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2024 RNS Conference / July 17-20 / Orlando, FL
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Rheumatology Nurses Society

8437 Tuttle Avenue – Suite 404
Sarasota, FL 34243

ph: (800) 380‑7081 / fax: (410) 384‑4222

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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Copyright © 2024 Rheumatology Nurses Society, INC.
RNS Events | Virtual + In-Person

Thank you for your interest!

We look forward to seeing you at Conference! Your registration discount code will be emailed to you.

Session Description

An Overview of Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), Ehler's Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)

A rapid fire approach to understanding Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR).

Session Description

Into the Eye of the Storm: When Cytokines Attack

A storm is brewing, but in rheumatology, we know this is not about the weather – it’s a cytokine storm! In this session, we will talk about the role of cytokines in the immune system, how they are beneficial, but also what happens when they become too abundant, including TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, calcineurin, and interleukin cytokines.

Session Description

Applied Immunology to Autoimmune Diseases: COVID-19 as Immunology Boot Camp

When healthcare providers understand basic immunology, they also have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of different rheumatic diseases. This session will cover principles of immunology that are fundamental specific to understanding rheumatic and other autoimmune diseases.

Session Description

Fundamentals of Immunology

Let’s get down to the basics! In this session, we will take an illustrative look into the principles of immunology important for healthcare providers to know so that they can analyze new developments in immunological therapies designed for the treatment of diseases.

Giveaway Rules, Terms & Conditions

Live Attendee Prizes
During our Dear Diary Webinars we will be raffling off a variety of prizes in addition to one grand prize per event. The grand prize will be chosen at random (from a selection of a massage gun, a portable bluetooth speaker, or a Kindle Fire tablet), and given away at the end of each session. Additionally, we will be raffling off prizes including registration to the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference, an RNS mug, amazon gift cards and more. In total there will be 5 prizes given away per event.

Referral Contest
What better way to enjoy the Dear Diary Webinar, than with friends! We encourage you to refer friends or colleagues for your chance to win an Apple iPad Mini! In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) attend the broadcast they signed up for. Spread the word from now until March 25 and increase your chance to win!

Terms & Conditions.

  • Anyone is welcome to join us for the Dear Diary Webinar, however you must be 18 years or older to claim prize.
  • Entry is simple. It requires registration AND attendance to one live webinar.
  • As a reminder you can only win one prize per the Dear Diary Webinar series. You can register and attend multiple webinars, however this will not increase your chances of winning.

Giveaway Rules, Terms & Conditions

Live Attendee Prizes
Throughout our live event, the RNS will be raffling off a variety of prizes. You must be present during the live event when the raffle is occuring to claim a prize. In addition to our raffles, the RNS will be giving away a select number of grand prizes. Raffles are chosen at random while grand prizes will be given away to those who qualify in the following areas: Top 3 Bingo Social Event winners, Highest Engagement Overall, Most Educational Questions Asked, and the “Find Elvis” Raffle. All grand prize winners (except for the Bingo Social Event winners) will be announced during the Farewell Reception at the end of the event. Bingo Social Event winners will be announced at the end of the social event. All winners must be present during the reception or social event to claim a prize. Additional details on how to play and qualify will be provided during the live event broadcast. See also, Terms & Conditions listed below and the event agenda for announcement dates and times.

Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) complete the evaluation at the end of the event or OnDemand portion of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by May 30, 2021.

Terms & Conditions

  • You must be 18 years or older to claim a prize.
  • You must be registered and attend the event to win (NOTE: OnDemand participants who did not attend the live event are still eligible to win the referral contest).
  • Winners must verify their shipping address by contacting events@rnsnurse.org before prizes will be distributed

Session Description

Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease and How it Relates to Rheumatology

Thyroid eye disease is often linked with other comorbidities, including many autoimmune diseases. In this session, learn how thyroid eye disease presents itself in patients with other rheumatic conditions.

Session Description

Clinical Perspectives of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Through the Eyes of Dermatology and Rheumatology

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is one of the most common rheumatologic diseases we see in patients, and dermatologists are in a unique position to recognize early signs of PsA. In this co-presentation, we will hear from both a rheumatology and dermatology provider in recognizing these signs, and how the two practices can work together to provide the best patient care.

