The goal of the nursing profession is not only to be "patient advocates" but also to assist the patient in learning and acquiring the skills necessary to achieve the best level of functioning for the patient patient based on his current disease. To help a patient reach the optimal level of functioning, the nurse must work with the patient and the interdisciplinary team to create a collaborative plan that makes sense to the patient. Through the examination of case study no. 35 of a musculoskeletal disorder by Preusser (2008), it is possible to create a critical path for the patient, SP, a 75-year-old woman, suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hospitalized in the orthopedic department for a hip fracture after fall (p. 183). Because the patient's needs are unique and complex, the nurse must develop a tailored plan with the patient that will include "...assessments, consultations, treatments, lifestyle changes, disease education..." so that the patient receives the most appropriate evidence-based care and can make informed decisions when necessary (Oliver, 2006, p. 28). The purpose of the nurse caring for the SP is to help prepare the patient for an upcoming procedure and to focus care on the patient by gathering necessary information about her in the meantime. Collaboration with the patient, family, rehabilitation, medical and surgical team regarding treatment plans can help us provide appropriate patient care using actions and interventions within the scope and standards of nursing practice. This case study by Preusser (2008) involves a 75 year old female, SP, who fell at home and was admitted to the orthopedics department for an intracapsular hip fracture at the femoral neck (p. 183). Assessment data includes his height is 5'3”, weight is 118 lbs, blood pressure… center of paper… National Orthopedic Nurses Association. (2009). Total hip replacement. Retrieved from http://www.orthonurse.org/ResearchandPractice/PatientEducation/tabid/490/Default.aspxOliver, S. (2006). Benefits of patient pathways in rheumatoid arthritis care. Nursing times. 102(16), 28-33. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/benefits-of-patient-pathways-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-care/203268.articleOliver, S. (2009). Understanding the needs of older people with rheumatoid arthritis: the role of the community nurse. Nursing for older adults, 21(9), 30-38.Preusser, B. (2008). 4th edition. Winningham and Preusser's critical thinking in the nursing field: medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity and psychiatric case studies. New York: Elsevier/Mosby Inc. Wilkinson, J. M. (2011). 5th edition. The nursing process and critical thinking. Prentice Hall.