Published Aug 2, 2006
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
Hi there! I know very little about what rehab nursing is, actually, and I may have the opportunity to work on an acute rehab unit in a nearby hospital.
I'm a new RN, no experience (just graduated in May) and am wondering what I might expect? Could someone here give me some info about your day?
steelcityrn, RN
964 Posts
Rehab nursing may be a very good choice. You will have the post tha,tka,repacements,post fractures with cast ect. You will do all the dressing changes, lovenox inj, education. The goal is to get them home to homecare, or pch if thats where they came from. Its a good choice.
Thanks :) More to consider!
takenbyjoy
22 Posts
Rehab nursing is a wonderful field of nursing if you like getting to know your patients and families and if you like working with other disciplines. You will have the opportunity to do a lot of skills. Our patients are "sicker" than they used to be. You will see a variety of diagnoses, as already mentioned, but you will see more than orthopedic patients. To add a few more: CVAs, TBIs, SCIs (traumatic and non-traumatic). As a rehab nurse, you are responsible for assisting the patient to follow-through on techniques taught them in therapy. You are also responsible for bowel and bladder training and lots of other patient/family teaching. This teaching is essential for patients with SCI, TBI and CVAs as these diagnoses imply significant life-style changes for patients and families. You will also be responsible for wound care, IV antibiotices and other fluids, PEG feedings and teaching families and patients about these. Rehab nursing is a a very rewarding career.