Newswise — Chicago, IL (November 30, 2015): The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) released a new statement that defines the role of the Rehabilitation Nurse in the Skilled Nursing Setting. The goal of the rehabilitation nurse in the skilled nursing setting is to promote health and wellness and to help the individual regain or maintain his/her optimal level of functioning.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. There are approximately 4 million Americans living with the effects of stroke and many individuals receive rehabilitation care after stroke in the skilled nursing setting.
Rehabilitation nursing is a unique, holistic approach to care, and the skilled nursing setting provides intense skilled nursing care aimed at helping an individual regain or maintain their independence and functional level for persons with chronic illness or a major health event such as stroke. This position is further supported by the ARN position statement, The Appropriate Inclusion of Rehabilitation Nurses Wherever Rehabilitation is Provided.
ARN believes that nurses knowledgeable about the principles of rehabilitation nursing are able to provide appropriate care for individuals in skilled nursing settings that may result in improved quality of care and reduce readmissions. The new role description outlines a definition of skilled nursing; culture and education; goals; settings and the various roles and functions provided by the rehabilitation nurse.
ARN is a professional healthcare association dedicated to promoting and advancing professional rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy, collaboration, and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by disability and chronic illness. For more information about ARN and rehabilitation nursing, please visit www.rehabnurse.org/ or call 800.229.7530.
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