Press Room / DNA in the News

DNA widens efforts to shine media spotlight on members and the dermatology nursing specialty.

You know the value of your work as a dermatology nurse. Now is the time to show it to the rest of the world.

DNA has an ongoing public relations program designed to get dermatology nurses in the news and gain exposure for the association. To do this, DNA National Office staff members contact reporters and editors in nursing, health care, and lay media, encouraging them to spotlight the role of dermatology nurses and the importance of this ever-changing specialty. DNA also sends press releases about the association’s news and events to selected media lists.

News exposure helps fulfill one of the association’s strategic goals: “DNA and its members will be recognized and respected as experts in the field of dermatologic nursing care.”

Getting in the news is always a challenge, and we’re asking you to help. Let us know if you have an idea to gain exposure for DNA, a DNA member, or dermatology nursing in general. You can contact Public Relations Specialist Alison Dickman (alison@comsolutionsgroup.com; 215-884-6499). Alison will provide media training for you, and materials about DNA and dermatology nursing for the reporter. Also, please let Alison know if someone from the media calls you for an interview.

Your next question is most likely “What is newsworthy?” The foremost thing reporters and editors look for is something that affects many people. Some examples: a program to educate the public about skin cancer prevention; a new treatment for psoriasis; results of a research study on burns from laser hair removal; the effects of the iPledge program on Accutane patients. The media also looks for things that are unique, timely, and emotionally compelling.

DNA and its members have tremendous potential for media exposure, and there is increasing media interest in the specialty, according to DNA President Melodie Young, MSN, RN, A/GNP. She added that DNA’s growing library of news clips “demonstrates the value of our members to public information sources and will provide more opportunities for dermatology nurses to speak as experts in the field.”

With today's nursing shortage, it has become essential to promote dermatology nursing practice, and nursing in general. Historically, nurses have been media shy and do not consider educating the public about nurses as part of their practice, but it is. It is up to you to help enlighten the world about what dermatology nurses do, as well as the importance of your role.

DNA 2006 Media Coverage

To give you a sense of DNA's media exposure during the past year, we have compiled a list that summarizes articles featuring DNA and its members.

