In her last act as ARN's 2020-2021 President, Patricia A. Quigley, PhD MPH APRN CRRN FAAN FAANP FARN, installed the incoming 2021-2022 Board of Directors on November 12 at ARN's 2021 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference.

​*Please note that the ARN DEI Listening Session has been postponed, and the November 3 Zoom session has been cancelled.

ARN's core values are to provide visionary leadership, professionalism, community, client care, and vision for the future and serve our membership by creating an environment where each member feels connected, valued, and respected for their differences. The November 3 ARN DEI Listening Session will offer an opportunity for rehab nurses (regardless of their membership, CRRN, or conference registration status) to hear directly from leaders of ARN's DEI Task Force and share their own experience and questions.

The ARN Board of Directors recently met to examine the risks of holding the in-person elements of ARN's upcoming 2021 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference this November in Providence, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Board also carefully reviewed the results from a recent survey asking members and registered attendees to share their perspectives on this topic.

After much consideration and with your health and safety our priority, the decision was made to move ARN's 2021 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference to a virtual-only format. With much disappointment, the Board decided this is the surest way to keep everyone safe during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.

ARN staff have already begun the work of transitioning the meeting to be a fully virtual event. While we were so looking forward to seeing rehabilitation nurses from around the country in Providence, we are still so excited for the opportunities ahead to connect through the virtual conference. Last year's virtual meeting was an energizing, engaging, inspiring environment where we were all able to come together, learn from and lean on one another. We look forward to bringing the same energy and connection to 2021.

Here is a message from members of your executive committee: 

What does the move to an all-virtual format mean for you?

We're still working on how best to transition this year's event to be fully virtual, but you can expect

• impactful programming covering a breadth of topics in rehab nursing, available on-demand from the beginning of the conference through February 10, 2022

• a robust virtual poster hall with the latest in rehab

• access to more than 60 CNEs if you take advantage of all the content available

• multiple ways to connect with your fellow attendees during the conference, including breaktime discussions, virtual special interest group (SIG) events, and more.

We'll be in touch with everyone who has already signed up for the conference with more information as we continue to navigate this change.

Attendees registered for the hybrid option will be automatically transferred to the virtual conference and refunded the difference beginning Monday, October 18. If you do not wish to attend the virtual conference, please send a request in writing to info@arn.org by Friday, October 15 for a cancellation and full refund. Requests received after October 15, 2021 will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee.

We're so excited to see everyone online again this fall, looking forward to another amazing virtual event with ARN!

Join ARN on October 12 at 12 pm CT for a live webinar that will review principles of staffing a patient care unit with nurses and various staffing models identified in the literature. Christopher Allen, BSN BS RN CRRN, Mary Jo Barnett, MSN RN NE-BC, Susan B. Fowler, PhD RN CNRN CRRN FAHA, Dan Tischer, BSN RN CMSRN CRRN, and Jason Atienza, MD MBA FACHE will discuss the structure, processes, and outcomes of implementing an innovative team care model. 

Join ARN on Wednesday, September 22 from 12 -1 pm CT via Zoom to network and learn more about the new Special Interest Group (SIG) program. The new SIG program will be explained during the first part of the meeting and then all attendees will be sent into SIG breakout rooms based on their interests.

ARN is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all 2021 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference attendees, exhibitors, vendors, staff, and community. It is in this spirit that ARN has elected to require masks as well as proof of vaccination for anyone who wishes to participate in the in-person components of the conference taking place November 9-12, 2021, in Providence, RI. A negative COVID-19 test will not be accepted in place of proof of vaccination to attend. 

Join ARN and the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON) on September 9 at Noon CT for a livestream webinar on preventing hip fractures. ARN and NAON recognize and celebrate integration of expert orthopedic and rehabilitation clinical nursing knowledge, skills, and practices that maximize function, independence and safety of patients living with risk for hip fractures or known hip fracture. Across orthopedic injury conditions, hip fractures are one of the most disabling orthopedic conditions.

