Rheumatology Nurse
What is a Rheumatology Nurse?
A rheumatology nurse treats patients with rheumatic diseases, which affect joints and muscles. Some of these diseases are caused by overuse/wear and tear while others are caused by immune system issues. Some of the diseases a rheumatology nurse may encounter include:
- Fibromyalgia – characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain
- Spondylitis – characterized by inflammation affecting the spine and large joints
- Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own tissue, including joints, leading to pain and deformation
- Lyme Disease – a tick-borne illness that causes a "bull's eye" pattern rash, flu-like symptoms and fatigue
- Lupus – an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own tissues that can affect many areas/organs of the body
How to Become a Rheumatology Nurse
A big part of the rheumatology nurse's job is to help patients with rheumatic diseases ease their pain and manage their symptoms. Therefore, RNs who are sympathetic, patient, and exceptional communicators will do well in the role. An excellent knowledge of the joints and muscles of the body is also required. Additionally, rheumatology nurses must effectively educate their patients on ways to manage discomfort and alleviate painful symptoms via a medication schedule and/or healthy living.
What Are the Schooling Requirements for a Rheumatology Nurse?
To become a rheumatology nurse, the first step is to attend an accredited nursing school and graduate with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. To start working as a nurse, it is required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). After passing the exam and obtaining RN licensure, some experience may be required in an acute care setting in order for rheumatology nurses to find work in clinics, though some will provide training. On-the-job training can last from weeks to months, depending on the clinic and the structure of the organization's orientation. To become a rheumatology nurse in a hospital setting, the nurse will likely have a broader patient population and must have experience in the field, along with strong assessment skills, IV skills, a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, and in some cases Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) used to offer a Rheumatology Nursing Certification. However, this certification is now available for renewal only. RNs who already hold this certification are able to renew it every five years as long as they maintain their nursing license and fulfill the renewal requirements. Apart from this certification, here are a few more that rheumatology nurses can get:
| Certification | Duration/Eligibility | Key Differences |
| Certified Rheumatology Nurse (CRN) | 2 years of rheumatology nursing experience | Focuses specifically on nursing care for patients with rheumatic diseases. |
| Rheumatology Nursing Certification (RN-BC) | 2 years of experience, 30 CE hours in rheumatology | Emphasizes broad knowledge in rheumatology nursing, offered by the ANCC. |
| Advanced Rheumatology Nursing (ARN-C) | Requires CRN certification, additional 2 years | Aimed at advanced practice nurses, focusing on complex cases in rheumatology. |
| Pediatric Rheumatology Nursing Certification (PRN) | 2 years of experience, pediatric focus | Specialized in pediatric rheumatology care, addressing the unique needs of children. |
What Does a Rheumatology Nurse Do?
A rheumatology nurse treats and manages symptoms for patients with rheumatic diseases. Many patients with chronic rheumatic conditions require long term management and treatment of symptoms, including pain. Rheumatology nurses work closely with physicians and teams of healthcare professionals to ensure adequate pain and symptom management is achieved. Helping patients with rheumatic diseases live a healthy life is at the forefront of this nurse's role.
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Rheumatology Nurse?
Some of the daily tasks required of a rheumatology nurse include:
- Monitoring vital signs such as temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration
- Monitoring bloodwork
- Assessing patients with rheumatic diseases
- Assisting and collaborating with rheumatologists and other physicians
- Providing education and counseling to patients
- Managing patient medications
Where Do Rheumatology Nurses Work?
Rheumatology nurses can be found in:
- Specialty clinics
- Physician's offices
- Hospitals
- Medical centers
Rheumatology Nurse Salary & Employment
As with most nursing roles, salary is dependent on the setting. Hospitals tend to have higher salaries than clinics and physicians' offices. Advanced experience and certification will result in a higher salary. The average salary per year is $108,136 with a range of $83,500 to $143,000. This salary is consistent with national averages for RNs in the United States.
It is estimated that in the year 2032, there will be half of the rheumatology nurses available than is needed to meet the demand. In short, there are excellent job prospects for nurses headed down the path of rheumatology nursing.
| Average Annual Salary | |
| Lowest 25% of Earners | $83,500 |
| Median | $108,136 |
| Top 25% or Earners | $126,000 |
| Top Earners | $143,000 |