Session Description

Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccines with Your Patients

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced healthcare providers to learn and adapt in an unprecedented environment, including accommodating our patients with the new vaccines on the market. In this session, we will discuss what the vaccine means for our practices, and how it could affect those with rheumatologic and other autoimmune diseases.

Session Description

An Interdisciplinary Approach to Rheumatic Diseases

In this panel presentation, you will hear from multiple specialities regarding the best practices on treating rheumatic diseases.

Session Description

Pregnancy and Women's Health in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents differently throughout a woman’s journey into motherhood. From disease activity improvements to flare ups, learn what rheumatoid arthritis looks like from conception to post-partum, and how best to support mothers throughout the process.

Session Description

The Progression of Lupus and Research

In this session, we will explore the history and progression of lupus and research in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN).

Session Description

The Role and Impact of Infusible Therapies on Your Practice

In this session, learners will develop an understanding of the role and impact of infusion therapies and it’s impact in clinical rheumatology practice.

Session Description

An Overview of Vasculitis for the Nurse and Advanced Practice Provider

Vasculitis can range from mild to life threatening symptoms, so it is important as providers to know where your patient falls on the spectrum. This session will cover a global overarching review of the disease, including detection, manifestations, and treatments.

Sorry

Our individual sessions are not yet available for registration

We will be getting this registration up and running in the next couple of days.

Please check back soon!

Session Description

The Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Criteria, and Treatments of Common Rheumatic Diseases (Part 1)

Take a crash course on common rheumatic diseases seen in patients. This session will cover the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments of the following diseases:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Gout
  • Lupus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and Lupus Nephritis
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Systemic-Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, and Stills Disease

Session Description

Of Mice and Men: DMOAD Therapy for the Osteoarthritic Knee

This session will focus on the common findings, challenges, and targets of therapy including the use of disease modifying osteoarthrits drugs (DMOADS) in patients with osteoarthritic knees.

Session Description

Immunology in Rheumatoid Arthritis

In this session, we will discuss the application of the fundamentals of immunology in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Session Description

Transitioning your Lupus Patient from Pediatric to Adult Care

Transfer of care from pediatrics to adults can be difficult for patients, especially for patients diagnosed with lupus, a disease with a high rate of comorbidity. In this session, we will address comorbid manifestations in lupus, and how to best prepare our patients for their transition to adult providers.

Session Description

How Genetics Will Impact the Future of Rheumatology

In this session, we will introduce translational genetics and genomics through the lenses of rheumatic diseases, such as Behcet’s Disease, Stills Disease, and Systemic Onset Juvenial Idiopathic Arthritis (SoJIA).

Session Description

Differentiating Between Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Other Hypermobility Syndromes

Take an assiduous look at the complexities between Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) and other hypermobility syndrome (HMS) as we discuss clinical manifestations, the diagnostic workup, and what long term outcomes are for the hypermobility syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes patient.

Session Description

Where Are We Now? A Look Back Through COVID-19 as of Fall 2020

It’s been nearly one year since COVID-19 was first identified as an infectious disease. Through the evolution and spread of the disease, we have learned a lot about what works and what we should avoid. In this session, we will talk about the most recent updates to treatment options for patients, particularly those with rheumatic diseases.

Session Description

Updates on Guidelines in Treating Your Gout Patients

Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis seen in rheumatology patients, and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) released in 2020 new Guidelines for the Management of Gout. In this learning session we will be exploring the these updated treatment guidelines as well as recent and pipeline treatments so we can best serve our patients with the most current research released.

Session Description

A Deeper Dive into Spondylitis with You and Your Patient

Though patients may not pay attention to codes that their healthcare providers jot down, nurses and advanced practice providers know just how important that clerical detail can be. In this session, we will break down what the recent ICD-10 classification of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA) means for you as a provider and the future treatment of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

Session Description

What Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) Looks Like in the Rheumatology Patient

In this session, we will be walking through diagnosis to care for our patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). We will be discussing pathophysiology, immunology, differential diagnosis, clinical presentation, and treatment of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Session Description

An Overview of Vasculitis for the Nurse and Advanced Practice Provider

Vasculitis can range from mild to life threatening symptoms, so it is important as providers to know where your patient falls on the spectrum. This session will cover a global overarching review of the disease, including detection, manifestations, and treatments.

