Why Are You A CRRN?

For many, it was a manager or colleague who introduced you to rehabilitation nursing certification and your first thought might have been, "Why would I want to spend the time or money to get certified?" Your life was busy with family, work, friends—who needs another "to do?" Eventually, you succumbed to encouragement and cajoling, and then took the exam. When you passed, you felt a sense of pride and accomplishment because becoming a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN^®) is a tangible validation of your professional standing as an experienced rehabilitation nurse with a documented level of knowledge and a commitment to patient care.

Employers value certification too. Many who encourage nurses to get certified or hire CRRNs are creating an environment that shows their commitment to their team and their patients. They want to recruit and retain the very best nursing talent.

CRRN certification serves as a stepping stone to greater career opportunities, evidenced by many of you who have moved out of the acute care setting you were in when you first earned your certification. This raises the question, "am I still a rehabilitation nurse?" It is important to remember that rehabilitation nursing is not based on a setting or role but rather, it is a philosophy of care. If you are working with individuals with physical disability or chronic illness toward the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of optimal health, you are a rehabilitation nurse.

So where do you work as a rehabilitation nurse? CRRNs work in all of the following settings, and more:

• ​sub-acute care units
  
• inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation units and hospitals
  
• long-term acute-care hospitals
  
• skilled nursing facilities
  
• community and home health agencies
  
• clinics
  
• insurance companies
  
• private practice
  
• government and VA facilities
  
• academic settings
  

When you earn, continue to use, and then keep your CRRN designation, you demonstrate your dedication and expertise to the rehabilitation specialty.

The Renewal Process 

Online CRRN renewal is easy—once you have earned 60 points of credit which meet the published criteria, you are ready to renew your certification. If you are unable to renew your certification, you may be eligible to apply for inactive status for up to 3 years. While on inactive status, you may not represent yourself as a CRRN or use the CRRN credential.

Renew your CRRN and find further details >

Earn your CRRN 

This year, we celebrate the 36^th anniversary of the CRRN certification, which makes it a good time to reflect on why you chose to become certified to begin with, or why you should consider becoming one now!

Review the requirements and apply to sit for the exam >

Hear from CRRNs

​We love to celebrate all the hard work CRRN certificants put into their patient care and how they show their knowledge and passion by earning the CRRN. Learn about the experience of certified CRRNs practicing all around the country straight from the source by exploring our collection of CRRN Spotlights.

Browse CRRN Spotlights >