3 Steps to Becoming a Rehabilitation Nurse
Rehabilitation nurses work with patients suffering from acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and disabilities. A rehabilitation nurse’s main objective is to help patients gain independence and/or help families care for their loved ones. In this guide, we’ll explain what a Rehabilitation Nurse does, how to become one, how much they make, and more!
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What is a Rehabilitation Nurse?
Generally, a rehab nurse assists patients with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Rehabilitation nurses can also work with individuals after a trauma or acute illness.
According to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, rehab nurses can work with patients suffering from illnesses and injuries such as,
- ALS
- Amputation
- Brain injury
- Burns
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular
- Cerebral palsy
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Parkinson's disease
- Major joint replacements
- Multiple sclerosis
- Organ transplant
- Pulmonary disease
- Spinal cord injury
- Stroke
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What Does a Rehabilitation Nurse Do?
Job responsibilities vary greatly amongst rehab nurses depending on the place of employment. More specifically, rehabilitation nurses perform a variety of nursing interventions, including the following:
- Assisting patients to achieve and maintain maximum function and independence
- Assisting patients to adapt to a new or changed lifestyle
- Providing a therapeutic environment for patients, their families, and caregivers
- Educating patients, families, and caregivers about their disease and treatment plan
- Recording patients’ medical information and vital signs
- Preparing and updating nursing care plans
- Changing wound and/or surgical dressings
- Continually assessing the patient’s level of independence, injury, or disability
- Administering medications as ordered
- Performing tracheostomy care
- Administering blood products and enteral feedings via a gastrostomy tube
- Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals
- Lifting and transferring patients
- Determining if a patient is able to perform ADLs independently or with assistance
Rehabilitation Nurse Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a registered nurse in 2023 is $86,070 per year or $41.38 per hour, but conditions in your area may vary. The BLS does not differentiate between different specialties of nursing, but Glassdoor.com reports an annual average salary of $120,000 for Rehabilitation Nurses.
Payscale.com reports salaries for Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses. They found that the annual average salary was $92,000.
Specifically, Rehabilitation Nurses can earn a higher annual salary with increased years of experience.
- Less than 1 year of experience earns an average hourly wage of $31
- 1-4 years of experience earn an average hourly wage of $32.52
- 5-9 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $33.94
- 10-19 years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $37.46
- 20 years and higher years of experience earns an average hourly wage of $39.30
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How Do You Become a Rehabilitation Nurse?
To become a Rehabilitation Nurse, you’ll need to complete the following steps:
-
Attend Nursing School
You’ll need to earn either an ADN or a BSN from an accredited nursing program in order to take the first steps to becoming a registered nurse. ADN-prepared nurses can complete an additional step of completing their BSN degree if they wish.
-
Pass the NCLEX-RN
Become a Registered Nurse by passing the NCLEX examination.
-
Earn Your Certification
The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses offers the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses Certification to eligible nurses. While not required, most nurses find this certification as a way to advance their careers.
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Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.
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The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.
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As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation.
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Where Do Rehabilitation Nurses Work?
The vast majority of rehabilitation nurses work in either outpatient or inpatient rehab centers. Rehab nurses can work in a variety of locations, including:
- Outpatient rehabilitation centers
- Sub-acute care units
- Inpatient rehabilitation centers
- Hospitals
- Long-term care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Home care agencies
- PT/OT offices
- Fitness facilities
- Medical offices
- Insurance companies
- Community centers
- Academic settings
- Government agencies
Regardless of workplace setting, full-time and part-time nurses enjoy similar benefits. While actual benefits may vary depending on the institution, most include the following:
- Health insurance
- Certification Reimbursement
- Retirement Options
- Holiday Pay
- Family Leave of Absence
- Maternity Leave
- Dental Insurance
- Dependent health insurance coverage
- Life Insurance
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Childcare
- Bereavement leave
- Vision Insurance
- Discounts on extracurricular activities
- Continuing Education Reimbursement
- Relocation packages
- Attendance at nursing conferences
Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Earn a valuable nursing credential at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Expand your expertise and prepare to take on leadership and independent practice opportunities. Complete your courses online, on your schedule.
Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.
GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.
Enrollment: Nationwide
Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.
Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.
WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.
Enrollment: Nationwide
What is the Career Outlook for a Rehabilitation Nurse?
According to the BLS, in 2022, there were 3,172,500 Registered Nurses in the United States. By 2032, there will be a need for an additional 177,400 nurses, which is an expected growth of 6%.
What are the Continuing Education Requirements for a Rehabilitation Nurse?
Generally, in order for an individual to renew their RN license, they will need to fill out an application, complete a specific number of CEU hours, and pay a nominal fee. Each state has specific requirements, and it is important to check with the board of nursing prior to applying for license renewal.
If the RN license is part of a compact nursing license, the CEU requirement will be for the state of permanent residence. Some states require CEUs related to child abuse, narcotics, and/or pain management.
A detailed look at Continuing Nurse Education hours can be found here.
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Resources for Rehabilitation Nurses
Check out these additional resources for more information on rehabilitation nursing!
- Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- The National Rehabilitation Association
- International Association of Rehabilitation Professionals
- The National Association of Rehabilitation Providers and Agencies
- American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association
- American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Nurse FAQs
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