Session Description

An Integrative and Alternative Approach to Rheumatology Patient Care

In this session, we will take a look at an integrative approach to patient care, combining complementary and alternative treatments in addition to medical therapies commonly applied in rheumatology.

Session Description

Treating Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) in Sarcoidosis

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), sarcoidosis is lesser known in the specialty of rheumatology and requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. This session will provide the pathophysiology and disease process in interstitial lung disease, as well as treatment and support considerations in interstitial lung disease patients with sarcoidosis.

Session Description

Pregnancy and Women’s Health in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

In this session you will learn about how Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) impacts your pregnant patients and the latest American College of Rheumatology guidelines.

Session Description

The Impact of Biologics on the Immune System

The use of biologics as treatments in patients with rheumatic diseases have led to significant improvement in outcomes; however, their usage does not come without hazard. In this session, we will examine the mechanisms of common biologics used in rheumatology care and their implications on patient outcomes.

Session Description

The Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Criteria, and Treatments of Common Rheumatic Diseases (Part 2)

Take a crash course on common rheumatic diseases seen in patients. This session will cover the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatments of the following diseases:

  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Axial Spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA)

Reserve my seat for the 2022 RNS Conference

Complete the form below to reserve your seat and lock in your discount code.

Session Description

Demystifying Fibromyalgia for the Nurse and Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

Often refered to as the ‘garbage can diagnosis,’ fibromyalgia presents itself in many of our patients, so often rheumatology providers will coordinate the patient’s care. In this session, we will learn common presentations of fibromyalgia in rheumatology patients, as well as therapy and treatment guidelines often prescribed to the patient.

Giveaway Rules, Terms & Conditions

In addition to great evidence-based and accredited education we have great prizes to give away! Throughout the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference we will be giving away Apple Airpods Pro, Apple Watch Series 6, Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Bundle, Nintendo Switch Lite Game Console, Ring doorbell, and more.

You will be able to win these prizes by earning points throughout the conference. Rack up points by being an active participant throughout the conference, attending all conference sessions, visiting with our exhibitors and exhibitor pages, and more!

Live Attendee Prizes
Throughout our live event, the RNS will be raffling off a variety of prizes. You must be present during the live event when the raffle is occurring to claim a prize. In addition to our raffles, the RNS will be giving away a select number of grand prizes. Raffles are chosen at random while grand prizes will be given away to those who qualify in the following areas: Top Leaderboard Winners and Top Completed Poll Participation During Accredited Sessions. All grand prize winners will be announced during the Farewell Reception at the end of the event. All winners must be present when the winner is announced to claim a prize.

Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) include your first and last name in the referral field on their registration form, and (b) complete the evaluation at the end of the event or OnDemand portion of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by Sept 6, 2021.

Terms & Conditions

  • You must be 18 years or older to claim a prize.
  • You must be registered and attend the event to win (NOTE: OnDemand participants who did not attend the live event are still eligible to win the referral contest).
  • Winners must verify their shipping address by contacting events@rnsnurse.org before prizes will be distributed.
  • Please note that event staff, board of directors, exhibitors and corporate members are not eligible to win prizes.
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Rheumatic Disease

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Rheumatic Disease

Patients with rheumatic diseases, (from rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or lupus) have many questions and concerns. This booklet will provide an overview of some of the most common questions patients ask and equip you to answer them efficiently.

Topics include:

  • How did I get rheumatoid arthritis?
  • Does a diagnosis of RA mean I am going to eventually be crippled or disabled?
  • How did I get psoriatic arthritis?
  • Will my disease ever go away?
  • Why do I often feel worse right after starting a new medication?
  • Why are there so many different kinds of lupus?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Immunology

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Immunology

Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, which account for the majority of rheumatic diseases, occur when an individual’s body mistakenly attacks itself. As patients experience different symptoms and challenges, this booklet will supply you with simple answers for complex concerns patients have regarding their immune system.

