The Journey of a Rehabilitation Nurse
Rehabilitation nurses work with patients suffering from acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. A rehabilitation nurse’s main objective is to help patients gain independence and/or help families care for their loved ones. Generally, a rehab nurse assists patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Rehabilitation nurses can also work with individuals after a trauma or acute illness.
What a Rehabilitation Nurse Does
Job responsibilities vary greatly amongst rehab nurses depending on the place of employment. More specifically, rehabilitation nurses perform a variety of specific tasks including,
- Assisting patients to achieve and maintain maximum function and independence
- Assisting patients to adapt to a new or changed lifestyle
- Providing a therapeutic environment for patients, their families, and caregivers
- Educating patients, families, and caregivers about their disease and treatment plan
- Recording patients’ medical information and vital signs
- Preparing and updating nursing care plans
- Changing wound and/or surgical dressings
- Continually assessing the patient’s level of independence, injury, or disability
- Administering medications as ordered
- Performing tracheostomy care
- Administering blood products and enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube
- Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
- Lifting and transferring patients
- Determining if a patient is able to perform ADLs independently or with assistance
How To Become a Rehabilitation Nurse
To become a Rehabilitation Nurse, You’ll need to earn either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in order to take the first steps to become a registered nurse. ADN-prepared nurses can complete an additional step of completing their BSN degree if they wish.
Where Rehabilitation Nurses Works
The vast majority of rehabilitation nurses work in either outpatient or inpatient rehab centers. Rehab nurses can work in a variety of locations including:
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Sub-acute care units
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals
- Long term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Home care agencies
- PT/OT offices
- Fitness facilities
- Medical offices
- Insurance companies
- Community centers
- Academic settings
- Government agencies
The role of a Rehabilitation Nurse
The role of the rehab nurse will vary depending on work location. Inpatient and outpatient rehab nurses will have some similar functions but inpatient nurses will also be responsible for general nursing duties. Rehab nurses work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive