Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with homeostatic processes in the body and its origins have long intrigued healthcare professionals; does nature or nurture determine its development? This article explores theories associated with RA development and reviews the necessary work of nurses as they help patients to deal with the symptoms of the disease. It will discuss interactions associated with the chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease which reflects an autoimmune imbalance of cells in the synovial joints and their tissues. The work highlights that the multiple roles of the healthcare practitioner are analogous to the components that sustain homoeostasis and practitioners may be considered external agents for homeostatic control. However, because of the progressive nature of RA, the authors conclude that practitioners are limited in this control as they can only manage signs and symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life and not restore the homeostatic status.