Registered Nurse (RN)

Training

Registered nurses are licensed health care professionals. Registered nurses complete either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before becoming licensed. There are also some nursing diploma programs.

License/Certification

All must sit for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to be eligible for licensure.

Nurses must meet any state specific license requirements in the state of which they practice. This may include additional state specific requirements for continued education and professional development.

Nurses work in multiple different settings including hospitals, clinics, infusion centers and home care and long-term care or rehab facilities.

Professional member organizations. These organizations may include their state or local nursing organizations. Membership to American Nurses Association (ANA) and their state nurses association for professional support and growth and support.

Some rheumatology nurses may be members of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals (ARP) and/or Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS).

General Description

Registered nurses provide direct patient care with ongoing assessment which includes physical exam, monitoring labs and vital signs.

• Work as a resource to patients and families providing patient education in a variety of settings
• Work to ensure comprehensive care by providing high quality care to patients
• Create and carry out nursing care plans, maintain charts and documentation
• Monitor patients’ needs; duties and responsibilities vary given the situation and work environment

Nurses are skilled at comprehensive assessment not only of patients medical needs but also evaluation of social determinants and addressing needs. Their skills would help with referrals and assistance to social workers, physical therapy, primary care, and other members of the health care team.

Rheumatology Skill Set

• Physical assessment to evaluate pain, joint swelling, and range of motion
• Monitoring vital signs and documenting accurate patient records
• Diagnostic test interpretation, including labs and imaging with MD
• Medication management and monitoring for side effects or adverse events
• Therapeutic communication skills for education and advocacy
• Emotional resilience to handle patient needs under pressure
• Critical thinking for complex care planning
• Teamwork to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to meet patient needs
• Knowledge of self-management strategies for patients
• Commitment to staying updated on latest research, treatments, and best practices

Case Study

Rose, a 50-year-old single female, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis one month ago. She has just started methotrexate and prednisone to control inflammation. She reports a one-year history of general pain and swelling in her hands and feet, morning stiffness lasting 2 hours, extreme fatigue and malaise and often drops things held in her hands, particularly if they are heavy. She is having difficulty getting through her morning routine and getting to work. She does office work, and finds it difficult to type, walk or stand for extended periods, due to pain and fatigue. She has two children in their middle teens. She will soon start infliximab infusions every 4 weeks.

What Can This Professional Do for Rose

The nurse can help set up a plan of care for Rose. This would include:

• Medications and expected outcomes with her therapy
• Assisting with monitoring laboratory results and explaining their significance
• Education about potential medication side effects
• Coordinating care and any needed referrals to physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and social services
• Coordination of her infusion therapy plan with infusion nurses

Updated July 2026