Certification in rehabilitation nursing shows employers, colleagues, patients, and the public that our nurses are committed to excellence in caring for people with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. It indicates that our employees are an experienced rehabilitation or restorative nurse who has achieved a level of knowledge in this practice area. Certification is an investment that can reap great rewards for patients and families.
The rehabilitation nurse takes a holistic, creative, caring and optimistic approach to motivating individuals toward independence. Nurses create and implement care based on each patient's goals, compensating for the current disability, while teaching both patient and family to become proficient in handling the patient's needs.
The highly skilled rehabilitation nurse is responsible for:
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Working with each member of the Rehabilitation Team to ensure continuity of care
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The creation and implementation of a toileting program in accordance with individual patient needs
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Collaboration with a dietary specialist to create the optimal diet to ensure that nutritional needs are met
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Instructing patients and their families on techniques to maintain respiratory well being
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Advocating for and encouraging the patient and his/her family during hospitalization
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Teaching knowledge and skills in regard to skin care, medications and treatments
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Providing information on what activities need to occur to keep the patient safe