Rheumatology Case Crusaders:

Program & Accreditation Details

Carolyn Zic, MSN, FNP-C
Accredited Provider Program Director

Barbara Kienzle, BSN, RN
Faculty
Wellstar MCG Health

Carrie Beach, BSN, RN-BC
Faculty
Columbus Arthritis Center

In this course, learners will explore the recognition and management of rheumatic disease through a case-based patient simulation. Participants will assess clinical findings, identify key patient circumstances, and apply evidence-based reasoning to determine an appropriate rheumatologic diagnosis and initial treatment approach.

The course examines how patient-specific, situational, and psychosocial factors may influence treatment planning, adherence, and long-term disease management. Learners will strengthen diagnostic reasoning, enhance patient communication, and apply a team-based approach to support comprehensive, individualized care for patients with chronic rheumatic conditions.

Upon completion of the tactics described in this educational initiative, learners will be able to:

Apply evidence-based reasoning to determine appropriate diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Consider patient-specific factors that may impact care planning and outcomes.
Recognize key clinical features associated with common pediatric rheumatic diseases within a patient encounter.

The target audience for this forum includes registered nurses (RNs), nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), licensed practical and vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), and other healthcare professionals who are engaged in clinical practice, education, research, and advocacy for the care of adult and pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases. The content of this education will also be applicable to healthcare professionals new to rheumatology, as well as students considering entering the field of rheumatology.

Participants will receive 0.5 hours of ANCC contact hours by participating in the educational program and completing an online evaluation.

The Rheumatology Nurses Society is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation (Provider No. P0500).

In accordance with the disclosure policy of the Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS), all planners, faculty, reviewers, and individuals in a position to control content are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

All identified financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated prior to the activity to ensure fair balance, scientific rigor, and objectivity in alignment with ANCC accreditation standards. Educational content is evidence-based and designed to be free of commercial bias. The disclosure of financial relationships does not imply endorsement of any commercial product, service, or company by the Rheumatology Nurses Society.

With the exception of those listed below, all planners and faculty report no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Carrie Beach, BSN, RN: Advisory Board, UCB

There are no fees to participate in the activity. Participants must review the activity information including the learning objectives and disclosure statements, as well as the content of the activity. To receive ANCC contact hours for your participation, please participate in the patient simulation and complete the learner assessment. Your certificate can be downloaded and printed immediately.

This program has been supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.

Course Lessons

Breaking Down Health Disparities: Conversations We Should be Having With Our Patients

We believe that finding ways to assess social determinants of health is an important consideration for nurses and advanced practice providers as they deal with a wide range of patients. Our “Breaking Down Health Disparities: Conversations We Should be Having With Our Patients” guide is designed to help you collect information about a patient’s social determinants of health, and understand why it is crucial for impactful care delivery. We hope that with this guide you will not only connect with your patients on a deeper level, but also provide improved patient-centered care as you develop care plans that take into consideration your patient’s social health.

Rheumatology Social Needs Screening Tool

Social Determinants of Health Implementation Plan

Implicit Bias Worksheet

Our Mission

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.

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East Dundee, IL 60118
(847) 748‑0079

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Context is Key Series:

Rheumatology Case Crusaders:

Program & Accreditation Details

Faculty

Course Description

Learning Objectives:

Target Audience

Accreditation Statement

Faculty Disclosure

Method of Participation

Educational Supporter