Rehabilitative Nurse

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2011

The roles that are common to both of the disciplines are; teacher, caregiver, collaborator, and client advocate. Each has a unique skill set. The nurse is often responsible for instructing the patient about their of medication, hygiene, skin, bladder and bowel care needs and will perform the care until the patient is able to manage the care independently. Whereas the OT is often responsible for instructing the patient on hand exericises and providing adaptive aids, that will help the patient to perform activities of daily living independently.

dishes

ConsideringNursing79 · Jan 23, 2011

Has anyone thought about getting their LPN and then getting their ota? That way you could cover both fields?

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

A rehab employer will see more value in a combined OTA/ PTA education than a combined LPN/ OTA education. An employee who has an OTA/PTA certificate is flexible and can work in PT and in OT in one facility, as needed. Whereas an employee who has a LPN/OTA education cannot work on the nursing unit and the OT department as needed.

dishes

ConsideringNursing79 · Jan 25, 2011

Why could you not work on the nursing unit and OT as needed? Is there some sort of a rule?

dishes, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

An employer would be reluctant to hire one employee to do both a nursing and an OTA postion because the potential for scheduling conflict is too great.

An employer would prefer to hire an employee who can do both an OTA/PTA position because they can work as an OTA in the morning and a PTA in the afternoon. An OTA/PTA is like having two employees for the price of one.

An employer would not see much advantage in hiring a LPN/OTA because a LPN cannot provide nursing care for half the shift and provide occupational therapy for the other half. It would be unsafe for the LPN's assigned patients if she was off doing her OTA role, and no one was looking after their nursing care needs.

dishes