Your RA Team: The Nurse

At rheumatologist appointments, you'll spend a majority of your time speaking with the rheumatologist about your RA symptoms and treatment and your physical and emotional health in general. But there is another important individual present at these visits – the nurse. This RA team member can be a valuable ally, providing you with additional answers and support during office visits, treatment administration and any other time you need their help.

Nurse background information

To practice nursing, a nurse must obtain and hold one or more credentials, which vary according to education, type of nurse and the country in which they practice. There are many different types of nurses (e.g., licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist), and each type has its own educational requirements.

In addition, nurses of all types are encouraged to pursue continuing education in order to keep up with the evolving nature of healthcare industry technology and standards of practice.

Nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, infusion centers, occupational health settings, clinics, home healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities, military bases, educational and research institutions and laboratories.

The roles of the nurse

In general, a nurse acts as your liaison throughout your care, providing the information and support you need to achieve your treatment goals and maintain a positive outlook.

A nurse's other important roles include:

• Educating patients about the day-to-day management of RA, how to recognize inadequate response to treatment, how to protect joints, the importance of exercise, healthy diet, and relationships with loved ones
• Measuring vital signs, height and weight, functioning and response to treatment
• Assuring and maintaining safety standards
• Obtaining and setting up any necessary equipment and supplies that the doctor orders during the visit
• If administering an infusion, delivering medicine through a needle into a vein, typically in the arm
• Monitoring vital signs and possible reactions from the medication or method of delivery, and adjusting medication or equipment as needed
• Periodically checking to make sure the patient is comfortable (both physically and emotionally) before, during and after the visit with the doctor
• Recognizing and responding to a patient's physical and/or emotional distress
• Providing information about financial assistance programs available to help you pay for treatment

Your role: Communicating with the nurse

Other than your rheumatologist, the nurse is the member of your RA healthcare team that you may encounter the most. And because this person is responsible for important parts of your overall treatment strategy, it's important that you communicate effectively with each other.

Here are some ways to make the most of your relationship with the nurse:

Educate yourself. It's normal to feel a little nervous about visiting the doctor. Learning all you can about your condition and treatment can help ease your mind. Your rheumatologist and nurse can both be good sources of information. You can also talk to others who have RA and undergo treatment similar to your own.

Speak up. One of the nurse’s main goals is to monitor you throughout your visit. Be sure to tell your nurse if you feel any discomfort or pain or if you have any other questions or concerns. The nurse can’t tell if something’s wrong unless you speak up.

Ask questions. Unsure about something your doctor told you? Need help understanding insurance? Don’t be afraid to ask your nurse. Your care is the nurse’s utmost concern, and he or she is trained to inform you and be supportive.

Next — Your RA Team: The Nutritionist