at a hospital, health care center, private physician's office, university health care center or other health-related setting. During this two-year period, gain experience doing specific job tasks. You must have 2,000 hours of experience doing either general nursing (where you might do things such as skin cancer screenings, chemical peels, patient education or assisting with dermatological surgery), administrative work, teaching, or research as a dermatology nurse to sit for the dermatology nurse certification exam.

4. Pass the Dermatology Nurse Certified" (DNC) exam. Passing this exam demonstrates that you have attained specialized knowledge in dermatology nursing. The exam is a multiple-choice exam that includes topics such as general dermatology, surgical dermatology, infections, dermatitis, acne, rosacea and wounds, for example. Certification is valid for three years. Renewal of certification can be done by taking additional hours of continuing education or gaining credit by examination.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to gain education as a dermatology nurse through workshops or classes that are offered specifically for dermatology nurses. For example, the Dermatology Nurses' Association maintains a listing of workshops or courses that are available to dermatology nurses every year. Examples of course topics are dermatitis, immune-mediated inflammatory disease and topical acne medications.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Dermatology Nursing
• DNCB Certification Testing
• Dermatology Nurses Perform High-Quality Skin Cancer Screenings: Study