Authors

  1. Guss, Debra DNP, RN, ANP-C
  2. Sherigar, Jagannath MD
  3. Mohanty, Smruti R. MD, MS, FACP

Abstract

Nurses have been at the forefront of the care of patients with hepatitis C since hepatitis C virus was identified in 1989. Treatments of patients with hepatitis C have evolved over the time to the present moment, where there are numerous options available for patients that are efficacious, simple, and well-tolerated. However, many patients with hepatitis C do not know they are infected or have never been treated. Nurses can continue to influence patients' engagement in their care, direct patients toward testing, and support them through their treatment and follow-up. This article discusses the role of the nurse in the management of hepatitis C and offers the most up-to-date information regarding the current standards of care for patients, from identifying patients for testing to managing patients through treatment and follow-up.