Iam not usually one to spend too much time being sentimental, but lately, I have found myself being uncharacteristically nostalgic about the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA). I think it's because our 15th anniversary is coming up in a few months. I have been looking back over the articles, columns, projects, topics, and ideas that we have developed, tried to develop, or thought about developing. If you are a long-time reader, you have likely been the beneficiary of the fruition of some of these projects. Some of these ideas have come to be regular features in the JDNA. Some of the columns were strong in the past but may have fallen off recently. And, some of the projects haven't gotten off the ground yet but are still waiting in the wings.
Looking back, I don't think I completely understood at first exactly how much work it would take to transform all these ideas into actual publishable pieces for readers. It's always been my intention to have the articles and research featured in the JDNA be clinically applicable, at least to some of the readers. I reasonably understand that not every article will be as meaningful to every single reader; that's just a reflection of the variety of our practices. But I am hoping you find some articles on each issue that you consider meaningful. Are there particular articles you recall being a standout in your mind? I asked in the last Editorial for you to share your highlights about how the JDNA has influenced your dermatology nursing practice. There is still time to share if you have a favorite issue or article, have a photo that resulted in you making a good observation in clinic, or, perhaps, just have an article that you thought was really well written. Don't hesitate to email me your favorite memories!
Articles don't happen without authors to write them. But in a peer-reviewed journal, the publication process itself doesn't happen without peer reviewers. Over the years, both authors and peer reviewers have been instrumental in the development of articles featured in the JDNA, and they will continue to be instrumental. For the JDNA to continue being a successful journal reflecting the dermatology nursing practices of our Dermatology Nurses' Association members and readers of the journal, we need individuals or groups interested in being authors and peer reviewers. There are many articles written in the nursing literature about being an author and/or peer reviewer. Some of the peer review resources are linked on the JDNA's website under the "For Reviewers" tab at https://journals.lww.com/jdnaonline/Documents/Why%20peer%20review%20(1).pdf. Would you consider becoming an author or peer reviewer for the JDNA? If you have an interest, please feel free to reach out to me; I'd love to talk to you about options.
I think my sentimentality about the JDNA stems from the amount of time I spend thinking about the Journal, which admittedly is likely much more time than you spend thinking about the JDNA. This is reasonable as an editor and practitioner invested in the Journal's importance and success, right? But I bet many of you spend more time getting dermatology information from other sources also. I'd be interested in knowing if there are dermatology nursing podcasts that you regularly listen to, if you have your "go-to" resource that provides you with timely and accurate dermatology information, or if you have found a source of dermatology nursing knowledge on some of the newer social media platforms such as Instagram or TikTok. Or perhaps you have a favorite YouTube channel that you think everyone should know about. Would you consider sharing your favorite resources? If there is enough interest, I can share in a future editorial the helpful resources that you are all using.
Although most of my time is spent thinking, daydreaming, and strategizing about the JDNA, I have to admit I have other interests also. As some of you know, I took up soap making right before COVID-19 developed-what good timing right? I thought, after all these years of talking to patients about skin care, I should try my hand at directly making the soap I was using. It has been a learning curve, including a lot of video watching to learn what other soap makers do. But now I know the basics and I am 100% aware of what goes into the products I am using. Don't get me wrong; I haven't abandoned all the commercially available gentle, sensitive-skin products. I use those, too, but I just find now I use several products each day! In addition to soap making, I also pretend I am a quilter. I have several collections I try to keep up-to-date with new additions, and I have a developing interest in beekeeping and gardening.
Enough about my interests though; I want to know more about you. In addition to dermatology nursing, which we all love and which I am sure is near and dear to all of you, what other hobbies, interests, or pastimes are you passionate about? Reading, traveling, or bird-watching? Scouting, sports participation, or community volunteering? Making origami, yodeling, or historically accurate basket weaving? I want to hear from all the marathoners, all the model-train enthusiasts, all of you involved in a band on the side. I want to know what your passions are outside dermatology nursing. Again, if I get enough feedback from readers, I will be sure to share the information in a future editorial.
Finally, an editorial would not be complete without reminding all readers that we'd love to have you attend the 2023 Annual Dermatology Nurses' Association Convention in Savannah, Georgia. The February 2023 event is only several short months away, and we'd love to count you as one of the attendees for this event that is bound to be spectacular. For those of you who've had the opportunity to attend our annual Convention in the past, you know what quality information is presented. In addition to top-notch educational offerings, there is always plenty of networking and friendships to be made! Please encourage your dermatology friends and colleagues to consider joining you for this event; we'd love to have you be part of the fun.
As always, looking forward to hearing from you,
Angela L. Borger
Editor-in-Chief
mailto:[email protected]