Interested in publishing a clinical manuscript but not sure where to start? Join ARN and Pamala D. Larsen, PhD MS RN, on August 25 at 12 pm CT for an informational webinar that will focus on how to identify clinical topics, search the literature, and develop and write clinical papers that are publishable. Time will also be spent on finding the right journal for publishing the article, key steps in writing the paper, how to decipher a journal's author guidelines, and the use of query letters.

*August 6, 2021 Update: The livestream version of this webinar has been cancelled and will no longer take place at the originally planned time of August 10, 12 pm CT. A recording remains available. Get this webinar on demand >

Join Raquel Neves, PhD MSN CRRN RN to demystify the secrets of correct and safe practice. Raquel has been a rehab nurse for nine years in three different countries. She is passionate about stroke and rehabilitation and sharing her experience with others. In this webinar she will explain what moving and handling is, where it takes place, the importance of doing it safely, and best practices.

*August 4, 2021 Update: The livestream version of this webinar has been cancelled and will no longer take place at the originally planned time of August 5, 12 pm CT. A recording remains available. Get this webinar on demand >

Join ARN & NAON on August 5 at 12 pm CT for this informative webinar as Alena Lester, DNP APRN FNP-C ONP-C, discusses an overview of osteoporosis risk factors and screening practices, and associated fracture risks. The latest evidence-based practice guidelines for the nonpharmacological and pharmacological prevention and management of osteoporosis and associated fractures will also be discussed.

The Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) is accepting applications for the CRRN Advocacy Award for 2021. The purpose of the award is to recognize healthcare organizations that advocate for certification for rehabilitation nurses, providing support to and recognition of certified staff.

Join Patricia Quigley, PhD MPH APRN FAAN FAANP FARN, and Lyndee Leavitt, BSN RN ONC, on July 22 at 12 pm CT as the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) and the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON) recognize and celebrate the integration of expert orthopedic and rehabilitation clinical nursing knowledge, skills and practices that maximize function, independence and safety of patients living with orthopedic conditions across settings for care. Across orthopedic conditions treated with conservative or surgical interventions, pain, restricted mobility, and loss of muscle strength and range of motion, and other conditions influence even further loss of function and independence. These same conditions increase the risk for falls. While falls remain a leading adverse event among this population, especially the elderly, solutions do exist to prioritize and reengineer fall prevention programs to mitigate and eliminate modifiable risk factors, avoid over-reliance on universal fall prevention practices and shift practice to population-based fall prevention. Examples of leading populations include orthopedic conditions that result in chronic pain, back injuries, hip and/or knee replacements.

One of the most looked-forward-to aspects of ARN's annual conference is the opportunity to recognize and celebrate stand-out rehab nurses through award recognition. ARN represents thousands of rehab nurses. Nurses who work day-in and day-out to advance patient care and rehab nursing as a specialty. ARN's awards program has historically recognized nurses based on their role, including awards for advanced practice nurses, case managers, educators, nurse executives, nurse managers, and researchers. View past role award winners >

We have all had patients who don't seem to want to take our advice or listen to our education. Join Tracey L. Connolly, MSN RN AGCNS-BS CRRN WCC, for this webinar on July 13 at 1 pm CT that will offer tips you can use every day to help motivate patients to participate in their own care and listen to the education that you need to provide. 

​Throughout the month of May, Nurses Month, ARN joined with ANA and organizations around the world to recognize nurses and the tremendous work they do. Each week of the month focused on a different theme, including self-care, recognition, professional development, and community engagement. All month long, ARN members were invited to participate in a call for video reflections, responding to questions like 'What do you love most about being a rehab nurse?' Today we are sharing some of our favorite submissions from ARN members Debbie Thomas, RN CRRN and Pat Quigley, PhD ARNP CRRN FAAN FAANP FARN.

As Americans prepare to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday this week, we also commemorate the one-year anniversary of George Floyd's murder at the hands of police last Memorial Day on May 25, 2020. Since Mr. Floyd's death, ARN has been steadfast in its commitment to condemn unjust treatment, acts of racism, and discrimination. It is in this spirit that the ARN Board of Directors and members of the ARN Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force share this statement today regarding the April 2021 Derek Chauvin Trial Verdict. 

