What is Rheumatology the study of?

Rheumatology is a subspecialty in internal medicine and pediatrics that deals with the joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases and heritable connective tissue disorders.

What are roles of nurses?

The primary role of a nurse is to advocate and care for individuals and support them through health and illness. Advocate for the health and wellbeing of patients. Monitor patient health and record signs. Administer medications and treatments.

What are the different types of rheumatic diseases?

Types of Rheumatic Disease

• Ankylosing Spondylitis. A chronic, or long-lasting, disease that primarily affects the spine and may lead to stiffness of the back.
• Bursitis.
• Crohn’s Disease.
• Gout.
• Infectious Arthritis.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Osteoporosis.

How many years does it take to be a rheumatologist?

What type of training is required? Rheumatologists receive years of education and training beyond college. After they earn a medical degree (four years of medical school), they complete a residency program in internal medicine or pediatrics. They have another two to three years in specialized rheumatology training.

What happens at rheumatology clinic?

Your rheumatologist will also conduct a thorough exam, usually including all of your joints, from your shoulders to your toes, as well as your heart and lungs. After the physical exam, new patients may be asked for blood and urine samples, as well as imaging like X-rays, MRIs or ultrasounds.

Is rheumatology a good specialty?

Rheumatology is a good field for people who want to get to know their patients. I’ve been in practice long enough that I have cared for some patients for over a decade, and not every field gives you the opportunity to become such an important part of your patients’ lives.

What is the most common rheumatic disease?

Among the most common ones are:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Lupus.
• Spondyloarthropathies — ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
• Sjogren’s syndrome.
• Gout.
• Scleroderma.
• Infectious arthritis.

Can rheumatic diseases be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatic disease (with the exception of infectious arthritis, which can be cured with antibiotics if detected or diagnosed early). The goal of treatment is to limit pain and inflammation, while ensuring optimal joint function.

What does a rheumatology nurse do?

A Rheumatology Nurse helps patients with rheumatic diseases that affect the joints and muscles, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, myositis, spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and Lyme disease. Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states. Work hands-on, directly with patients.

What are the education requirements for a rheumatology nurse?

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 Education Requirements for a Rheumatology Nurse?

What is the difference between an infusion nurse and rheumatology nurse?

Infusion nurses specialize in medication and fluid administration through IV access lines. Rheumatology nurses specialize in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lupus. While the two specialties seem very different, there can be overlap in treatment that nurses should be prepared for.

Is the Rheumatology Nurses Society accredited?

Seal of Approval The Rheumatology Nurses Society was recently awarded Accreditation with Distinction, the highest recognition awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Accreditation Program. Learn More