ARN Members Recognize Peers During Nurses Month

Here at ARN, honoring rehabilitation nurses is our passion, joy, and purpose. More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, we feel it's more important than ever to make sure rehab nurses get the extra support and appreciation they deserve. So we're following ANA's lead, and we're celebrating rehab nurses the entire month of May, with a special focus on weekly themes of self-care, recognition, professional development, and community engagement.

This week's Nurses Month theme is recognition

May 10-16 we are recognizing ARN member and CRRN nurses whose critical work makes a visible different in their patients' lives every day. Each of these nurses was nominated by a peer or colleague for being all-star rehab nurses.

"Gail is very enthusiastic about rehabilitation nursing and shares this enthusiasm with others."

by Michelle Camicia​

"When I think of rehab nurses Donnel is someone I think of. She has her CRRN. She serves as the charge nurse for the unit not only making sure the day goes smoothly, but is also a resource to all nurses on the unit. She is a member of various hospital committees that care for brain injury patients. Donnel is always looking for ways to improve care of the patients. She participated in the creation of ABS scoring to make sure patients behaviors are being properly monitored and addressed. Donnel is a founding member of the shared governance council for the unit. She also participated in numerous community activities."

by Keri Fitzpatrick​

"Gillian is a willing and capable mentor even during difficult times. She reaches out and includes "stray" chapter members, encouraging them to increase their involvement and become active parts of the ARN family. Gillian has given me courage to take an active part in ARN conferences including as a moderator and submitting abstracts to present. These are things I likely would not have had the courage to do without her encouragement."

by Debra Thomson

"My colleague, Elaine Flynn, retired yesterday. Nursing has always been part of her life and she loved the profession of rehabilitation nursing. She had an enormous impact on my professional life. Her mentorship has inspired me to begin attending and presenting at ARN conferences two decades ago. She introduced me to professional and patient advocacy at both the local and national levels. We traveled to Washington, D.C. yearly to advocate for TBI patients and the nursing profession. I thank her for her tireless work, friendship, and kindness. I will be forever grateful for her unconditional acceptance and for helping me use my voice to "speak up" to make a difference."

by Karyn Kling

Do you know a rehab nurse who deserves to be featured?

Submit a spotlight nomination form and help a rehab nurse in your life know that their contributions are seen and appreciated. We'll continue to post spotlights here and on ARN's social media accounts as we receive them and verify permission to feature nominees publicly.

Celebrate and participate in Nurses Month with ARN