1. 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

2. Role in the Dermatology OPD

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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Role in the Dermatology Inpatient Department

7. 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

8. 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

9. Role in PUVA Clinic

10. 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

11. Role in Laser Clinic

12. 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

13. Role in minor dermato-surgical
procedures

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. Thank you!