Anyone work in stroke rehab?

[grumps1968]

Hi, this is my first posting on this site as i joined today. I am currently working as a band 5 staff nurse undergoing a developmental role to a band 6 on a 23 bedded stroke rehabilitation unit which is currently undergoing several changes. Are there any other nurses out there who currently work in stroke rehab? I am particularly interested:

- in how your ward defines the role of the rehabilitation nurse and the roles nurses play/undertake in the care of stroke patients

- what the staffing levels are in your area

- the use of a keyworker

- any information packs for patients

Many thanks for taking the time to read this. :heartbeat

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

Hi Grumps, welcome to allnurses.com

It's always great to see more UK nurses joining and posting on the site.

I don't work on a stroke unit so my help is going to be a bit limited (I work general surgery) but there are some great resources here that may be of use.

The Patient education forum may be worth taking a look at for your education booklets. From a quick peek I found this thread which has a few links in it.

There are lots of other education resources in this thread as well

We have outreach rehab nurses as lots medical patients are on outlying wards with us, and they are fantastic for moving patients on to appropriate areas, but that's not going to be much use for you as your patients are already in an appropriate area.

Your role development sounds very exciting, please keep us posted

[kathyhinsh]

I agree, I've worked in acute stroke for 7yrs, & I love it...my community placement was with the community stroke rehab team, & I found it so interesting, as I had only had experience with the really poorly patients.

I envy you, & if we DO ever move down that way, I might be coming for a job with you!

[suehp]

am not working Stroke Rehab anymore but it was my first job as a staff Nurse and I loved it...very rewarding. We used the Keyworker approach and it worked very well.

Just wanted to wish you well....and Welcome to Allnurses!

[Fonenurse]

I used to work not far from you as a stroke research nurse. Please feel free to PM me if I can be of any help. It was one of the most rewarding areas I ever worked on.