Q and A: Lynn Mellencamp, AGPCNP in dermatology

Lynn Mellancamp worked for decades as a registered nurse before returning to school in her 50s to earn her master's in nursing in the Adult-Gero Primary Care specialty. After graduating in 2009, she began working in a dermatology practice. Here's why she chose her specialty, how she landed her role in dermatology and what she enjoys about working as an Adult-Gero Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Ohio State University, I practiced many years as an RN in areas such as the intensive care unit/coronary care
unit; medical-surgical; orthopedics; gastrointestinal; ear, nose and throat; and pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit. I also worked in management as a nursing supervisor. Nursing has always been a great career for me. I have been able to raise a family and work part time in a job that I loved. Best of both worlds!

As a well-seasoned nurse, I realized I wanted to advance my education, have more autonomy and take my nursing career to the next level. A few of my nursing colleagues/friends were returning to school to become nurse practitioners, and I thought this may be a good career enhancement for me, as well. While many people in their 50s are starting to think about retirement, in the fifth decade of my life, I made the choice of returning to school. I was excited and motivated to change directions in nursing. School was stressful but became a challenge that I actually enjoyed. I'll be honest, some days I thought, Lynn, why are you doing this to yourself? But my husband and children were very supportive and encouraged me throughout my days at UC.

The curriculum addressed key areas which prepared me for my profession. My advisor and instructor, Christine Colella (professor and interim associate dean), was very influential in my success. Her enthusiasm, energy and passion for nursing is obvious. She knows how to motivate and inspire students (me) with her approachable, friendly demeanor. She was very supportive during my career as a student.

My last clinical rotation was in a physician-owned dermatology office in Kenwood, Ohio. I had the good fortune of crossing paths with the great Dr. Bill Kitzmiller, who was one of the leading dermatologists in the city in the '60s, '70s and '80s. He became my mentor and friend. I was hired and stayed at this office for 12 years. Eventually, the office changed hands and a nurse practitioner owned and operated the practice. I worked very autonomously and had my own patient load that I was entirely responsible for. On a typical day, I would see anywhere from 20 – 40 patients. Some of my duties included performing
cancer screening skin exams, biopsies, incision and drainage procedures and intralesional injections. I also treated and followed up on rashes, acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancers and many other skin disorders. I maintained prescriptive authority and often prescribed medications. My job required a lot of problem solving throughout the day and enabled me to develop relationships with other disciplines. To further my education and credentialing, I also joined a professional nationwide dermatology association for nurses called the Dermatology Nurses Association. They offered a national certification exam, which I took and passed.

One of the most rewarding aspects of working as an NP is creating trusting relationships with patients, families and coworkers. I’ve precepted quite a few NP students, mostly from
UC, which I really enjoyed. I strived to create a positive learning environment that was not overwhelming or stuffy and tried to show how we, as NPs, can be such an asset to other health care providers and to our patients. I always enjoyed the growth of confidence and knowledge in my students. Respect for others, accountability and responsibility are utmost in my agenda. I became a nurse to help people and I always strived to do just that. I've learned that being an NP is lifelong learning. The health care field is forever changing, and we must stay current. Specific challenges that I have encountered are with other health care disciplines and some patients with the lack of understanding of the capabilities of an NP. I think there are still a lot of misconceptions and people don't really understand
our scope of practice and how we can complement the health care team. I have high hopes that laws will soon change to allow NPs to perform independently.