Intra-articular and soft tissue injections by nurses: preparation for expanded practice

Administration of intra-articular and soft tissue injections for rheumatic disease represents an expansion of the nurse's role. To achieve the benefits of improved care for patients, and enhanced practice and job satisfaction for practitioners, preparation for the role must be rigorous and systematic. Here the authors describe a course designed to meet these criteria. They set out the content and outcomes of the course and consider some of the ethical and legal issues surrounding such role expansion.