Position Statement
Role of the Nurse Practitioner in Dermatology:
The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise.
The core purpose of the DNA is to promote excellence in dermatological care. (https://www.dnanurse.org)
As a sector of the DNA, the Nurse Practitioner Society (NPS), shares this common purpose. The NPS supports the nurse practitioner practicing in dermatology by providing evidence-based educational resources, professional networking opportunities, leadership opportunities, and by setting standards of practice in order to provide our patients with quality dermatological care. We accept as true that the dermatology nurse practitioner must demonstrate integrity in actions and behaviors, a steadfast respect for the unique needs of those we serve and act as leaders in advancing our profession and the well-being of our patients. We believe that the 150-year history of professional nursing and the ongoing evolution of the advanced practice nurse role, have developed a unique and valuable set of skills that have a role in dermatology. This role will continue to evolve; requiring dermatology nurse practitioners, and organizations that support them, to recognize the value of diversity, the strength of a common vision and the importance of collaboration.
The dermatology nurse practitioner is licensed in the state(s) where they practice as an advanced practice nurse and has attained specialized skills in dermatology. The dermatology nurse practitioner practices in accordance with applicable state practice acts or compacts. The dermatology nurse practitioner may work in collaboration with other health care professionals to assess, diagnose and manage a patient’s health care needs1. This management of health care needs places emphasis on making the patient an integral part of the decision-making process, taking into consideration their cultural traditions, their personal preferences and values, their family situations, and their lifestyles2. Nurse practitioners in dermatology should strive to attain certification in dermatology by successfully fulfilling the educational, practice, and written examination requirements such as those put forth by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board (DNCB).
The overriding objective in attaining, maintaining and advancing these skills, and obtaining certification will be recognition as respected providers of dermatological care in accordance with their training, education and scope of practice (that may differ widely based on state of practice).
1American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2015) Scope of Practice for Nurse Practitioners. Retrieved at https://www.aanp.org/images/documents/publications/scopeofpractice.pdf
2Committee on Quality of Health Care in America, Institute of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA: National Academies Press; 2001.