The rheumatology LPN has specialized training in rheumatic diseases and medications used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The rheumatology LPN gathers patient health information, takes vital signs, administers medications and monitors for adverse reactions of medications, monitors for changes in clinical conditions, answers patient questions on the phone, collects specimens, performs nursing procedures as allowed by state licensure and supervises nursing assistants. LPNs work in clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health agencies.
The various roles of the rheumatology healthcare team can be accessed on the ACR website under the tab “I Am a Patient/Caregiver” followed by choosing “Health Care Team” on the right.
By providing patients with role-specific information and explaining who to contact with questions or concerns, patients can take an active role in the management of their health.
Brandon Young, DNP, FNP-C, RN-C, is a family nurse practitioner with North Mississippi Health Services in Tupelo.
Catherine Figueroa, BSN, RN, is a pediatric rheumatology nurse coordinator at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.