How to become a rehabilitation nurse

How to become a Rehabilitation Nurse

Here are the detailed steps that you can take to become a rehabilitation nurse:

• Obtain a Nursing Degree: To become a registered nurse, you need to obtain a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. While it is possible to work as a rehabilitation nurse with an associate degree, having a bachelor's degree can provide more opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.
• Obtain Licensure as a Registered Nurse: After completing your nursing degree, you must obtain licensure as a registered nurse (RN) in the state where you plan to work. Licensure requirements vary by state, but generally, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and meet other state-specific requirements, such as a criminal background check and continuing education.
• Gain Experience as a Nurse: After becoming a licensed RN, you need to gain experience in the field of nursing. You can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Working in a rehabilitation center or hospital will give you experience in providing care to patients with various disabilities and injuries.
• Obtain Certification in Rehabilitation Nursing: The next step is to obtain certification in rehabilitation nursing. The certification is offered by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB). To be eligible for certification, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid RN license and at least two years of experience in rehabilitation nursing.
• Obtain a Master's Degree in Nursing (Optional): Obtaining a Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) is optional but can help you advance your career as a rehabilitation nurse. MSN programs offer specialized coursework in rehabilitation nursing and provide opportunities for clinical experience and research. With an MSN degree, you can pursue leadership roles in rehabilitation nursing or become a nurse educator.

Certifications
There are certifications available that can help rehabilitation nurses demonstrate their expertise and enhance their professional credentials.

• Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN): This certification is offered by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) and is designed for registered nurses who work in rehabilitation settings. To be eligible for this certification, you must have a current nursing license and at least two years of experience in rehabilitation nursing. You will also need to pass a certification exam.
• Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS): This certification is offered by the Brain Injury Association of America and is designed for healthcare professionals who work with patients with brain injuries. To be eligible for this certification, you must have a degree in a healthcare field and at least 500 hours of experience working with brain injury patients. You will also need to pass a certification exam.
• Certified Pediatric Rehabilitation Nurse (CPRN): This certification is offered by the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board and is designed for registered nurses who work with pediatric patients in rehabilitation settings. To be eligible for this certification, you must have a current nursing license and at least two years of experience in pediatric rehabilitation nursing. You will also need to pass a certification exam.
• Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification (WOCNCB): This certification is offered by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nursing Certification Board and is designed for healthcare professionals who specialize in wound, ostomy, and continence care. While not specific to rehabilitation nursing, this certification may be useful for rehabilitation nurses who work with patients who have wounds or ostomies.

Associations
Here are some associations that rehabilitation nurses will find helpful:

• Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN): ARN is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy, collaboration, and research. It provides a wide range of resources for rehabilitation nurses, including continuing education opportunities, professional development resources, and networking opportunities.
• Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation (RNF): RNF is a charitable organization affiliated with ARN that supports the research and education needs of rehabilitation nurses. It provides grants and scholarships for rehabilitation nursing research and education, as well as funding for educational programs and initiatives.
• National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies (NARA): NARA is a professional organization that represents rehabilitation providers and agencies, including rehabilitation hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and outpatient rehabilitation centers. It provides resources and advocacy on issues related to rehabilitation services, including reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.
• American Nurses Association (ANA): While not specific to rehabilitation nursing, ANA is the largest professional organization for nurses in the United States. It provides a wide range of resources and support for nurses across all specialties, including continuing education opportunities, advocacy efforts, and professional development resources.
• Commission on Rehabilitation Nursing Certification (CRNC): CRNC is a non-profit organization that provides certification for rehabilitation nurses. Its certification program is designed to validate knowledge and expertise in rehabilitation nursing and is recognized as the standard for rehabilitation nursing certification.