Topics include:

  • How does a normal immune system work?
  • What is wrong with my immune system?
  • What is a T cell? B cell?
  • What is a cytokine?
  • Is there anything that I can do to fix my immune system?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: A Woman's Journey

Handling the Hard Questions

A Woman's Journey

Every woman’s journey through rheumatic disease is unique, filled with twists and turns as life’s challenges come and go. To adequately support and assist female patients, this booklet will equip you to answer the many different questions and concerns women with rheumatic diseases face.

Topics include:

  • What is the connection between hormones and my disease?
  • Why does my disease get worse during menstruation?
  • How will my disease affect my ability to get pregnant?
  • How likely is it that I will pass this disease onto my children?
  • Which medications are safe/unsafe for me to take during pregnancy?
  • What is going to happen to my disease as I reach menopause?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Biosimilars

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Biosimilars

Over the last several decades, scientific advances have led to the development of new treatment approaches for patients with systemic, immune-mediated rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Many of these new medications are biologic agents. Learn more about the coming wave of biosimilars and how to effectively communicate appropriate responses to common–and challenging–questions patients with rheumatic disease are asking.

Topics include:

  • What is a biosimilar?
  • Are there different safety concerns with a biosimilar compared to its reference biologic?
  • How can there be more than one biosimilar for a specific biologic?
  • What’s with the weird names of biosimilars?
  • Why are so few of the approved biosimilars available for current use?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Rheumatoid Arthritis

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unknown. RA appears to arise from a mix of genetic risk factors, environmental exposures, and chance. Patients diagnosed with RA have many questions, this guide will help you navigate their challenges and concerns.

Topics include:

  • Why did I get rheumatoid arthritis?
  • Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?
  • Is rheumatoid arthritis going to affect my life expectancy?
  • Are my children going to get rheumatoid arthritis?
  • Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Behçet’s Disease

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Behçet’s Disease

Due in part to its uncommon nature, rheumatology nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are often challenged in answering questions from patients newly diagnosed with Behçet’s disease. It is important to be able to properly and effectively communicate appropriate responses.

Topics include:

  • What is Behçet’s disease?
  • Can Behçet’s disease be cured?
  • Am I still going to be able to work/go to school?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • Do I have to worry about my current or future children getting Behçet’s disease? Will it impact my ability to get pregnant?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Gout

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About Gout

Gout affects an estimated 9 million individuals throughout the United States. Many patients with gout have questions about their condition and treatment options, particularly following a recent diagnosis. By providing patients with evidence-based answers to common questions, providers can help alleviate patient concerns and emphasize the importance of interventions that can help prevent flares and long-term damage.

Topics include:

  • How did I get gout?
  • How do you know I have gout and not something else?
  • Why is my big toe so swollen?
  • Why is it so important that you monitor my uric acid levels?
  • Is there anything I should change about my diet?
  • …and much more!
Handling the Hard Questions: What Our Patients Are Asking Us About the Treatment of Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis

Handling the Hard Questions

What Our Patients Are Asking Us About the Treatment of Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatology healthcare providers spend a good part of their day educating patients about their disease, alleviating concerns about treatment and making sure that patients are armed with the information they need to give them the best chance at reaching their personal treatment goals. This booklet will equip you to navigate and support your patient to best manage their condition.

Topics include:

  • What is biological therapy? How is it different than other medications I have been taking?
  • Why are you recommending an infusion over injection or oral medication?
  • Will this medication suppress my immune system and put me at higher risk of infection?
  • Will this medication cause cancer?
  • …and more much more!

Session Description

Keynote: The Impact of Bias, Discrimination and Racism on Health Care

The events during the summer of 2020 sparked by the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in public raised the awareness of racism in this country and sparked an outcry from every part of this society. Interestingly, many were surprised that there are various forms of racism and that it has existed in this country since it was colonized by Europeans. Policies, laws, and social structures were put in place to promote some groups of people as superior and others as inferior. Citizenship, voting rights, education and housing policies that discriminate are well-documented and persist today.
Health care disparities in this country is another area that have their roots in bias, discrimination and racism. The concept of “race” itself, false scientific attributes awarded to various races, medical decisions, policies, treatments, and research have been influenced by bias and racism.

