Administration of Biologic Infusions: A Position Statement of the Rheumatology Nurses Society
Greenville, SC (PRWEB) March 03, 2015 -- The Rheumatology Nurses Society (RNS) is dedicated to the public’s expectation of excellence in care and safe practice for patients with rheumatic diseases.
It is the position of the RNS that biologic infusions are administered in an infusion center, provider’s office, or hospital under the direct supervision of a registered nurse (RN), as defined in their State Nurse Practice Act. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis can occur in patients receiving these medications during a first infusion, as well as subsequent infusions. Biologic infusions should be administered only in healthcare settings where healthcare providers are prepared to recognize and manage severe adverse reactions.
“The administration of immunomodulatory, immunosuppressive, and biologic response modifiers for the treatment of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases has become standard of care. Nurses who are educated in rheumatic diseases, their treatments, and proper administration of treatments are critical to patient safety. The RNS is committed to ensuring the optimal environment of care is such that patient safety remains paramount,” stated RNS co-founder, Victoria Ruffing, RN, CCRP.
About RNS:
The Rheumatology Nursing Society (RNS) is a nonprofit professional nursing organization formed in 2007, representing nurses who are engaged in clinical practice, education, and research for the care of patients with rheumatic diseases. Rheumatology nursing was recognized as a nursing specialty by the American Nurses Association (ANA) Board of Directors in 2012. The mission of RNS is to lead nurses to excellence in the care of patients with rheumatologic diseases. The society is committed to the development and education of nurses to benefit its members, patients, family, and community. For more information about rheumatology nursing, RNS membership, educational opportunities, and the Core Curriculum for Rheumatology Nursing, please visit http://RNSnurse.org.
Kevin D. Lyons, Rheumatology Nurses Society, http://RNSnurse.org, +1 (941) 877-1316, [email protected]
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