For those of you who have been reading along this year, I have tried to focus a bit of each editorial on how our practices operate, from how we educate our patients to how the patient experiences your waiting room and office to how you interact with your coworkers. The last idea to examine is to look at our practices themselves. In talking to many of you at each annual convention, I know that there is a rich diversity in the types of practices represented in the Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA). Some are private, single-physician practices; some are large, university-based practices; and some are nurse-practitioner-owned and nurse-practitioner-operated practices. The particulars of the structure of your practice, where the office is physically located, the hours you may be open for patient care, and the flexibility of the practice for both patients and employees alike may all differ based on different practice models. However, what I do know is that each practice is offering top quality dermatology care to patients across the country and beyond. This quality of care is evidenced by your participation in the DNA and your reading of our Journal.
I would be interested to know if any of you have recently changed something about your practice or how it operates. I am interested to know how you decided something needed to be changed and how you approached this topic with your office management. How did the change affect you and your coworkers? The patients? Hearing how others approach change in the workplace is always valuable, and I'd love to share your stories, both the successful and the challenging, with readers.
Speaking of change, I know that change can be big, scary, and bold; it can be overwhelming and satisfying. I wanted to share with you my recent big changes. After 22 years of living away from my family and where I grew up, I have moved home to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This opportunity came rather unexpectedly, and I took much consideration in making the decision. On the surface, there were about 30 reasons to move back, ranging from my 96-year-old grandfather to my 2- and 4-year-old nieces, plus all the relatives in between! After that careful consideration, however, I realized that this new opportunity offered me many professional benefits and possibilities for growth as well. I am joining a practice that allows me to combine several of my favorite clinical interests including dermatology, otolaryngology, allergy, and cosmetics. I know many of you are experts in the use of lasers for a variety of purposes, but to date, I haven't had the opportunity to have these experiences. This is one area of my practice I am looking forward to developing. Plus, I have to admit, it's nice to be back in an office with a liquid nitrogen gun[horizontal ellipsis]like all is right with the world again!
I have to admit that the process of moving has been overwhelming and exhausting at times. I know this change offers new beginnings, new challenges, and new opportunities. This change has pushed me to strengthen my limitations and has forced me to grow as an individual. Honestly, it's not always been all that fun. I am guessing it's the same in any practice, too. Change can be invigorating and make for great outcomes, and I am hoping that, once the proverbial "dust" settles, I will be able to share all my great stories with you. So, can I ask, how have you changed and grown lately? How has your office experienced change, and how were the outcomes? Were the changes as rewarding as I am hoping my story will be? Perhaps, you have a story about how change has affected a particular patient of yours and you are able to share.
One thing that does not change and that we can always count on is that the DNA and the conference planning committee have been working on developing a superb annual convention to be held on February 14-17, 2018. This next annual convention will be at the Sheraton Hotel and Marina in San Diego, CA, and I am hoping you can education and collegiality with dermatology nurses. I am confident that, with the diverse programming, there will be a full lineup of quality educational events to fulfill continuing education requirements as well as to fulfill your individual learning needs and objectives. Won't you come join us?
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Angela L. Borger
Editor in Chief
mailto:[email protected]
PS. If you are ever planning to visit Gettysburg, be sure to contact me. I'm always interested in meeting with dermatology nurses!