The role of the registered nurse is to provide health care to individuals, families, and communities. They provide services designed to promote health, prevent illness, and achieve optimal recovery from or adaptation to health problems. These services include:
- assessment of the patient and family’s health status and needs: physical, emotional, psychological, and social teaching
- case management
- coordination of multidisciplinary care
- counseling
- infusion therapy
- research
What Does a Registered Nurse Do?
The RN assesses each patient’s health status, response to treatment, ability to provide self-care, coping with chronic illness, and function in relation to activities of daily living. Collaborating with the patient, family, physicians, and other health care professionals, the RN develops an individualized plan of care. The RN evaluates treatment outcomes and revises the patient’s plan of care accordingly.
The RN, in collaboration with the patient, implements a variety of interventions. These are designed to manage pain, improve function, maximize independence, provide education, strengthen coping strategies, and improve access to community resources. In addition, the RN administers, monitors, and educates about medications. The RN also acts as an advocate for the patient and family within the health care facility, the community, legislative arena, and maybe involved in program planning, evaluation, and research.
Where Does a Registered Nurse Work?
The RN provides care in a variety of health care settings including hospital units, ambulatory clinics, managed care practice, private practice, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, public health centers, and long-term care facilities.
What Kind of Training Does a Registered Nurse Have?
Educational preparation for basic RN licensure can be obtained in a four-year college or university program leading to a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a hospital-based program leading to a diploma in nursing, or a two-year community or junior college leading to an associate degree in nursing. State licensure is required in order to practice as an RN. The rheumatology RN has acquired specialized knowledge and expertise in the care of persons with rheumatic diseases, through experience and continuing education beyond the basic nursing education program. This includes master and doctorate degrees specific to practice specialties, leadership, and research.
Rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals
Learn more about rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals.
To find a rheumatologist or health professional
For a listing of rheumatologists and rheumatology health professionals in your area, click here.
For more information
For additional information, contact the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals at 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 or (404) 633-3777 or arhp@rheumatology.org.
Updated March 2013
Reviewed by the ARHP Practice Committee
This patient fact sheet is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnoses and treatment of a medical or health condition.
© 2013 American College of Rheumatology
