Is an acute rehab unit/inpatient rehab facility considered acute care?

[annlbuco]

I just got an offer for a position as an RN for an acute rehabilitation facility. Would working there be considered acute care experience?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Nope....been there, done that. I'm a certified rehabilitation registered nurse (CRRN) with three years of experience in skilled nursing subacute rehab and five years of experience at an acute rehabilitation hospital, for a combined total of 8 years of rehab nursing experience.

It is not considered acute care unless it takes place in an acute care hospital (e.g. cardiac rehab unit, transitional care unit, acute rehab at a general hospital, etc.). It is considered post-acute care. Acute rehabilitation facilities receive their patients after the acute phases of their illnesses.

However, the experience you gain will make obtaining a true acute care job easier.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

^^^ except LTACH -- that happens after the initial hospitalization, but is accredited as acute. :)

[phiir, MSN]

Worked my first year at a rehab hospital and we used to have crash carts with Epi, Sodium Bicarb, atropine, etc. which were removed because they removed the 'Hospital' designation. It is now pretty much a SNF and we only have BLS at our disposal when a code occurs. I have since acquired employment in a Trauma/Surgical ICU and the difference is astounding - I never really felt like a nurse at the rehab facility, but definitely feel like one in TSICU.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

^^^ except LTACH -- that happens after the initial hospitalization, but is accredited as acute. :)

However, LTACH is a world of its own.