Becoming a Dermatology Nurse: Here’s What You Should Know

• Wondering if a role as a dermatology nurse is right for you? 
• Curious about what the job entails, the path to getting there, or what the salary is like? 
• Stick around, we’re answering your top asked questions on dermatology nursing! You don’t want to miss this! 

The Job Itself – What Will I Be Doing? Where Will I Be Working?

Online resource for nursing career paths, RegisteredNursing.org, defines a dermatology nurse as a provider who “specializes in the treatment and care of a variety of skin diseases and conditions.” 

According to Indeed, a few daily duties that a dermatology nurse might complete include: 

• Assisting with skin exams to diagnose patients 
• Monitoring patients’ medical history 
• Recording and reporting test results 
• Providing pre-operative care and patient education 
• Assisting in caring for patients’ post-operation 
• Performing and/or assisting with cosmetic procedures 
• Helping treat various skin wounds such as burns, ulcers, and skin tears 
• Educating patients on proper skincare 

A nurse in this career will have the option to work in many areas such as specific units within healthcare facilities, private practices, clinics, etc. Of course, some workplaces will be more stressful (and with higher stakes) than others, so whatever your work preference is, we are sure that there is a great opportunity for you in this field.  

Sounds great, right? 

Let’s talk about how you can get there! 

How Long Does It Take to Get There? Is It Competitive?

Wondering how long it is going to take to become a dermatology nurse? It might be faster than you think!  

Obtain a BSN Degree

Like any RN career, a prospective nurse must first obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) from a four-year program.  

Pass the NCLEX-RN Examination

The dreaded NCLEX, one of a nursing student’s biggest stressors.  

There are various study materials out there to help a student be as prepared for this exam as possible! If this is you, be sure to check them out!

Gain Clinical Experience

As a new grad RN, it might be difficult to immediately jump into a dermatology nursing job, but it is possible!  

However, it is also likely that most private practices will want providers with prior clinical experience, so do not get discouraged if a dermatology position is not your first job out of school.  

Experts at nurse.org recommend getting experience on the medical-surgical unit of a facility prior to applying for a dermatology nursing job.

Apply, Interview, and Begin Your Career

The time has come, and you are ready for your first dermatology nursing job!  

Practice interview questions, thoroughly read the job description, and prove that you are the best nurse for this role. You’ve got this!

What is the Pay Like? Is There Room for Advancement?

Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary for a dermatology nurse is $80,862!  

If skin care is your thing and you love to help people through your nursing expertise, then that’s a great salary to work with!  

Oppurtunities for Advancement or Job Perks

Want to specialize? Interested in working in aesthetics or cosmetic dermatology? These are just a few of the potential opportunities for advancement that you might be a great candidate for as a dermatology nurse! 

On top of that, dermatology nurses have great work-life balances! 

In most cases, if a nurse is working in either a private clinic or dermatology office, they are typically going to be working a 9-5 schedule. However, a hospital’s burn unit, for example, might require longer, or more inconsistent hours for its nursing staff.

Think you have what it takes to pursue a career as a dermatology nurse? 

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