Nurses Make the Difference: Happy Nurses Month

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) President, Maureen Musto, pens a letter to nurses across the country as we celebrate the theme of "Nurses Make the Difference." Happy Nurses Month!

This Nurses Month let's take this opportunity to reflect on the incredible impact nurses make on the lives of their patients every single day. This year, the American Nurses Association (ANA) has chosen the theme "Nurses Make the Difference," and I couldn't think of a more fitting theme to honor the remarkable work of nurses across the nation.

I'd like to recognize the invaluable contributions of our rehabilitation nurses. They embody the spirit of making a real difference in the lives of their patients, helping them navigate through challenging times and emerge stronger than ever. They transform lives and inspire hope in caring for patients in the rehabilitation setting, with their dedication, compassion, and expertise.

During my time as a volunteer, board member, and now President of ARN, I've had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable nurses specializing in rehabilitation, each making a significant impact in various capacities. As we honor nurses this month, allow me to share some inspiring highlights from these dedicated rehab professionals:  

Inspiring Stories from Rehab Nurses 

Samantha P. Avecilla, MSN CNL CRRN

Patient Care Coordinator – Case Manager, Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center
Vallejo, CA

"I currently work as a Patient Care Coordinator – Case Manager in Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center in Vallejo, CA. I have worked in various settings in the healthcare continuum but have always found myself back in the rehabilitation setting.

Seeing my patients transition back into their communities with their maximum potential after a sudden life-altering experience gives me a distinct sense of pride and satisfaction.

I once had a patient who was admitted for multiple traumas from an ATV accident. In addition to having a complex case, the patient was quite young, which came with a lot of demands. I felt that those demands were compensatory mechanisms for losing control over everything else around him as he just recently got married and had a 4-month old baby.

I met with the patient and welcomed him to the acute rehabilitation unit. I asked what his goals were: to be able to walk in his new pair of Jordans. Having established that, I asked him what his expectations were: to give him 'proper' care so he can go home as soon as possible.

From the get-go, I set goals with the patient and assured him that he will be part of his own care planning giving him a better sense of control. Further, I collaborated with the rest of the interdisciplinary team to adjust medication times to better manage his pain during therapies, and adjusted therapy times to accommodate his preferred morning routine.

As for his wound care, it also took some time for him to even look at his wounds. I explained that seeing them would help him heal faster, both physically and mentally. It took about three days for him to agree to peek at them. It seemed like a small gesture, but I congratulated him when he did. I told him I consider that a big win and that we must celebrate our wins each time. He didn't say much, but the smile of relief from him was more than enough.

A week later, he was directing his care and even teaching his wife how to do the dressing and colostomy changes. Even his wife was impressed at how optimistic and hands-on he had been with his care. His journey to recovery was not linear, but he eventually graduated from using a transfer board to being able to walk without an assistive device and even playing basketball wearing his new pair of Jordans in therapy at a standby assist level!

Over the years, I have learned that being aware of our own biases and being able to treat a patient holistically would help establish rapport and provide safer, optimal care. Proactively including the patients in their plan of care and keeping them updated with their progress help boost morale and make them more receptive to care."

Leonard Hughes, RN BSN CRRN

Clinical Ladder 4 Staff Nurse, Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
President of Central Ohio Chapter of Association of Rehabilitation Nurses
Columbus, OH

"I work at Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus Ohio. One memorable moment was taking care of an elderly women who was receiving care in rehabilitation due to debility from cancer and post fall with resulting hip fracture. My assessment found that this patient had struggled with incontinence and urinary retention for years. She had irregular anatomy and had never been given the opportunity to learn self-catheterization.

I took the time to use a mirror and hand over hand technique to teach this person how to catheterize herself.

This allowed this patient to have more independence in caring for herself."

Sumier Overcash, MSN RN CRRN

Nurse Manager, Acquired Brain Injury Program, Shepherd Center
Atlanta, GA

"I am currently serving as the Nurse Manager of the Acquired Brain Injury Program at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. I have spent the last 15 years in rehabilitation for patients requiring catastrophic care. Being a rehabilitation nurse is truly a 'paycheck of the heart', as a fellow nurse leader calls it!

In my position, not only am I able to work with amazing peers and support the growth of other incredible rehabilitation nurses, but I am also able to see the growth and perseverance in our courageous patients and their families.

Our purpose is to help them turn 'I can't' into 'I can'!

For example, leading staff through sexuality and intimacy training has allowed us to help staff, patients, and significant others approach this topic and how to return to this part of life after catastrophic injury.

Assisting families through role change and helping them gain confidence to take over the care of their loved ones who may leave our center still requiring assistance or maybe even total care. These are some ways we get to be part of changing 'I can't' into 'I can'. That is the true joy of being a rehabilitation nurse and the differences we can make in their lives. They are the heroes and the reason we do this every day! I thank them for allowing us to be a part of their life during such a fragile moment and making what we do such a rewarding part of our lives!"

Stephanie Vandel, RN BSN CRRN

Staff Nurse, Avera Health
Sioux Falls, SD

"When I started at Avera, I worked in a float pool that covered orthopedics, brain and spine, and inpatient rehab. While on the Brain and Spine Unit, I had a patient that was a young, healthy college student. She presented with increased weakness in her legs and was diagnosed with Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP). She then was transferred to our Inpatient Rehab. She was an inspiration to many of us nurses for her positive attitude and her determination.

To watch her regain strength and improve mobility was so gratifying. Being a support to her and her family through that challenging time just proved to me that I was on the right career path as a rehabilitation nurse."

Our Gift to You 

ARN is offering 10% off of the new Rehabilitation Nursing Knowledge Base, the digital replacement of the ARN Core Curriculum Book. Enjoy a wealth of rehab knowledge on the go with this annual subscription. Use the code NursesRock24 at checkout, now through May 31. 

Honor a Peer 

Your gestures of kindness and recognition will serve as a reminder of the profound impact nurses have on the lives of others as well as the practice of rehabilitation. Right now, you can submit an Awards and Scholarship nominee for yourself or one of your peers. Nominations for the 2024 Awards and Scholarships end June 1. 

Enjoy your month!

Sincerely,

Maureen

Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN
ARN Board of Directors President, 2023-2025
Clinical Nurse Specialist, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital