How to Become a Rehabilitation Nurse
Explore the World of Rehabilitation Nursing and Practice
You may not have heard of them, but you’ve likely encountered them: Rehabilitation Nurses play a vital role in patient recovery and improving quality of life. By adapting to an altered lifestyle, they assist patients who have disabilities or chronic illnesses. The ultimate goal of a Rehabilitation Nurse is to help their patients gain greater independence through treatment plans and realistic objectives. These professionals work on a multidisciplinary team and typically coordinate patient care.
This blog post covers the duties, skills, and educational requirements for becoming a Rehabilitation Nurse. We’ll also go over salary information and the job outlook. Learn how to become a Registered Nurse and explore the best hospital nursing jobs to see if this career path is right for you.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Definition
What is a Rehabilitation Nurse?
Patients with illnesses, injuries, or disabilities may work with a Rehabilitation Nurse. They also provide care to people who are recovering from surgery. It’s not just about gaining independence but helping a patient feel more confident in their body. In addition, Rehabilitation Nurses help families learn to care for their loved ones.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Job Description
What Does a Rehabilitation Nurse Do?
Rehabilitation Nurses strive to restore function and prevent complications. In this role, they provide their patients with counseling, education, and case management. They may also act as advocates for patients and participate in research to better the very practice of rehabilitation. Keep in mind that RNs with this specialty are usually certified by the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (more on that later).
In summation, Rehabilitation Nurses provide specialized care, including developing and implementing rehabilitation plans, monitoring progress, and providing patient and family education. We can’t overstate the importance of effective communication and collaboration within the interdisciplinary healthcare team to achieve patient goals.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Duties and Responsibilities
Although no two days are alike, Rehabilitation Nurses typically perform the following duties:
- Providing care for patients who have injuries, physical disabilities, or chronic illnesses.
- Providing others with direction and supervision while demonstrating professional judgment.
- Collaborating with other medical professionals and coordinating nursing care activities to achieve patient goals.
- Coordinating a well-rounded approach to meet a patient’s individual needs, including medical, vocational, and environmental needs.
- Developing and implementing discharge plans with patients and their families to help ensure their success.
- Utilizing valuable oral and written communication skills to develop a good rapport with patients, their families, and other medical professionals.
- Serving as a resource and role model for other medical professionals.
- Participating in nursing committees and professional organizations to support nursing care and the advancement of Rehabilitation Nursing.
- Facilitating community education and engagement concerning the acceptance of individuals with disabilities.
- Applying research to clinical practice and participating in other research studies for the nursing profession.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Skills
According to Rehab Nurse, there are four major categories that Rehabilitation Nurses fill: Teacher, Caregiver, Collaborator, and Client Advocate. All of these areas are important for this particular role. Below are just some of the essential skills and qualities that are needed for success in the field of Rehabilitation Nursing.
Clinical Skills: All nurses must possess a set of clinical skills. When it comes to Rehabilitation Nurses, they should have knowledge of wound care, medication administration, rehabilitation therapies, and more. They should also stay up to date with the latest research and best practices in rehabilitation care.
Compassion and Empathy: Like all medical professionals, Rehabilitation Nurses should be compassionate and empathetic towards patients and their families. Ideally, they can connect with patients and provide emotional support during difficult times. Think about it like this: Empathy, patience, and motivation are vital when it comes to supporting patients through their recovery journey.
Communication Skills: Rehabilitation Nurses must be skilled communicators who can explain complex medical information in a way that patients and families can understand. They must also be able to communicate effectively with other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Leaders in Nursing: Rehabilitation Nurses may need to act as leaders in their role. According to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, “Rehabilitation nurse managers have primary responsibility for implementing the mission, vision, policies, goals, and objectives of the organization and the nursing/clinical services within their area(s).”
Client Advocacy: In this field, Rehabilitation Nurses should actively listen and guide patients through the “grieving process to mourn the loss of abilities while also ‘instilling hope.’” They should also advocate for policies that improve quality of life and contribute to therapeutic environments.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Work Environment
Where Do Rehabilitation Nurses Work?
There are many settings where you can find a Rehabilitation Nurse. More often than not, they can work in hospitals, private practice, industrial health centers, long-term care facilities, community and home health settings, and even schools. Rehabilitation Nurses also work at inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers. You may find them at insurance companies, too!
There are various potential career opportunities for Rehabilitation Nurses, such as roles in specialized areas like spinal cord injury, stroke recovery, or orthopedic rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Nurse Education & Certification
How to Become a Rehabilitation Nurse
As you have probably come to expect, aspiring Rehabilitation Nurses must acquire a nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. When it comes to nursing degrees, you may pursue an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
In addition, it’s highly recommended that you pursue certification with the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN). They offer the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) credential. Learn more about eligibility requirements and other FAQs here.
Rehabilitation Nurse Salary
How Much Do Rehabilitation Nurses Make?
Although the BLS doesn’t report salary data specifically for Rehabilitation Nurses, we can reference data for Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide a general understanding of the average salaries. In 2023, the average annual wage for Registered Nurses was approximately $94,000 per year.
Salaries for Rehabilitation Nurses can vary significantly based on the employer, experience, and location. Areas with a higher cost of living or in-demand healthcare facilities may offer higher pay to attract nurses. Experience also plays a crucial role in determining a Rehabilitation Nurse’s pay.
Rehabilitation Nurse: Job Outlook
What Is the Job Outlook for Rehabilitation Nurses?
Although the BLS doesn’t report job outlook data for Rehabilitation Nurses, we can refer to the projected job growth for Registered Nurses (RNs) to provide insights into the growing demand for Rehabilitation Nurses. The BLS anticipates a 6% growth in employment for RNs from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
According to Nurse Journal, there are several advantages to becoming a Rehabilitation Nurse:
- Opportunities to work with healthcare specialists, such as occupational and physical therapists, social workers, and mental health professionals.
- There are a number of workplace settings, including but not limited to rehabilitation centers, home healthcare, long-term care facilities, and community clinics.
- Helping others adapt to illnesses or disabilities and regain both strength and independence.
- Potential career growth with advanced training and specializations, such as the fields of gerontology, pediatrics, or pain management.
Your Journey into Nursing Starts Here
In this article, we have discussed the career path of becoming a Rehabilitation Nurse, including their primary duties and responsibilities, the necessary education and certification requirements, potential career opportunities, and the job outlook for this profession. One important aspect highlighted in this article is the role Rehabilitation Nurses play in promoting recovery and improving quality of life. Truly, these professionals make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.
Interested in nursing education? Unitek College offers tailored programs to help you transition into the healthcare field and become a nurse in a shorter duration. Start by checking out the LVN to BSN Advanced Placement Option for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Our programs and pathways are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful nursing career.
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