Rehabilitation Nurse

Rehabilitation Nurse

By EveryNurse Staff on January 12, 2023

Rehabilitation Nurse

A rehabilitation nurse is a nursing professional that helps patients suffering from disabling injuries or illnesses live relatively normal and independent lives. This may involve working with them to regain abilities that they lost or gain abilities they may have never had.

What Is a Rehabilitation Nurse?

Imagine having a disability that limits normal functions, like walking and talking. For some, these disabilities from injuries or illnesses are genuine and make their lives extremely difficult. The road to recovery from these disabling medical problems is often long and laborious. However, rehabilitation can help restore normal function and help a patient return to normal life.

Rehabilitation nurses must be extremely supportive and encouraging. They often help patients feel empowered, and by giving them hope, they can help their patients reach seemingly impossible goals.

Working as a rehabilitation nurse is one of the most rewarding nursing careers there is. As a rehab nurse, you will frequently get to witness patients push past their own limits and overcome exceptional odds.

Because you will typically work with the same patients regularly, you will also get the chance to establish relationships with patients and their loved ones. Not only will you be seen as a caregiver and rehabilitation professional, but you’ll also often be perceived as a friend and source of support during tough times.

What Does a Rehabilitation Nurse Do?

Rehabilitation nurses work closely with patients with disabilities and their loved ones. As a rehabilitation nurse, you will encounter many different disabilities and have several responsibilities. For instance, you may help patients learn – or relearn – how to walk, talk, read, or write. You will also be responsible for caring for your patients’ physical and emotional needs.

Patient care plans are vital during rehabilitation and therapy. As a rehabilitation nurse, you will be required to follow your patient care and treatment plans closely. You will also be required to monitor your patients during rehabilitation and therapy to determine their progress. In some cases, such as those in which patients are making little to no progress, you may be required to help change your patients’ care plans to facilitate rehabilitation.

Basic nursing skills are used by rehabilitation nurses every day. These nursing professionals may be required to changes bandages and dressings, care for wounds, and administer medication. Although the ultimate goal of rehabilitation is to enable patients to live as independently as possible, rehabilitation nurses may also be required to assist patients with everyday tasks, such as bathing and dressing.

However, the main responsibility of a rehabilitation nurse is to teach patients how to deal with their disabilities. These nurses may help their patients exercise to gain strength in affected limbs, for instance, or teach them how to use adaptive devices, such as wheelchairs.

Suffering from a disability or having a loved one who has a disability can be very confusing and frustrating at times. This is why rehabilitation nurses also act as educators and supporters in addition to their other roles. They frequently inform patients and their loved ones about their disabilities and provide support and information about treatment options.

Level Up Your Career

Where Do Rehabilitation Nurses Work?

Rehabilitation nurses are commonly employed at outpatient rehabilitation centers. However, you might also be able to find employment as a rehabilitation nurse at hospitals, clinics, long-term care agencies, home care agencies, assisted living facilities, and even fitness centers.

How to Become a Rehabilitation Nurse

Earning your nursing degree is the first step toward starting your rehabilitation nursing career During your schooling, you should concentrate on taking courses in rehabilitation and disabilities. If you’re looking to become a registered nurse, you will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree, while a career as an advanced practice nurse typically requires a master’s degree.

The Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board also offers certification for rehabilitation nurses. To become a Certified Rehabilitation Nurse, you will need to be at least a registered nurse. You must also have either two years of rehabilitation nursing experience or one year of experience in this field and one year of advanced study in nursing.

Additional Resources

If you are interested in becoming a rehabilitation nurse, it’s a great idea to seek professional organizations, societies, and agencies for additional resources. Here are a few valuable organizations to consider:

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