This talk is to provide information about the historical events leading to the existence of structural racism in this country and how it has permeated the healthcare system. The presentation will begin with a series of definitions to provide a shared mental model to the participants. This will be followed by examples in the medical literature of how bias, discrimination and racism have affected health care both on the micro and macro levels. Finally, recommendations on how to recognize and confront bias, discrimination and racism in health care will be provided. Along with PowerPoint slides, short video clips will be used to demonstrate and augment the points made in the lecture.

Session Description

Lupus Nephritis (LN): Just One Type of Lupus You Need to Know About

Lupus nephritis (LN) impacts a large proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because of this, it is vitally important for providers to be able to identify the manifestations of the disease in patients. In this session, learners will take away key identifying presentations of the disease, as well as learn about the most up-to-date research and treatment options.

Session Description

Guiding Your Patient Through the Family Planning Stages While Living with a Rheumatic Disease

As treatment options continue to evolve in patients with rheumatic diseases, more couples may choose to pursue pregnancy. As providers, it is important that we have frank discussions with our patients about how their disease can affect pregnancy. In this session, we will discuss the needs of patients from the moment they decide to pursue pregnancy to pre-natal care for mothers and babies.

Session Description

Applied Immunology to Autoimmune Diseases: COVID-19 as Immunology Boot Camp (Part 2)

While we understand the pathophysiology and treatments of the disease much better today than we did at the start of the pandemic, the immunology of COVID-19 may still be a tricky subject for healthcare providers. In this session, Dr. Calabrese will continue an important conversation of the COVID immunology basics, as well as appraise where immune based therapies may be of benefit within the integrated immune response.

Session Description

Quality Improvement, Evidence-based Practice, and Research: Using Data to Guide Your Practice

What are the different ways that rheumatology nurses use data to strengthen their practice? There are many different terms that are used for using data and in this session you will learn the strengths of each approach to address important clinical problems.

Session Description

Clinical Applications in Rheumatology

Which treatment option would you choose? In this session, learners will walk through different case studies with our presenters on multiple disease states, including lupus nephritis, psoriatic arthritis, and non-radiographic axial spondylitis. Be prepared to respond as this is an interactive session!

  • Case Study 1: Lupus Nephritis
  • Case Study 2: Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Case Study 3: Axial Spondyloarthritis

Session Description

Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care and How to Navigate This Journey With Your Rheumatology Patients

Transfer of care from pediatric care to adult care may be definited as a single point in time when a new provider takes over care of the patient, however, a successful transition involves providers educating families years before the event takes place. In this panel discussion, we will discuss how rheumatic diseases present in patients from pediatrics to adults, and how we can best set our patients up for success in treatment options as the provider exchange takes place.

Session Description

Latest Treatments and Guidelines on Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) and Spondyloarthropathies (SpA) for the Nurse and Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and spondyloarthropathies are common rheumatic diseases with new advancements on the horizon. In this session, we will be exploring the latest guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology, recent and pipeline treatments, and looking at the current research in development.

Session Description

Billing and Coding: The Rheumatology Nurse's Primer

In a world where so much has changed, so has the billing and coding processes. In this session, we will take a look at historically where we have come from and where we are when it relates to pre-authorizations, telemedicine appointments and how the pandemic has shaped and continues to shape the industry.

Session Description

Kids Grow Up: What You Need to Know About Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) for Both Pediatrics and Adult Care

While the causes of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) remain unknown, the muscle and skin affecting disease can also present in adult patients beyond the pediatric years. In this session, we will discuss the pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options of this often debilitating disease.

Session Description

Latest Treatments and Guidelines on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) for the Nurse and Advanced Practice Provider (APP)

In this session, take a look at the new, current, and upcoming therapies in rheumatoid arthritis and how you can better treat your patients.

