Welcome to the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses!
Who are we?
We are a chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) in Minnesota dedicated to collaborate with and provide high quality educational offerings to rehab nurses around the state to promote and advance rehabilitation nursing practice. We provide educational in-services every November and February and a full day conference in the spring (April). We also provide teleconferencing for most of our events.
What do Rehabilitation Nurses do?
Rehabilitation nurses help individuals affected by chronic illness or physical disability to adapt to their disabilities, achieve their greatest potential, and work toward productive, independent lives. They take a holistic approach to meeting patients’ medical, vocational, educational, environmental, and spiritual needs.
Rehabilitation nurses begin to work with individuals and their families soon after the onset of a disabling injury or chronic illness. They continue to provide support in the form of patient and family education and empower these individuals when they go home or return to work or school. The rehabilitation nurse often teaches patients and their caregivers how to access systems and resources.
Rehabilitation nursing is a philosophy of care, not a work setting or a phase of treatment. Rehabilitation nurses base their practice on rehabilitative and restorative principles by
managing complex medical issues
collaborating with other specialists
providing ongoing patient/caregiver education
setting goals for maximal independence
establishing plans of care to maintain optimal wellness.
Rehabilitation nurses practice in all settings:
freestanding rehabilitation facilities
hospitals (inpatient rehabilitation units)
long-term subacute care facilities/skilled nursing facilities
long-term acute care facilities
comprehensive outpatient rehab facilities
private practice
home healthcare agencies
clinics and day rehabilitation programs
community and government agencies
insurance companies and health maintenance organizations
schools and universities
Rehabilitation nurses fill many roles across the continuum of care:
