Additionally, she tells the families “they can call me for anything—no matter how insignificant it may seem. I discuss reasons for them to call their primary care physician and reasons to call our practice, because this is often a confusing issue.”
As a pediatric clinical nurse specialist, Ms. Liburd helps patients celebrate their accomplishments. “These celebrations include music, tiaras, Mickey mouse ears, some crazy dancing and lots of hugs,” she says. Patients celebrate such milestones as being weaned off prednisone, stopping methotrexate treatment or having a birthday. They also celebrate after a long hard fight with an insurance company results in a new medication being authorized. “We’re in this [experience] for the long haul, and our families recognize this.”
Education & Training
RNs have either a two-year college education with an associate’s degree in nursing or a four-year college education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, according to the ACR website. Rheumatology nurses have specialized knowledge and expertise in the care of patients with rheumatic diseases.
To help new nurses become well versed in the specialty, Ms. Liburd suggests rheumatologists provide RNs with as much educational support as possible, such as journal articles and books. She also encourages rheumatologists to pay for nurses to attend national annual meetings and conferences, such as the ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting.
“The cost to the practice will be well worth it overall,” she says. “Rheumatology constantly changes, with new drugs, techniques and concepts. RNs need to keep current with updated information.”
Karen Appold is a medical writer in Pennsylvania.