2021 Rheum for You Live Webinar Registration

Complete the form below to attend this complimentary virtual webinar surveying the growing need for advanced practice providers, nurses and other healthcare professionals in the field of rheumatology.

Giveaway Rules, Terms & Conditions

Live Attendee Prizes
During this webinar we will be raffling off a variety of prizes in addition to one grand prize. The grand prize, an Apple Watch (Series 6) will be given away at the end of the session. Additionally, we will be raffling off prizes including registration to the Virtual 2021 14th Annual RNS Conference, a one year RNS Membership, and an Uber Eats Gift Card.

Referral Contest
In order for the entry to count, your referral must (a) register and attend the live  event and (b) include your first and last name in the referral field on their evaluation at the close of the event. Winner will be contacted via email by June 17, 2021.

Terms & Conditions

  • You must be 18 years or older to claim a prize.
  • You must be registered and attend the event to win.
  • Winners must verify their shipping address by contacting events@rnsnurse.org before prizes will be distributed
Karen McKerihan, MSN, NP-C

Board Bio

Karen McKerihan, MSN, NP-C

Member at Large

Director of Infusion Services
Articularis Healthcare
Charleston, SC

Karen McKerihan currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina where she works as the Director of Infusion Services at Articularis Healthcare. She studied at the University of Tennessee, Walden University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. She worked as an RN in women’s care and pain management since 1991. She has worked as an FNP in rheumatology since 2016 and for the past 2 years has been the Director of Infusion Services for Articularis Healthcare. She is a member of the AANP, ARP, INS, and the RNS. She grew up as a missionary kid in India, speaks Hindi, and in her spare time plays the bagpipes for the Charleston Pipe Band.
April Johnson, MSN, APRN, CNP

Board Bio

April Johnson, MSN, APRN, CNP

Member at Large

Nurse Practitioner
McBride Orthopedic Hospital
Edmond, Oklahoma

April currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma, where she works as a nurse practitioner at McBride Orthopedic Hospital. She studied nursing at the OU Health Science Center graduating in 2003 and obtained her nurse practitioner degree in 2013 at Midwestern State University. While in graduate school, she worked on and presented an evidence-based project on pain management that was chosen as a poster presentation. April has been working in rheumatology since 2016. Derrick and April have been married since 2004, and they have two daughters. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking up new recipes, and caring for and decorating her home.
Nancy Eisenberger, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Board Bio

Nancy Eisenberger, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Member at Large

Nurse Practitioner
Arthritis, Rheumatic and Back Disease Associates
Voorhees, New Jersey

Nancy Eisenberger currently resides in Voorhees, New Jersey where she works as a nurse practitioner at Arthritis, Rheumatic and Back Disease Associates. She studied nursing at Misericordia University and graduate nursing at the Medical University of South Carolina. She has been practicing rheumatology since 2006. Nancy has 3 amazing adult children and recently added a granddaughter to her life. She is passionate about her family and her career and loves taking care of the people around her.
Carolyn Zic, MSN, FNP-BC

Board Bio

Carolyn Zic, MSN, FNP-BC

Treasurer

Nurse Practitioner
Comer Children’s Hospital
New Lenox, IL

Carolyn Zic currently resides in the Chicago area where she works as a rheumatology nurse practitioner at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago Medicine. She studied nursing at Madonna University and obtained her nurse practitioner degree in 2019 from the University of St. Francis. In 2018, Carolyn was recognized as the Chicago area Arthritis Foundation Medical Honoree for her excellence and compassionate care to patients and their families. She firmly believes in patient advocacy and treasures the bond that she has created with her patients over the years.

Session Description

Racial Disparities in Healthcare: Be Informed, Protect Your Patients

While our current pandemic health crisis may be shining a new light on racial disparities in healthcare, minority patients know this is not a new phenomenon. In this important session, we will discuss historic implications of racial disparities, the exacerbation of disparities due to COVID, and how you as a nurse can help eliminate gaps of care for these patients.

Session Description

Putting the Pieces Together: Immunology and Rheumatology

How can we subsume our knowledge of immunology into our rheumatology practices? This session will help learners to connect the dots between immunology and applied therapies to care for our patients.