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, electrocautery, radio-frequency machines, microdermabrader, 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 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!