Meet a Rehabilitation Nurse

Meet a Rehabilitation Nurse

Learn about the role of a rehabilitation nurse and explore insights from a Q&A session with a practicing rehabilitation nurse. For those interested in healthcare careers, this page provides information about rehabilitation nursing, including job responsibilities, how to become a rehabilitation nurse, typical job descriptions, salary prospects, and the pros and cons of the profession.

The interview with rehabilitation nurse Ashley Cress, RN, BSN, CBIS, sheds light on the role and offers advice for individuals considering this field. Topics covered include the reasons for choosing rehabilitation nursing, specialization in brain injury care, types of treatments and services provided, collaboration with healthcare providers and families, challenges and rewards of the job, and advice for aspiring rehabilitation nurses.

Rehabilitation Nursing: A Fulfilling Career Choice

Q: What drew you to rehabilitation nursing?
A: While working in acute care, I developed an interest in post-acute recovery. The idea of helping patients regain independence and improve their quality of life resonated with me.

Q: Did you have a specific interest in brain injury patients?
A: Yes, I’ve always been intrigued by neuroscience, particularly stroke-related care. Assisting patients recovering from brain injuries, regardless of severity, is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.

Q: What services does your facility offer?
A: At the Centre for Neuro Skills, we provide a comprehensive approach to brain injury recovery. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, case management, and medical oversight.

Q: How do you collaborate with others and support patients and families?
A: Different disciplines work together to create treatment plans for maximum recovery. Outside consultations with physicians help diagnose specific conditions that we address during rehabilitation. We involve families to ease caregiver burden and offer brain injury education.

Rehabilitation Nursing in Action

Q: What’s a typical day like as a clinical case manager?
A: Clinical case managers at the Centre for Neuro Skills oversee patients’ rehabilitation programs. Responsibilities range from updating authorizations and coordinating with therapists to communicating with insurance and offering support to patients and families.

Q: What challenges do you face?
A: One challenge in brain injury rehab is maximizing a patient’s program within authorized timeframes. Balancing treatment within limited days is crucial.

Q: And what’s the most rewarding aspect?
A: Seeing patients’ progress is incredibly rewarding. Watching them arrive in wheelchairs and leave walking independently is a truly gratifying experience.

Advice for Aspiring Rehabilitation Nurses

Q: What advice would you give to those considering rehabilitation nursing?
A: Always advocate for your patients. Ensuring their best care is essential, especially when they’re vulnerable.

Understanding the Role of Rehabilitation Nurses

Rehabilitation nurses work with patients recovering from serious injuries or illnesses. They collaborate directly with patients, provide education during recovery, manage administrative tasks, and play a crucial role in the care team. Effective communication and empathy are key skills for rehabilitation nurses.

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“As a nurse, it’s your responsibility to ensure your patient receives the best care and therapy, especially during their vulnerable moments.” — Ashley Cress, RN, BSN, CBIS

Key Responsibilities and Skills:

– Part of the care team
– Implementing treatment plans
– Advocating for patients
– Educating patients and families

Becoming a Rehabilitation Nurse

Becoming a rehabilitation nurse takes 2-4 years, with an additional two years for certification.
1. Graduate with an ADN or BSN Degree
2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam for RN Licensure
3. Gain Experience in RN Positions
4. Consider Rehabilitation Nurse Certification
5. Advance Your Career with a Graduate Degree

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Earnings and Prospects

Rehabilitation nurses earn an average annual salary of $68,300 with an average hourly wage of $30.12, as of July 2021. This salary may vary based on certification, advanced degrees, or experience. While lower than the average RN salary, many rehabilitation nurses find the job highly rewarding.