Evaluation of nurse practitioners’ roles and competencies among rheumatology nurses: Results of a national survey

Abstract

To investigate nurse practitioners’ roles and competencies among rheumatology nurses in China, an online, cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 7 and 14, 2020 among the national cooperation group of nursing experts on management of rheumatic and immune diseases. A total of 796 valid questionnaires were returned and participants’ mean total scores on the Nurse Practitioners’ Roles and Competencies Scale (NPRCS) was 2.51 (SD = 0.55), indicating a medium level. Medical assistance, leadership reform, and clinical research had low scores in the six dimensions of the NPRCS. Nurse practitioners’ roles and competencies in the area of rheumatology require improvement. Training should focus on medical assistance, leadership reform, and clinical research. The current study can provide a reference for an improved training framework of nursing practitioners in the rheumatology field.

Nurses’ roles, interventions, and implications for management of rheumatic diseases

“…Hence, the incorporation of structured education and hands-on training in clinical settings is expected to bolster the responsibilities and skills of rheumatology nurses. Education regarding rheumatic disease handling should encompass theoretical and practical components [ 67 ]. The main roles of specialized nurses are visualized in Fig.…”