The Global Nursing Network for Rare Diseases (GNNRD), in collaboration with Medics for Rare Disease, has announced the launch of ‘Rare Disease 101 (Nursing)’, a free, foundational eLearning course designed to strengthen nursing (and midwifery) knowledge and confidence worldwide in rare and undiagnosed disease (RUD).

Why Rare Disease Education Matters for Nurses Worldwide

Rare diseases affect more than 300 million people globally, yet most health professionals receive little formal education in this area. Nurses, as the largest and most accessible health workforce, play a pivotal role in recognising early signs, coordinating care, and advocating for RUD patients, whose journeys are often long, complex and fragmented.

Adapted from an Internationally Recognised Programme

Rare Disease 101 (Nursing) is adapted from M4RD’s internationally utilised ‘Rare Disease 101’ program, which has introduced thousands of clinicians worldwide to the common challenges shared across more than 7,000 known rare diseases. This nursing-focused course contextualises core concepts for everyday practice.

What the Course Covers

Modules explore diagnostic delays, the lived experience of patients and families, care coordination, genetics and the psychosocial realities of living with RUD. By highlighting common patterns and challenges, the course equips nurses with the understanding and confidence needed to care for patients with RUD with insight and empathy.

Empowering Nurses to Improve Patient Outcomes

Providing nurses with accessible, high-quality education in rare disease is essential to improving patient outcomes. Every nurse, in every setting, has the potential to make a tangible difference – whether recognising early signs, supporting patients and their families through complex care pathways, or advocating for equitable services. ‘Rare Disease 101 (Nursing)’ empowers nurses to translate knowledge into practice, strengthening the global nursing workforce and helping reduce the healthcare gaps created by the unique challenges of rarity.

The launch of Rare Disease 101 (Nursing) reflects GNNRD’s ongoing commitment to equitable, accessible education for nurses across all regions and specialties. By making the course freely available, GNNRD and M4RD aim to ensure that every nurse has the tools and confidence to provide informed, compassionate care to people living with RUD.

Flexible, Free and Designed for Busy Professionals

The course is designed to be flexible, engaging, and applicable across diverse nursing roles and practice settings. Nurses can complete the modules at their own pace, integrating learning into their busy schedules. Completion will support professional development and strengthen the global nursing workforce’s readiness to respond to rare disease challenges.

How to Access Rare Disease 101 (Nursing)

Rare Disease 101 (Nursing) is now available free of charge through the Medics for Rare Disease’s learning platform: https://learn.m4rd.org/

Nurses, midwives and students of these disciplines are encouraged to explore the course and join a growing community dedicated to improving outcomes for people living with rare and undiagnosed diseases worldwide.

Further reading

For additional insight into the vital role nurses play in improving rare disease care, read Dr Emma Huskinon’s article, “How Nurses Can Transform Rare Disease Care”, published in The Independent Nurse: https://www.independentnurse.co.uk/content/blogs/how-nurses-can-transform-rare-disease-care