Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) was formed by Susan Novak with support from Lutheran General Hospital located in Park Ridge, Illinois, in 1974, which had always been involved in rehabilitation, that formally became recognized as a rehabilitation specialty. In 1976  ARN got its formal recognition as a specialty nursing organization by the American Nurses Association.  The Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB), has introduced  the CRRN certification program as an autonomous component of ARN. The CRRN program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties. The rehabilitation nurses help individuals affected by chronic illness or physical disability to adapt to their disabilities, reach their highest potential and thereby work towards a productive and independent life across their lifespan. They take a overall approach to fulfil the patients’ medical, vocational, educational, environmental, and spiritual needs. They usually work with the patient and their family. They provide support to the patient and their family through education and empower them when they return to their normal lives like work or school. Rehabilitation nursing is a philosophy of care, not a work setting or a phase of treatment. Rehabilitation nursing and rehabilitation principles are gradually developing to be important for the healthcare system these days. This sector has brought out functional  outcome goals for patients which nurses use in planning and evaluating the effectiveness of patient care. Rehabilitation nurses work as multisystem integrators and team leaders, working with physicians, therapists, and others to solve problems and maximise patient’s independence. Rehabilitation nurses are particularly skilled at working with others to adapt ongoing care to the resources available. Rehabilitation nurses act not only as caregivers but also as coordinators, counselors, collaborators and case managers.