Rheumatology Nurses Society - RNS

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Rheumatology Nurses Society - RNS

Their vision was born out of personal experiences as they struggled alone to navigate the complexities of rheumatic diseases and treatment options.

The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) is a professional organization committed to empowering nurses through professional development and education to benefit its members, patients, family, and community. The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) began with the passion of three nurses—Therese Dexter, RN, BSN, Elizabeth Grace, RN, and Vicky Ruffing, RN—who had a vision to empower other nurses through ed

ucation and support in order to make a positive difference in the lives of patients with rheumatic disease. The end of the 1990s revolutionized the field of rheumatology with the advent of biologic agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. At this time, there was a significant increase in the need for rheumatology nurses and other healthcare professionals who specialize in treating patients with rheumatic disorders. During the past decade, the need increased for nurses and healthcare professionals to gather to discuss therapeutic treatment options and how they impact patients’ lives. Nurses voiced concerns about a lack of resources on how to best educate their patients and their families and how to safely administer biologic agents, and about the need for established protocols and standardization. In May 2006, in Boston, Massachusetts, a small group of nurses met to discuss the needs of rheumatology nurses and established the idea and foundation for the Rheumatology Nurses Society. After that meeting, rheumatology nurses across the US were polled about their interest in forming such a society and the overwhelming response was that the need exists for a dedicated society that could lead nurses to excellence in the care of the patients with rheumatic conditions. With the assistance of Tracy Doyle, President of Phoenix Marketing Solutions, the RNS was officially formed in January 2007 as a not-for-profit professional organization, an organization for rheumatology nurses, created by rheumatology nurses. As the RNS moves forward, we have many objectives to accomplish. This is an organization dedicated to nurses and other healthcare professionals who are passionate about and dedicated to rheumatology and the promotion of excellence in the delivery of patient care. The RNS aims to become the gold standard of rheumatology nursing practice through nurse certification, the creation of rheumatology nursing standards and protocols, and by acting as a primary resource to healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.

12/03/2026

Every rheumatology nurse started somewhere.

Meet the RNS Executive Committee helping lead the profession forward.

16/02/2026

We’re proud to have just re-launched the National Pediatric Chapter of the Rheumatology Nurses Society, led by Amanda Karam, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC!

This new chapter creates a dedicated space for nurses and APRNs caring for children with rheumatic disease to connect, collaborate, and grow together.

Read more about the launch and find out what's coming next:

The launch of the *Rheumatology Nurses Society National Pediatric Chapter was an exciting and affirming moment for our community. The engagement at our first meeting reinforced what many of us in pediatric rheumatology have long known: there is a strong need for a space dedicated to the unique real...

27/01/2026

This week, the RNS proudly recognizes our infusion nurses for their essential role in rheumatology care. From administering complex biologic therapies to monitoring patient safety and building lasting relationships, infusion nurses are at the heart of high-quality, patient-centered treatment.

Your clinical expertise, vigilance, and compassion ensure patients feel supported, informed, and safe, often over years of ongoing care. The trust you build and the consistency you provide make a meaningful difference in the lives of those living with chronic rheumatic disease.

Thank you for being steady hands, trusted educators, and advocates for every patient you serve.

💙

22/01/2026

🎉 We’re excited to announce the launch of the RNS National Pediatric Chapter! 🎉

Join us for the re-launch of our National Pediatric Chapter meeting and be part of a new national space created specifically for nurses and advanced practice providers caring for pediatric rheumatology patients.

📅 January 29, 2026
⏰ 7:00 PM EST

This first meeting marks the beginning of a dedicated community focused on collaboration, education, and shared learning across pediatric rheumatology practice settings.

👉 Register here: www.RNSevents.org

Whether you work in pediatrics full-time or support pediatric patients as part of your broader practice, we’d love to have you join us as we kick off this exciting new chapter at RNS.

Please feel free to share with colleagues who may be interested!

15/01/2026

We’re proud to highlight Gwen Robinson, RN, member of the Rheumatology Nurses Society Board of Directors, for sharing her perspective in a recent Healio article examining opioid use in patients with gout.

Read the full article and Gwen's perspective here: https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20251216/patients-with-gout-30-more-likely-than-others-to-receive-chronic-opioids

01/01/2026

As President of the Rheumatology Nurses Society, I want to extend my warmest thanks to every member and supporter who helped make 2025 truly extraordinary. We weathered demanding days and unforeseen setbacks, but our collective strength—and unwavering support for one another—carried us forward.

I am genuinely grateful for all that we bring with us into 2026, and I look forward to making the year ahead even brighter than how we ended 2025, together.

Happy New Year!

— Teri Puhalsky, BSN, RN, CRNI
President, Rheumatology Nurses Society

22/12/2025

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when rheumatology nurses get together for the holidays… this is it. 😉

At our recent RNS National Chapter Christmas Party, members created a rheumatology-themed version of The Twelve Days of Christmas, and it was too good not to share!

From prior auths to pumps beeping, this one is for anyone who lives the rheum life.

👉 Read the full post here:
https://rnsnurse.org/the-rns-twelve-days-of-christmas/

Want to join in on the chapter fun? Don’t miss our next National Chapter meeting on February 5, 2026 registration is open now at www.rnsevents.org!

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when rheumatology nurses gather for a holiday celebration, let us paint the picture: laughter, shared stories from the clinic, and a whole lot of inside jokes that only this community truly understands.

17/12/2025

Calling all infusion nurses!

The RNS seeks your participation in a brief survey to understand current practices and challenges in gout management within infusion settings.

✔ ~10 minutes
✔ Confidential
✔ Designed specifically for infusion nurses

Your input will help guide future education and support for infusion teams.

👉 Participate here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7XHGHDX

03/12/2025

Join us TOMORROW, December 4 for a festive and social RNS chapter meeting! Connect, unwind, and enjoy a little holiday cheer with your rheumatology community.

And while it may be cold outside, one lucky attendee will win free registration to the 2026 Annual Conference in warm and sunny Fort Lauderdale!

Register today at www.RNSevents.org

02/12/2025

On the RNS Blog now - warm and uplifting read for the holiday season 🎄

Immediate Past President Karen McKerihan, MSN, NP-C, reflects on gratitude, resilience, and the renewed momentum within RNS.

Read Karen’s post here: https://rnsnurse.org/gratitude-growth-and-a-bright-road-ahead-for-rns/

Have a story or insight to contribute to the RNS blog? Share your idea: https://rnsnurse.org/blog/

Thanksgiving is behind us and the holiday season is officially upon us. As the weekend ended, a weekend when many of us took deliberate time to reflect on what we are grateful for, I found myself pausing to consider what I, as the immediate past president of the Rheumatology Nurses Society, am thank...

24/11/2025

Black Friday plans?
Start early with this one.

You’re getting early access to the lowest price of the entire year for in Fort Lauderdale!

Use code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout and save $60 on registration at www.RNSevents.org

📅 July 30 – August 1, 2026
📍 Fort Lauderdale

Don’t wait — this early access deal ends on 12/1.

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