History
In 1978, an informal meeting was held to discuss concerns and questions and to seek avenues for further education for dermatologic nursing. This meeting lead to increased attendance the next year and finally to the first educational program in 1980. In 1981 nurses from all areas of dermatologic practice met to explore the possibility of forming a professional association of nurses working in the dermatology field. The first official annual convention of DNA was held in 1982. In 1983 the first elected slate of officers was installed. The DNA has over 2,000 members with 19 local chapters. The first issue of DNA’s first journal, Dermatology Nursing, was published in 1989. The newsletter, DNA Focus, a highly informative quarterly publication has continued to develop in response to the members’ needs. The NP Society of the DNA was established in 2005-06 to meet the needs of DNA’s growing NP membership. DNA celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2007. DNA launched a new official journal in 2009, the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (JDNA) which celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2018. A new management model was implemented in 2015 along with a new management company. DNA’s 35th holds an Annual Convention that is widely attended by its membership.
Mission Statement
The Dermatology Nurses’ Association is a professional nursing organization comprised of diverse individuals who are committed to quality dermatologic care to provide exceptional patient outcomes through sharing knowledge and expertise.
Core Purpose:
To promote excellence in dermatological care.
Core Organizational Values:
- Integrity: Evidenced by transparent decisions, honest actions and ethical behavior consistent with an abiding respect for the dignity and value of individuals.
- Credibility: Evidenced by earned respect for empowering education, excellence in advocacy and quality resources that support growth and development of the individual and the profession.
- Visionary Leadership: Evidenced by innovative programs and services continually focused on advancing the interests and meeting the needs of our patients and profession in a changing world.
- Collaboration: Evidenced by an inclusive culture that appreciates the value of diverse perspectives, the power of common vision, and the satisfaction of equalitarian relationships among peers, mentors and friends.
Vision:
DNA will be the global authority for knowledge and expertise in dermatology care.
Vivid Description of a Desired Future:
DNA is at the hub of a vibrant global network of dermatology care providers. Health care professionals from around the world access DNA’s knowledge and expertise in dermatology care through a wide variety of high quality educational resources including a premiere journal, international conferences and cutting edge technology. DNA members serve as content experts, educators, and advisors in collaborative health initiatives to assure inclusion of the dermatology nursing perspective. Because DNA is consistently quoted in reputable media, patients and consumers look to DNA for accurate and up-to-date information about skin health and disease prevention measures. DNA’s influence on governments assures that there is equitable access to dermatology care.
