04 August 2025
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Rheumatology Forum has published the second edition of the Rheumatology Nurse Competency Framework, developed directly in response to feedback from rheumatology nurses across the UK.
At BSR, we are proud to endorse this updated framework and fully support its use across the nursing workforce to improve career development, consistency and confidence in practice.
Why the Rheumatology Nurse Competency Framework matters
The first edition of the framework was widely recognised as a valuable resource for setting standards in rheumatology nursing. However, many nurses reported that it was complex and lacking clear practical guidance on how to apply it.
The second edition addresses this directly. It features:
- Clearer, simplified language
- A tiered structure that reflects different levels of experience
- A design that better supports professional development for nurses in a practical, accessible way
Making a real impact
Motilewa Osho, a rheumatology specialist nurse at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, is already seeing the benefits of the new edition.
“It acts like a roadmap. It helps me understand where I am and where I want to go. It’s something I use to shape my learning and build confidence.”
She also emphasised the importance of leadership support:
“When managers understand the framework, development conversations become more focused and meaningful.”
As a nurse early in her rheumatology career, Motilewa found the updated framework particularly helpful in giving her direction.
“For someone like me, relatively new to the specialty, the framework acts like a roadmap - helping me understand where I am and where I need to go professionally.”
It has helped her approach her role with more purpose and clarity.
The role of the MDT
Successful implementation of the RCN Rheumatology Nurse Competency Framework depends on strong collaboration. Multidisciplinary teams play a vital role in supporting nurses through mentoring, shadowing, teaching and informal learning.
Motilewa also emphasised that implementing the framework is not just the responsibility of nurses alone.
“If the wider multidisciplinary team understands the framework, they can better support nurses through mentoring, teaching sessions, and shadowing.”
This shared understanding can enhance learning opportunities and improve collaboration.
When the whole team understands the framework, it becomes easier to integrate into real-world clinical settings and enhance the confidence and capability of nursing staff.
Looking to the future
There is scope to build further on this framework. Potential developments could include:
- Interactive learning modules
- Tools for personal development and mentorship
- Focus on emerging areas like digital health and personalised care
BSR’s commitment to nurse development
At BSR, we are committed to supporting the roll-out of the updated framework in collaboration with the RCN Rheumatology Forum. We will continue to raise awareness of this valuable resource and ensure it links closely with our CPD and training offers for nurses.
Our aim is to ensure that rheumatology nurses feel supported, empowered, and equipped to grow in their roles.
Explore more
BSR membership provides you with access to CPD resources, events, and guidance that align with the Rheumatology Nurse Competency Framework.