Brittany Primeau, a nurse in dermatology, understands the impact of skin conditions on people’s lives. Conditions like eczema and psoriasis can appear on the scalp, nails, or anywhere on the body, affecting a person’s confidence and daily activities.
According to Primeau, skin issues can affect what clothes people wear, the jobs they apply for, and their overall quality of life. She notes that dermatology covers a broad range of conditions, including autoimmune diseases, hair loss, acne, and skin cancer.
Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. Primeau’s clinic works closely with oncologists to provide treatments for skin conditions resulting from cancer treatment, including radiation dermatitis and skin infections.
Dermatology Nursing
Primeau’s role as a dermatology nurse involves supporting patients with education, wound care, and addressing concerns that may arise. She emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, giving patients as much time as they need to understand their treatment plans and establish relationships with them.
The nursing role is key to patient education, ensuring that patients are comfortable with their treatment plans and confident in their ability to manage their conditions. Primeau notes that treatments often start with topical creams, while some patients may require oral medications or biologic medications.
Primeau has been inspired by the constant learning and advanced procedures in dermatology.
Now, Primeau is thriving in her current role in outpatient dermatology. She notes that the clinic is fast-paced, with each physician seeing upwards of 30 patients per day. While wait times to see a specialist can be long, Primeau believes that dermatology nursing is a rewarding and exciting space to be in.
Primeau’s clinic works to find effective medications that are covered by public or private insurance, addressing barriers such as complicated treatment plans and cost. She notes that there are growing opportunities for nurses in dermatology, with new drugs on the market and a broad range of conditions to learn about.
Primeau emphasizes that dermatology nursing is a great place for nurses who enjoy one-on-one interactions with patients and follow-ups. She notes that she is still learning about diagnoses, highlighting the complexity and evolving nature of the specialty.
As Primeau continues to work in dermatology, she is able to see the impact of her care on patients, both physically and emotionally. She recalls a young patient who came in shy and nervous, but after treatment, was able to come out of his shell and even go on a date. Primeau notes that seeing patients like this is the most rewarding part of her job, and she is grateful to be able to make a difference in their lives.
Primeau’s clinic also performs procedures such as cryotherapy, which is used to treat warts, and injecting steroids into the scalp for hair loss. While dermatologists perform more complex procedures, Primeau is there to set up the procedure, ensure the patient’s comfort, and provide education on wound care.
Opportunities in Dermatology Nursing
Despite the challenges, Primeau finds dermatology nursing very rewarding. The specialty is broad and evolving, with new drugs on the market.
