Jane is a dermatology clinical nurse specialist who has been improving patient outcomes over a lifetime and is retiring after 25 years’ service at CUH. Jane has been an inspiration for dermatology nursing over the past 25 years and has worked tirelessly to give patients holistic care. Today Jane shares her CUH story and a few final reflections.
Jane, how long have you worked in dermatology?
25 years ago I returned to nursing and worked in the general outpatient team. We could be allocated to any clinic, but when assigned to dermatology I felt at home and began to volunteer to attend the leg ulcer clinic on my days off. This was a nurse-led clinic back in the day and I loved it. Dermatology subsequently separated from general outpatients to function independently.
What do you remember on your first day in dermatology?
The pervasive smell of an infected leg ulcer and being a bit frightened of the cryac (liquid nitrogen).
What is your proudest moment?
Collecting my MSc with my children in the auditorium. I never imagined that a girl without O or A Levels could have achieved this! I wish my mother had been alive.
What dermatology books have inspired you?
My first love is a beautifully written text called “the biology of the skin” (Freinkel & Woodley) which I found in the medical library, an oasis of peace I found early on and spent many happy hours in. I have always loved words and this book uses smooth, precise language, some of which went over my head but I was hooked and wanted to learn more.
Recently my best friends are “Dermatology essentials” by Bolognias et al, The BNF of course and “Treatment of skin disease” by Lebwohl et al.
Tell us about your past and recent achievements
Past – overcoming my fears to pick up a scalpel and passing the prescribing course with 10:10 in drug calculation.
Recent – my part in the tissue viability and occupational health (OH) initiative. At the beginning of the pandemic I felt responsible in presenting the most current advice from the experience of the national dermatology community to be included in advice to staff on PPE and their ill effects.
Volunteering to run a referral clinic for staff from tissue viability and OH gave me the satisfaction that I was contributing to their work.
How do you see dermatology nursing in the future?
For sure the trend towards medical management of dermatology patients will grow alongside the pharmaceuticals and we are fully capable to achieving this rewarding role. There will always be a place for the specialist treatments, photodynamic therapy, phototherapy, patch testing.
The trick will be fighting your corner to retain and maintain general dermatology knowledge among the team so that they have the confidence that only comes with understanding.
What would be your one piece of advice to a dermatology nurse today?
Be curious and insist on learning opportunities.
I have learnt so much from working with my colleagues, nursing and medical. Observe their skills and listen to their advice and knowledge.
This has often inspired me to read and investigate something myself. Do not underestimate dermatology’s ability to add value to patient care above the medical management, we can offer so much more.