Advance for LPNs (March 27, 2006), “Dermatology LPNs Work in a Very Visual specialty”
Elaine Martinez, LPN, Chair of DNA’s LPN Task Force, was quoted throughout this article, which describes opportunities for LPNs in dermatology and in DNA. The article also includes details about phototherapy. Elaine notes that DNA is one of the few professional nursing organizations that is inclusive of LPNs in all roles.
Minority Nurse (Spring 2006), “Culture is Skin Deep: Why America Needs More Minority Dermatology Nurses”
This in-depth feature article was the cover story for this issue of Minority Nurse. It includes interviews with Marrise Phillips (DNA past president), Cecilia Ardila, Cathy Boeck (DNA past president), and Barbara McKeehen (DNA director). The article presents dermatology nursing practice, the training and experience needed to practice in the specialty, and focuses on minority nurses who practice in dermatology. The piece also includes a sidebar about DNA’s NP Society, the DNA Web site, dermatology nursing certification, and other DNA education programs.
www.RN.com (March 6, 2006), “Dermatology Nurses’ Association Introduces New Nurse Practitioner Society”
DNA’s new NP Society is described in this short article published in the Organizational News section. The piece notes Janice Chussil’s selection as chair and Cathleen Case as chair-elect. The DNA Web site is included.
NurseWeek, Mountain West edition (March 27, 2006)
This article was published March 27, 2006 in the NurseLink section. It notes that Janice Chussil was appointed chair of DNA's NP Society and provides brief details about the society. A photo of Janice is included.
Advance for Nurses (March 14, 2006), “Dermatology Nurses’ Association Forms New Nurse Practitioner Society”
An article published in National News section on the site’s main page describes DNA's NP Society and links to DNA's Web site.
www.RN.com (March 20, 2006), Writers from Sloan-Kettering Clinic Win Dermatology Nursing Journal Award
Deborah Phelan and her co-authors are announced as winners of DNJ’s 2005 writer’s awards, and the journal is described as DNA’s official journal.
Nursing Spectrum, New York/New Jersey edition (April 24, 2006)
A short article in the NurseLink section cites Deborah Phelan and co-authors from Memorial Sloan Kettering as winners of the Dermatology Nursing journal Writer’s Award.
NurseWeek, California and Mountain West editions (May 8, 2006), “Before and After. Esthetic Nurses Perform Beauty Treatments That Go More Than Skin Deep”
This feature-length article summarizes role of esthetic nurses, benefits for nurses, and the need for certification. In the article, DNA President Melodie Young advises consumers to be cautious when seeking such procedures and says terms like “medical esthetician” can often be misleading or confusing.
Nursing Spectrum, New York/New Jersey edition (May 22, 2006), “Dermatology Nurses Association supports efforts to resolve iPLEDGE program”
A short article in the Area News section announces DNA’s support of the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) efforts to resolve problems with the iPLEDGE program. The article explains how both DNA and AAD supported delaying the program until difficulties were handled.
Nursing Spectrum, Philadelphia/New Jersey/Delaware edition (May 22, 2006), “New Society for Dermatology NPs”
This article was published in the Area News section, and announces DNA’s new Nurse Practitioner Society, with Janice Chussil named chair and Cathleen Case chair-elect. DNA’s Web site is also provided. The article describes how the new organization will develop and provide education activities for NPs.
Yahoo Finance, http://biz.yahoo.com (May 30, 2006)
An article about the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) “Play Safe in the Sun” program in New Jersey outlines the campaign and mentions that local DNA members will offer volunteer nurse support.
Yahoo Finance, http://biz.yahoo.com (June 12, 2006), “New Jersey Dermatologists Help Throngs of Golf Fans Play Safe in the Sun”
The WDS event listed above is recapped in this article. It names local members of DNA – Joan Johnson, Maria Kolarsick, and Suzanne Warfield – who participated.
CBS 11 TV - Dallas/Ft. Worth (July 20, 2006), “Medical Procedures Come to the Mall”
This television segment describes how Dallas spa services are now offering Botox, laser technology, and other such cosmetic treatments in malls. DNA President Melodie Young is interviewed. She suggests patients use caution with such decisions, and also says patients should have privacy not available in a mall setting.
Nursing Assistant Monthly (July 2006), “Skin Cancer – Making a Difference. An Interview With Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN”
DNA member Maryellen Maguire-Eisen is featured in this Q & A format article. Maryellen describes why she got involved in preventing skin cancer, and answers questions about the disease and early detection.
www.meetings.net (August 7, 2006), “Kudos to Dermatology Nursing”
This blog entry congratulates DNJ for winning the Gold Circle Award from the Center for Association Leadership.
Courier-Post (a New Jersey daily newspaper) (August 21, 2006), “Dermatology Nurses appoints Brennan”
A short article announces Michael Brennan as DNA’s new executive director.
Beauty Bulletin, www.cosmeticscop.com (an electronic newsletter on skin and beauty products) (August 17, 2006)
This e-newsletter cites Dermatology Nursing journal, December 2005 issue, in a section about dermabrasion and scarring.
American Chronicle (September 2006), “Prevent Acne Scars by Reducing Inflammation”
This article quotes research published in Dermatology Nursing journal on “The Skin’s Antioxidant Systems.”
The Patient Centered Dermatology Practice (newsletter) (October 2006), “Making the Most of Medical Assistants. MAs Can Deliver for Dermatologists and Their Patients”
An overview of the Medical Assistant (MA) role in a dermatology practice is presented in this article, as well as how hire and train MAs. The article encourages professional development and suggests dermatology offices support MAs professionally by paying for their membership in DNA. DNA President Melodie Young is quoted and the DNA Web site is included.
Metropolitan Nurse, www.metropolitannurse.com (October 24, 2006), “Dermatology Nursing Publishes Supplement on Psoriatic Disease and Psoriatic Arthritis”
The contents of the DNJ supplement and Melodie Young’s reviews of current research on psoriatic disease are described in this article, which was published in the Industry News section. The article includes links to the DNJ home page and a photograph of the journal.