CHALLENGE:
Improve dermatology nurses’ professional credibility and skills
APPROACH:
Create a specialized nursing certification program
RESULT:
A significant number of society members and non-members completed the program with an excellent pass rate; members acquired new employment opportunities; patient care improved
SDNP partnered with Affinity Strategies with a goal of enhancing the professional credibility and skills of dermatology nurses to improve patient care. We approached this challenge by proposing to create a new specialized nursing certification program that would increase nurses’ knowledge and lead to better direct patient care.
We then used several tactics to arrive at our end goal:
- Conducted a feasibility study to learn about members’ desire and expectations for a certification program.
- Consulted with dermatology professionals and educators to identify core competencies for the curriculum.
- Collaborated with the board and key faculty members to design the program and scope, including objectives, eligibility criteria, exam content, and certification requirements–making sure the program met national accreditation standards for nursing.
- Marketed to key stakeholders including nurses, educational entities, and healthcare institutions.
- Launched the program via live events and virtual platforms.
As a result, SDNP realized the following:
- A significant number of members and non-members completed the program with an excellent pass rate.
- Members advanced their professional development and enjoyed new employment opportunities as a result.
- Patient care improved due to higher-quality training for nurse practitioners providing direct patient care.
Affinity Strategies is a team of talented, dedicated professionals that understand the nuances of the healthcare community. Since the Society of Dermatology Nurse Practitioners began working with them, our membership, programming, and revenues have grown. Affinity understands how to engage and grow any organization whether it is in its infancy or mature and needing some help.”
