Background. Pain, stiffness and functional restrictions of the joints are the main problems for many patients with inflammatory rheumatic conditions. When conventional drugs fail to delay the development of the disease the patient may require biological treatment such as anti-TNF therapy. Some biological drugs are administered in the form of intravenous infusions and thus the patient is obliged to attend a clinic in order to receive his/her medication, which can affect everyday life as well independence. Therefore, it is important that the patient perspective is focused upon in order to improve the care. Aim. To describe variations in how patients with rheumatic conditions perceive their dependence on intravenous anti-TNF therapy provided by a nurse. Method. The study has a descriptive qualitative design and a phenomenographic approach. Interviews were conducted with 20 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies who were treated by means of intravenous anti-TNF therapy. Results. Three descriptive categories and ten sub-categories emerged: Dependence that affords security (encountering continuity, encountering competence, having accessibility and obtaining information); Dependence that creates involvement (being allowed influence and being given freedom); Dependence that invigorates (obtaining relaxation, being seen as an individual, being taken care of and encountering the environment). The patients perceived that the treatment led to feelings of security and involvement and stated that regular encounters with a nurse were invigorating. The patients’ needs should constitute the basis for the nurse’s role in the provision of intravenous anti-TNF therapy in an outpatient clinic