Want to move from LTC/skilled rehab to subacute/inpatient rehab

Specialties Rehabilitation

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If you wanted to make a move to inpatient rehab nursing from LTC/skilled rehab what things would you recommend to spruce up your resume and make you a more viable candidate? I was already planning on this NIH Stroke scale and considering becoming a member of Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. I'm trying to think what else might help me to increase my chances of getting a job in a hospital setting AND also looking to improve my current nursing skills. I am not just interested in getting a new job, but also doing better at the current job I have. I remember in school I did a rotation on a rehab floor and I remember learning a little about FIMS, but from google searching couldn't find anything on getting certified with that. I don't know. Just looking for things I can work on to make me a better candidate for employment and a better nurse overall.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Certifications will make your resume stand out more than anything. BTW, the NIH Stroke Scale course is not a real certification.

Instead, earn the Stroke-Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) certification. You pay the registration fee, set a date, study for a month, and take the exam. You'll be a SCRN if you pass, and this looks great on a resume.

Another certification that has made my resume stand out is the Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN) certification. Once recruiters on LinkedIn see that I am a CRRN, they leave me their number.

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Certifications will make your resume stand out more than anything. BTW, the NIH Stroke Scale course is not a real certification.

Instead, earn the Stroke-Certified Registered Nurse (SCRN) certification. You pay the registration fee, set a date, study for a month, and take the exam. You'll be a SCRN if you pass, and this looks great on a resume.

Another certification that has made my resume stand out is the Certified Registered Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN) certification. Once recruiters on LinkedIn see that I am a CRRN, they leave me their number.

Thanks. I'm going to have to get just a little more time under my belt for either of those certifications. I was aware of the CRRN, but was not aware of the stroke certification one. I just feel like I finally found my niche and where I want to be. It's not too early to start reading up on the study material though.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

The orthopedic nurse certification (ONC) is another one you could be eligible for within six months because it requires only 1000 hours of ortho experience. LTC/skilled nursing experience is eligible for this certification:

ONC® Exam Eligibility » Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board Orthopaedic Nursing Certification Board

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

If you are wanting to move into a job in inpatient rehab, definitely start learning about FIM now. I cannot emphasize this enough. Don't worry about getting certified in it yet. It is a pain in the you know what and can be very tricky to learn, but it is what IRF reimbursement is based on, so it's pretty important.

*Sorry if I sound intense when it comes to FIMing! My facility just finished FIM credentialing and now we all want to drink :dead:

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