What does the Rheummy nurse do?

dopeykit
dopeykit Member Posts: 107
edited 9. Apr 2010, 03:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello all,

I have my first appointment with the rheummy nurse next week and I'm not sure what to expect. I'm hoping I can ask her loads of questions but I'm not sure what her role is.

Does she prescribe or change the MTX dose? Also, who will refer me to OT or physio - is that her or my GP?

Thanks so much

Kit
www.cookingwitharthur.com
Healthy, tasty recipes for living well with arthritis

Comments

  • livinglegend
    livinglegend Member Posts: 1,425
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dopeykit wrote:
    Hello all,

    I have my first appointment with the rheummy nurse next week and I'm not sure what to expect. I'm hoping I can ask her loads of questions but I'm not sure what her role is.

    Does she prescribe or change the MTX dose? Also, who will refer me to OT or physio - is that her or my GP?
    Kit
    Rheumy nurses are Specialist Nurses who are highly trained in their specialist area of expertise and you should have confidence in seeing and talking to them.

    Yes, you can ask him or her loads of questions and it is a good idea to write down your questions beforehand and then take them with you. Ask them if you can see a physio, if they can't refer you then they should be able to tell you how to get referred.

    The following excerpt from an article explains their role in prescribing:
    Nurse prescribers must have undertaken an extended period of training in prescribing, and have been supervised, assessed and approved in clinical practice for a period of time by a medical colleague. In CAMHS, nurse prescribers usually work with a small group of medications relevant to their clinical speciality and thus become extremely knowledgeable about their effects.
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/nov/27/specialist-nurses-qualified-prescribe-drugs

    Hope that this helps you.

    Joseph 8)
    Josephm0310.gif
  • gypsy14
    gypsy14 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi kit

    Rheumy nurses have a specialist interest in and have chosen to specialise in rheumatology. they can be particularly helpful for advice during flare ups as they can make changes to your medication/administer steroid injections etc

    They should be able to answer any questions you have with regard to your diagnosis, medications etc

    I agree with the last writer that you should take a list of questions with you as you wait a long time for an appointment and it's very frustrating to come back out and realise you forgot to ask something important to you

    Hope it all goes well

    Gypsy :)
  • dopeykit
    dopeykit Member Posts: 107
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks both that is really helpful. Quite looking forward to seeing her now.

    Do you know if she can refer to OT and physio? I'd really like to get sorted so its easier at work

    Thanks

    Kit
    www.cookingwitharthur.com
    Healthy, tasty recipes for living well with arthritis
  • gypsy14
    gypsy14 Member Posts: 15
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi kit
    i am sure that they can refer you to physio and OT i would just ask when ypu are there. If not your gp can def refer you
    i referred myself to ot and physio through my occ health dept but i don't know if you work for a big enough organisation to do this.
    Let them know it is a referral to return/keep you at work as this may mean you get prioritised. you could also volunteer to accept a cancellation if this would suit in order to get seen quicker.

    good luck

    Gypsy
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dopeykit wrote:
    Thanks both that is really helpful. Quite looking forward to seeing her now.

    Do you know if she can refer to OT and physio? I'd really like to get sorted so its easier at work

    Thanks

    Kit

    My rheumy nurse referred me to a hospital-based OT (I go there to see her) who has specific expertise in treating people with arthritis. SHe has been so helpful that I wish I had been referred to her so much sooner!!

    I was also referred to a community OT by my GP some years ago - & they visited my home.

    hope that helps & good luck with your appointment!
  • kerrycc
    kerrycc Member Posts: 89
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I find my Rhummy nurse a lot more helpful than my consultant. She is brilliant, very knowledgable, understanding and has the time to listen. I have been referred to OT, OH and others through her, she can increase my medication by deciding what the best course of action is, then getting it signed off by the consultant while i'm still there. I even ring her for advise sometimes. Hope yours is as helpful too xx