Expectations for inpatient-rehab..

[jmn62]

Hello, I am graduate nurse, I have landed my first RN job on a inpatient rehab unit in a hospital setting. I will be taking my NCLEX on June 30th and I start my job on July 5th. I have some questions for all my fellow rehab nurses. Is there any advice anyone could offer? What should I expect on a inpatient rehab unit? what is the stress of level of this environment?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I worked in inpatient rehab for six years and am certified as a rehabilitation nurse (CRRN). Therefore, I consider rehab nursing my specialty.

Expect the GOOD: deconditioned patients who arrive to the floor on a stretcher but discharge home a few weeks later by walking to the elevator. Knowing that you helped in the recovery process in some way is awesome.

Expect the BAD: some patients never recover and remain permanently disabled. Stroke is the number one cause of permanent disability in the U.S.

Expect the UGLY: you will deal with many emotionally upset patients and families who displace their anger onto you. After all, the rehab process is the crossroads in many of these peoples' lives. Patients who do well go home, while those who never become reconditioned might end up in a nursing home permanently.

[jmn62]

This is valuable information and it seems I have a lot to learn then. I had some experience in rehab nursing but so I have a general idea of it. Would I be doing complete patient care? How do you have any suggestions on organization, prioritization and time management?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Whether or not you'll be doing total patient care will depend on the facility where you work. I was always paired with a CNA and wouldn't want to perform total care because the patients are so heavy and debilitated.

Here's an older post with suggestions on organizing your shift:

https://allnurses.com/rehabilitation-nursing/new-rehab-nurse-952495.html