Family caregivers are central to a successful discharge home for patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation services; yet their needs and concerns are often not assessed. Completing and documenting a comprehensive caregiver assessment has become a national priority.

This final week of May and Nurses Month, ARN encourages all members to engage with their local chapters as we celebrate the theme community engagement. More than two thirds of ARN members belong to a chapter. Thank you to the many hardworking chapter leaders and members whose work provides needed community and resources to rehab nurses at the local level.

This third week of Nurses Month is focused on the theme professional development. It's an opportunity for you to create a professional development action plan to help you excel and lead in your nursing career. It's also a great time to inspire and help other rehab nurses in their professional journeys.

Read on to learn about ARN resources designed to help you take the next step in your career (and some great Nurses Month promos, too!).

Join ARN for two upcoming poster series webinars designed to provide information and resources for poster presenters at ARN21!

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.

Join ARN health policy expert, Jeremy Scott, on May 27 at 12 pm CT and learn how to make your voice heard at the federal level by engaging with Congress and the Administration. This webinar will provide an overview of the key issues on the ARN health policy agenda in 2021 to advance the rehabilitation nursing profession. ARN's new advocacy platform, Congress Plus, will be introduced. Scott will also provide a summary of the health care priorities expected to advance in the 117^th Congress and under the Biden Administration.  

A key goal of ARN's 2020-2023 Strategic Plan is to enhance stakeholder engagement, including how we engage members and Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurses (CRRN®s). An Engagement Task Force was deployed in 2021 to develop tactics towards advancing this goal. One of the task force's first actions is to conduct a comprehensive engagement survey.

During the past year the ARN Board of Directors, Governance Task Force, and staff have been busy on many fronts to enhance the ARN programs, structure, and processes. The vision has been to increase inclusivity, efficiency, and effectiveness for ARN members.

This week, ARN joins volunteer-driven organizations around the world by giving special recognition to the individuals who contribute their time, talent, and voice to volunteer with ARN. ARN's network of volunteer leaders make a difference every day; their extraordinary work at the national and local levels brings ARN's mission to life. 

All ARN voting members are encouraged to participate in an electronic vote on proposed Bylaws changes. Members received instructions for voting via email and they can also access their electronic ballot by clicking the Vote Now button below. The deadline to submit votes is April 14, 2021, 11:59 pm CT.

A copy of the ARN Bylaws with proposed changes are available for review, along with the rationale for the changes.

If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed Bylaws changes, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Thank you for your continued support and participation in ARN! If successful in passing, we are confident these Bylaws changes will allow our organization to become more inclusive, efficient, and effective for you, our members. 

Join ARN on May 4 at 1 pm CT for an informative webinar where you'll get the opportunity to learn about spinal cord injuries and their treatment from presenter Margi Williams, PhD RN CRRN FNP-BC DDP FABDA FARN.

Don't miss an important webinar focusing on certain patients hit especially hard by the COVID-19 virus. Sally Strong, RN APRN CNRN CRRN, will shed light on how this coronavirus can spark an overreaction in some individuals' immune systems. Strong will discuss the adverse effects that can take place in the cardiopulmonary, hematologic, and neurologic systems. This webinar will explore techniques to meet the needs of COVID-19 patients in a rehab setting and include a discussion about the long-term consequences of COVID that rehab nurses will encounter in their patients in the coming decades.

Mark your calendar for March 31, 2021, from noon–1:15 pm CT, when ARN will host the webinar Re-engineering Fall Prevention During COVID-19: Observations from the Field. 

This complimentary webinar will feature presenters Dr. Amy Hester, PhD, RN, BC and Dr. Patricia Quigley, PhD, MPH, APRN, FAAN, FAANP, FARN, who will discuss the changing demands in inpatient rehabilitation units caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Participants can earn up to 1.25 CEs for their participation.

When you think about 2020 you may think about vision. 20/20 vision is a term that indicates normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. If you have 20/20 vision, you can see clearly at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance.

ARN is seeking reviewers to read and evaluate abstract submissions for its 2021 annual conference, which will be held November 10-13 in Providence, Rhode Island. If you hold a BSN degree or higher and are an ARN member in good standing, you are eligible to participate!  

