Role of a nurse in the Dermatology OPD, Ward, PUVA Clinic, Laser Clinic, Minor Surgery Dr Sherina Laskar, MD, DNB Resident Physician, Dept of Dermatology&STD Gauhati Medical College&Hospital

Role in the Dermatology OPD

Help maintain patient records Measure patients’ height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, etc. Fill out investigation and consent forms Draw blood samples where necessary

Aid in performing dermatologic clinical diagnostic tests for blistering disorders, psoriasis, etc. Aid in performing examination of peripheral nerves, sensory examination and slit skin smear in patients with Hansen’s disease Take samples from hair, skin and nails for diagnosis of fungal infections, for pus culture, smears from genital ulcers, etc.

Ensure segregation of waste in appropriately colored waste bins Maintain and indent OPD supplies, dressing material and sterilisation of instruments used in the OPD Help maintain general discipline and order and counsel patients and attendants

Role in the Dermatology Inpatient Department

Maintain inpatient register and folder General inpatient nursing care Perform Condy’s compresses for erosive and oozing skin lesions; also teach attendants the same Ulcer care: dressing, removal of maggots from neglected ulcers, plaster cast application Collect samples for investigations

Learn about simple dermatological bedside tests: Tzanck smear, slit skin smear, KOH mount Learn about and dispense Pulse therapy, ensure maintenance of updated records Maintain input-output, temperature charts, treatment records Keep emergency equipment handy Segregation and disposal of waste, fumigation of rooms

Role in PUVA Clinic

Learn about basics of phototherapy Parts of phototherapy equipment: handling and taking care of Counsel patients, take written consent Ensure protection of eyes and male genitalia Management of acute photo-toxic reactions

Role in Laser Clinic

Learn basics of laser therapy Recognize parts of and correct handling of laser equipment and accessories Counsel patients, take written consent and maintain records Pre- and post-procedure care Ensure laser equipment is covered and accessories are kept back safely after procedure

Role in minor dermato-surgical procedures

Learn about the types of procedures performed and indications Learn about minor surgical equpiment, electro- cautery, radio-frequency machines, micro- dermabrader, skin-graft tools, etc Maintain sterilisation of equipment, keep sterilized dressing material and OT equipment ready Keep TCA, phenol, formalin vials, chemical peels, cryogens and other supplies ready and maintain stock

Take written consent and counsel patients Assist surgeon during procedures Follow post-operative directions and monitor patients Maintain records

Acknowledgements Prof Aparna Palit Prof Anil K Jha Head of Department & Dr Shrishti Shrestha Astt. Prof. Professor Department of Dermatology Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital Attarkhel, Kathmandu, Nepal   Prof Aparna Palit Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy Sri BM Patil MCH & RC BLDE University Bijapur, Karnataka Dr Vineet Kaur Consultant Dermatologist The Skin Institute Mahmoorganj Varanasi, U.P. Prof Ranjan C Rawal Head, Department of Dermatology NHL Medical College V S Hospital Ahmedabad, Gujarat   Dr Sherina N Laskar Resident Physician Department of Dermatology Guwahati Medical College Guwahati, Assam

Thank you!