Best Interests for Dermatology Nursing and Our Patients

I am so fortunate that I am privileged to write this particular editorial immediately after attending the 2024 Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) Annual Convention in San Diego, California. I am sure that, like many of you, I am always energized and enthusiastic after spending several days with passionate dermatology nurses. Each year, I am afforded the opportunity to spend a few days with friends and colleagues, discussing the state of dermatology nursing and reviewing dermatology topics pertinent to our practices. I have been attending the annual DNA Convention for over 20 years, and although sometimes the topics themselves are similar, what I truly appreciate is that we are able to gather to hear the updates in science related to the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of these conditions. In many cases, to see the changes in disease management outcomes as a result of new advances in pharmacology that result in the development of not just new medications but also the development of new classes of medication has been gratifying. Having up-to-date pharmacotherapeutic information will help with selecting the best treatment options for individuals. Having a wide armamentarium available from which to choose will allow for patients to have the most specific and individualized options available to them. This is always in the patient's best interest, and I am glad dermatology nurses have access to the knowledge we need to provide personalized care. Speaking of best interests, the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA) is always looking for volunteers whose commitments and efforts support the best interests of the JDNA. That I am always looking for enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate dermatology nurses who are willing to take the extra step in moving dermatology nursing forward on behalf of the JDNA is certainly no secret. For those of you who did have the opportunity to attend the recent DNA Convention in San Diego, you know I have been often front and center talking to dermatology nurses, inviting them to become a JDNA volunteer. Thankfully, several dermatology nurses answered the call and have agreed to consider serving as authors, peer reviewers, and Editorial Board members over the next year. If you were one to sign up, please know we'll make sure to touch base over time to continue to assess your interests and help you in maximizing your volunteering efforts with the JDNA. And now, I would like to introduce a few of the dermatology nurses who have recently agreed to serve on the Editorial Board of the JDNA. We have several recent additions to the Editorial Board, with each individual bringing an immense background of dermatology nursing experience and enthusiastic about participating with the generation of knowledge and content for the JDNA. A dermatology nurse practitioner from Virginia, Faye Lyons, DNP, FNP-BC (Figure 1), states, “I am honored to be selected for the Editorial Board of the JDNA. Serving on the Board is a new experience for me and will be an exciting challenge. As a military veteran, I hope to represent veterans and address any issues of the skin that they have as a result of their service. I also have a background in aesthetics that could be resourceful. I look forward to contributing new ideas and topics for this journal.” She brings a varied and experienced background in dermatology nursing. I think her expertise will serve the mission and purpose of the Editorial Board well.FIGURE 1.: Faye Lyons, DNP, FNP-BC.The JDNA also welcomes Michelle Lee (Figure 2), an active DNA member from Toronto, Canada, to the Editorial Board. Michelle Lee, BScN, RN, IWWC, DNC, is a pediatric nurse with almost 20 years of dermatology nursing expertise in the Section of Dermatology at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. Her interests lie in skin fragility and wound care, and she actively participates in the epidermolysis bullosa specialty clinic. She writes, “My experience includes working at one of Canada's largest pediatric hospitals, where I collaborated with other healthcare professionals to create standards of care for common and rare disorders. Additionally, I have served on various committees that drive improvements, standards, and collaboration, including the CDNA Eastern Chapter of the DNA and Toronto's SickKids Outpatient Professional Practice Committee (OPPC). I am particularly passionate about the role of nurses in dermatology care, and sharing our expertise in this field is critical. My strength lies in finding and collaborating with healthcare professionals, such as specialty nurses, allied health, and medical partners, to provide a comprehensive perspective on dermatology care for pediatric patients and strategies for improving outcomes and enhancing the patient experience. I am thrilled at the prospect of sharing my insights and contributing to the ongoing dialogue in dermatology nursing.” Michelle already has many good ideas for potential article ideas for the JDNA, and we welcome her input for new ideas. Her passion for dermatology nursing is sure to benefit the Journal.FIGURE 2.: Michelle Lee, BScN, RN, IWWC, DNC.Jessica Simmons, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CWON, DNC (Figure 3), also joins the JDNA Editorial Board. Many of you may know her from her extensive volunteer work with the DNA. She has served the DNA in various positions including on the Nominating Committee, the Health Political Action and Advocacy Committee, the Financial Oversight Committee, and more recently, the DNA Board of Directors. She is also active with the Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board, having had several roles with them as well over the years. Jessica writes, “As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) and certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), I have dedicated my career to advancing the fields of nursing and patient care. My board certifications in Wound Ostomy Nursing (CWON) and Dermatology Nursing (DNC) reflect my commitment to specialized care, particularly in the realms of Internal Medicine, Skin/Wound Ostomy, and Hyperbaric Medicine. I have firsthand experience in the rigor and dedication required to contribute valuable knowledge to our field. My interest in joining the editorial board of the JDNA stems from my belief in the journal's critical role in disseminating current, evidence-based dermatology nursing knowledge. I view the JDNA as an indispensable resource that aids in keeping my practice informed and up-to-date. Serving on the editorial board represents a unique opportunity for me to engage more deeply with the publication process, broadening my understanding and contributing to the excellence and integrity of the journal. I am eager to bring my specialized knowledge in wound care, coupled with my extensive clinical and leadership experience, to enrich the breadth and depth of dermatological nursing topics covered by the JDNA. I am committed to leveraging my background and skills to support the JDNA's mission, ensuring it continues to be a leading resource for dermatology nursing professionals worldwide. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the editorial excellence of the JDNA, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices that will ultimately enhance patient care and outcomes in dermatology nursing.” As you can see, she has had a remarkable leadership journey and has a deep understanding and commitment to the nursing profession. I welcome her participation with the JDNA and am hopeful that you, the readers, will benefit from her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism.FIGURE 3.: Jessica Simmons, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CWON, DNC.Please join me in welcoming these dermatology nurses as they start their volunteer service on the Editorial Board. I know we are all looking forward to their contributions. My hope is that as we progress in the year, I will have the privilege of introducing new Editorial Board members with you. If you think you might be interested in serving, don't hesitate to let us know; we look forward to having conversations with all dermatology nurses about how you'd like to be involved with the JDNA. I'd like to be one of the first to encourage you to save the date for the annual DNA Convention in March 2025. The March 2025 annual convention will be held in Orlando, Florida, and although I am sure the program planning committee is just beginning the hard work of bringing together speakers and presentations, I am confident that next year's annual convention will not disappoint in its ability to provide world-class dermatology nursing knowledge to attendees. So be sure to be on the lookout for further announcements about this annual event; I'd love for everyone to plan their schedules to allow for you to be in attendance. I will look forward to talking more about this event as specific details about the event are confirmed! As always, looking forward to hearing from you, Angela L. Borger Editor-in-Chief [email protected] Angela L. Borger

Fetched live from OpenAlex and de-inverted. Abstracts are not stored in this database: the inverted indexes are 8.6 GB of the frame’s 9.3 GB of text, and the host has 13 GB free.