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Dermatology nurse practitioner vs practical nurse

The differences between dermatology nurse practitioners and practical nurses can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a dermatology nurse practitioner and a practical nurse. Additionally, a dermatology nurse practitioner has an average salary of $98,727, which is higher than the $75,363 average annual salary of a practical nurse.

The top three skills for a dermatology nurse practitioner include patients, diagnosis and patient education. The most important skills for a practical nurse are patients, APN, and home health.

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs practical nurse overview

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerPractical Nurse
Yearly salary$98,727$75,363
Hourly rate$47.46$36.23
Growth rate40%6%
Number of jobs28,039511,602
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Average age4346
Years of experience22

What does a dermatology nurse practitioner do?

A dermatology nurse practitioner specializes in providing dermatological assistance and skincare services to patients while under a dermatologist's supervision. Their duties usually include identifying the patients' needs, gathering medical histories, assisting the dermatologist during skin tests, helping patients understand their skin conditions, giving care advice, and participating in administering different treatments for skin issues such as acne, rashes, and burns. They may also assist patients by answering inquiries, referring products or services, and monitoring their conditions before and after operative procedures.

What does a practical nurse do?

A practical nurse is responsible for providing the highest quality care services for the patients and assisting them with their needs and concerns. Practical nurses work within a health institution or private household to support the patients in their daily activities, monitor their conditions, administer medication, and inform the doctors of their health updates. They also coordinate with other medical professionals to develop nursing care plans and activities to suit the patients' lifestyle and keep their active wellbeing.

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs practical nurse salary

Dermatology nurse practitioners and practical nurses have different pay scales, as shown below.

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerPractical Nurse
Average salary$98,727$75,363
Salary rangeBetween $51,000 And $188,000Between $47,000 And $120,000
Highest paying City-Lancaster, CA
Highest paying state-California
Best paying company-University Hospitals
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between dermatology nurse practitioner and practical nurse education

There are a few differences between a dermatology nurse practitioner and a practical nurse in terms of educational background:

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerPractical Nurse
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Most common majorNursingNursing
Most common collegeDuke UniversityEmory University

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs practical nurse demographics

Here are the differences between dermatology nurse practitioners' and practical nurses' demographics:

Dermatology Nurse PractitionerPractical Nurse
Average age4346
Gender ratioMale, 7.1% Female, 92.9%Male, 14.3% Female, 85.7%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.7% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.7% Asian, 6.3% White, 77.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 12.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 6.3% White, 60.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage12%7%

Differences between dermatology nurse practitioner and practical nurse duties and responsibilities

Dermatology nurse practitioner example responsibilities.

  • Manage pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of diabetes and provide prescriptions and education before discharge from the hospital.
  • Present patient education regarding diagnosis, procedure, and treatment including medication instructions and wind care instructions.
  • Maintain patient medical and pharmaceutical records in EMR.
  • Perform skin biopsies to obtain accurate diagnosis of malignant skin conditions and neoplasms of uncertain behavior.
  • Participate as a member of the multidisciplinary team to assess and monitor dermatology patients.
  • Educate patients regarding skin care and products and participate in laser surgeries and cosmetic resurfacing procedures.
  • Show more

Practical nurse example responsibilities.

  • Manage surgical recovery patients including vascular, ENT, GI urological and neurological cases, coronary bypass surgery patients.
  • Treat patients with dignity, respect, and compassion while maintaining there safety.
  • Maintain safety and quality standards of care while facilitating early discharge of mother and baby.
  • Maintain HIPPA and OSHA guidelines.
  • Receive and implementing Dr orders.
  • Train in lactation and NRP certify.
  • Show more

Dermatology nurse practitioner vs practical nurse skills

Common dermatology nurse practitioner skills
  • Patients, 47%
  • Diagnosis, 12%
  • Patient Education, 8%
  • Mohs, 6%
  • Epic, 5%
  • Acls, 5%
Common practical nurse skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • APN, 7%
  • Home Health, 6%
  • Acute Care, 5%
  • Physical Examinations, 4%
  • Vital Signs, 4%

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