ROLE OF A REGISTERED NURSE

Registered nurses (RNs) provide care to patients and their families to promote health, prevent illness, and adapt to health problems like spondylitis. In order to develop an individualized plan of care, the RN collaborates with the patient, his/her family, and other health care professionals.

What Does an RN Do?
The RN assesses each patient on a variety of issues, including their health status, response to treatment, and day-to-day functioning ability. In evaluating a person with a chronic (lifelong) rheumatic disease, the RN may look at the patient's physical, emotional, psychological, and social needs, provide disease education, counsel the patient, coordinate health care from a variety of health professionals, and serve as a case manager. The RN evaluates treatment results and revises the patient's plan of care if necessary.

In addition, the RN administers, monitors, and educates the patient about medication, and acts as an advocate for the patient and family within the health care facility, the community, and the legislative arena.

Where Does an RN 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.

Training
The basic registered RN license 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. A state license is required in order to practice. The rheumatology RN has acquired specialized knowledge and expertise in the care of people with rheumatic diseases, through experience and continuing education beyond the basic nursing education program.

Source: American College of Rheumatology