Given all that has been going on this year, we know it was difficult for many rehabilitation nurses to work in time for their own personal and professional development. Wrap up your 2020 by saving an extra $20 on ARN's full library of webinars as well as the essential reference for rehab nursing, The Specialty Practice of Rehabilitation Nursing: A Core Curriculum, 8th Ed. Use code BYE2020 at checkout to apply your discount. As always, members get the best rates on ARN products.

As leaders in the rehabilitation nursing field, you know that while we are fighting the pandemic and working to limit the virus' spread, we are also facing the challenge of identifying and treating the long-term effects of COVID-19.  

ARN is committed to providing rehabilitation professionals the resources they need to safely practice through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Next month, in partnership with MedBridge, ARN will present two free webinars focused the mental health and psychosocial challenges of patients, family, and caregivers who are dealing with COVID-19 related illness.

In her last act as ARN's 2019-2020 President, Barbara J. Lutz, PhD RN CRRN PHNA-BC FAHA FAAN installed the incoming 2020-2021 Board of Directors on October 22 at the ARN Annual Member's Meeting during the REACH 2020 virtual conference.  

Dr. Patricia A. Quigley installed as ARN President ​ 

Thank you to all volunteers and attendees who made this year's annual conference possible!  

When we had to make the decision to take this conference virtual, we were committed to providing the rehabilitation nursing community with an energizing event as we do every year. Thanks to hard work from the 2020 Conference Planning Committee, led by chair, Paula Martinkewiz, MS RN CRRN, in collaboration with ARN staff, we were able to come together online for a joyous virtual event jam-packed with valuable education, inspirational stories, and engaging networking and social activities!

CHICAGO—August 13, 2020: The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce that the ARN Annual Conference, REACH 2020, will be held virtually October 20–22, marking the first time ARN has offered this important event in an entirely online format. 

Contribute to your specialty and gain leadership experience by volunteering with ARN! ARN members are qualified to participate in the open Call for Volunteers. You don't have to be an expert – you just need to dedicate some time! There are many ways for you to get involved, based on your expertise and the amount of time you wish to commit.

ARN will host a virtual Q & A with rehabilitation nursing expert Michele Cournan, DNP RN ANP-BC FNP CRRN, to answer questions from ARN members and the rehab nursing community about the COVID-19 healthcare crisis. This may include discussion on various topics such as caregiver training, guidelines for COVID-19 testing, team management strategies, etc.

When registering, you also will have the chance to suggest questions you would like to hear addressed during the live event.

We're recording! If you miss the live event, you can catch up on demand. 

ARN members are invited to a town hall event on June 23 with the association's President Barbara J. Lutz, PhD RN CRRN PHNA-BC FAHA FAAN. Barb will address the latest updates and answer your questions about REACH 2020, COVID-19's ongoing impact on practice, and more.

ARN understands that its members have varied schedules and shifts. To make this town hall event accessible to as many members as possible, Barb will present and answer questions on Tuesday, June 23, at 7:30 am CST/8:30 am EST and again at 4 pm CST/5 pm EST. To sign up in advance and get access information sent directly to your inbox, complete this registration form. When completing the form, you will also have the chance to suggest questions you would like to hear addressed during the live event. 

This year, things are going to look a bit different. We still want you to be able to show off all your hard work without the extra worry. For ARN REACH 2020, you will not be required to physically attend the conference to present a poster, paper, or case study abstract.

In light of the unprecedented public health challenge, ARN has extended deadlines for conference abstract submissions and applications to become a fellow of ARN, as well as waived the late fee for upcoming CRRN renewals.

The 2020 ARN Annual Conference, REACH, will take place October 21–24 in San Antonio, TX. We are accepting abstracts for papers, case studies, and posters, reflective of quality improvement, evidence-based practice, research, education, leadership, and/or program evaluation until May 1 (new, extended deadline).

Are you a robot? Tomorrow, December 5, ARN is adding reCAPTCHA security to ARN payment screens. 

This fall, November 6-9, rehab nurses from across the globe will convene in Columbus, Ohio to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses and the 35th anniversary of the CRRN certification!