Susan Oliver Associates - Independent Rheumatology Nursing Specialists

You may already be working as a rheumatology nurse or provide care and support to patients with arthritis in either primary or secondary care settings
OR

This maybe the first time you have explored information or training opportunities in rheumatology. If this is the case I just want to emphasise how important your interest is. There is a shortage of nurses trained in musculoskeletal care and we really need your interest…please explore this website!

In either case a warm welcome to you. If the website works and is of use I hope to extend the content. So I would really appreciate your feedback. sue@susanoliver.com
[Journals] [Awards & Bursaries] [Courses]

There are excellent resources available and I hope that this website will help point you in the right direction and provide plenty of links that are of use to you. Look at the links page to give you a taste of some of the links and information available. [Links]

If you are interested in learning more about rheumatology nursing and need to know something of the core competencies of nurses in rheumatology you will find 'Defining the extended clinical role for allied health professionals in rheumatology' published by the Arthritis Research Campaign (2001) Proceedings 12 of use. This can be accessed on the web. www.arc.org.uk. Although this document needs to be updated it is a good starting block to look at. There are also some competencies set out in www.skillforhealth.org.uk as well as many generic competencies.

For nurses interested in ward management. A useful video can be accessed via www.institute.nhs.uk on improving ward management. This approach can enhance activity and increase direct patient contact. This approach may be helpful to all nurses who wish to optimise direct patient care.

You may need to visit www.rcn.org.uk website projects are underway to scope the activities and performances related to nurses working in rheumatology.

In November 2004, 2006 and 2007, the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA) launched Standards of Care for; Inflammatory Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Back Pain. Metabolic bone disease, connective tissues disease and regional musculoskeletal pain. These standards are a very exciting and important development that you need to know about. Not only will they help everyone know what professionals should provide for individuals with arthritis but also help those with arthritis recognise what they should expect. You can link up to the ARMA website. www.arma.uk.net
ARMA publications
foot health pdf 3mb
inflammatory arthritis pdf 370kb
back pain pdf 556kb
osteoarthritis pdf 91 kb

In the 2006 the Department of Health launched the Musculoskeletal Strategy Framework [pdf 2.5mb] This document outlines musculoskeletal conditions and current thinking on achieving national targets to ensure optimum in care. [associates clinical & associates managerial]