Required education
ADN or BSN
Average annual salary
Attributes
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
You’ll work with many patients over the long term, helping them regain their health and become as independent as possible.
What you’ll do
Collaboration
You’ll work with the patients’ full medical team to help them achieve goals and return to their daily lives.
Education
You’ll teach patients and families rehabilitation techniques that will help them learn how to live with chronic diseases and injuries.
Treatment
You’ll work with patients and their families and create a recovery plan that includes long and short-term goals.
Where you’ll work
- Assisted living facilities
- Educational institutions
- Home care agencies
- Hospitals
- Long-term care centers
- Rehabilitation centers
How to become a Rehabilitation Nurse
01
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
02
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
03
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining two years’ experience in Rehabilitation Nursing.
04
Get your Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse credential through the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board.
05
You’re ready to work as a Rehabilitation Nurse.
Join an Organization
Become a member of a Rehabilitation Nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Related Organizations
An School Nurse’s role is also independent.
A Pulmonary Care Nurse is another type of long-term care nurse.
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