Grow With the DNA

© 2025 HMP Global. All Rights Reserved.
Any views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and/or participants and do not necessarily reflect the views, policy, or position of The Dermatologist or HMP Global, their employees, and affiliates.

As the only dermatology nursing organization with over 40 years in existence, the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is proud to provide nurses and other dermatology staff with opportunities to grow in their career through its scope and standards of practice document, an annual convention, an online on-demand continuing education (CE) center, certification information/education for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and RNs, professional publications, and leadership development volunteer opportunities. The DNA mission to foster growth, both professionally and educationally, is encapsulated in the spirit of collaboration and development that comes with being a part of the DNA community. Within the DNA, dermatology staff can build a stronger, more connected network with peers who support each other’s successes. DNA members belong to a thriving community where personal growth, education, and career advancement are priorities.

Scope and Standards of Practice

Developed with contributions from dermatology nursing experts, the DNA’s Dermatology Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice for APRNs and RNs provides educational guidelines, diversity in practice considerations, and competencies for both levels of nurses. The DNA has also developed and will soon publish competencies for medical assistants in the field as we continue striving to incorporate all members of the team to ensure everyone is held to the highest standards while providing evidence-based care leading to excellent patient outcomes.

Educational Resources

The DNA is an accredited CE provider through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. DNA CE, including pharmacotherapeutic credits for nurse practitioners (NPs), is offered in various formats, including during our annual convention—the longest standing dermatology nursing convention—and in our CE center.

We are getting ready to hold our 44th meeting in March 2026 in Denver, CO, directly preceding the American Academy of Dermatology meeting. The DNA annual convention provides the opportunity to hear expert speakers discuss evidence-based dermatology information, meet and network with colleagues, be mentored, and develop lifetime friendships.

The DNA CE center has more than 100 individual offerings, including on-demand and self-paced workshops. Currently, a phototherapy workshop is available. The dermatology nursing essentials workshop is soon to be added, with an aesthetics workshop planned for later this year. In addition, the DNA promotes NP and RN certification, with review courses in our CE center to assist in examination preparation. These courses provide a great knowledge base, even if one is not planning to sit for a certification examination; however, we include RN certification information on our website and a link to the NP certification website for those pursuing these credentials.

We also have several official publications to foster knowledge and information. Launched in 2009, the peer-reviewed Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (JDNA) provides an opportunity for nurses and others in the dermatology field to publish their research so others can gain evidence-based information to accelerate their learning and knowledge base. Dermatologic Nursing Essentials: A Core Curriculum, 3rd Edition, is our professional resource for nurses who are training, studying for certification examinations, and/or practicing in the skin care field. It not only assists dermatology nurses and/or staff to provide evidence-based patient care; it can also be used as a resource for all health care professionals to gain knowledge of the skin.

Leadership Development

There are a number of leadership development opportunities available within the DNA, such as committees completing work to contribute to the growth and well-being of the organization and task forces formed as needed to complete short-term assignments. Other opportunities include being a peer reviewer for educational offerings or JDNA articles.

Opportunities Await

We hope that dermatology nurses and staff become members of our organization to advance their expertise, connect with a powerful community, be heard and involved, and be recognized for their successes. Invest in your dermatology team’s future by providing the opportunity for them to join the DNA to help them grow and be an asset to patients and the work environment. We invite you to explore the numerous tools and resources available to enhance any dermatology team member’s practice located on the DNA website at www.dnanurse.org.