All Rehabilitation Nursing News

Sharon Maley, MSN RN CRRN, is the Nurse Program Coordinator for Inpatient Rehabilitation at Akron Children's Hospital, where she has worked for 27 years. Her journey in pediatric rehabilitation began as a nursing assistant and came full circle in 2012 when she helped launch the hospital's Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation (IPR) program. In this blog, Sharon shares her experiences and highlights the importance of pediatric rehabilitation in helping children with complex medical and functional needs regain independence and transition home with confidence.

The Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) is one of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses' most valued member benefits and a cornerstone of ARN's commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation nursing. As an internationally respected, peer-reviewed publication, RNJ delivers in-depth articles on current practice issues, cutting-edge research, and insightful editorial features that support the care of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

​Upcoming changes to your ARN membership fees and benefits in 2025. 

In this message, ARN President Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, reflects on the organization's remarkable 50th year, highlighting milestones such as membership growth, new research partnerships, and the induction of new Fellows. She also shares updates on ARN's strategic plan, upcoming opportunities like the CRRN® exam and the 51st Annual Conference, and a heartfelt thank-you to members for their dedication. Looking ahead, President Musto expresses excitement for a bright future and encourages members to stay engaged. 

We are pleased to present the November issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is pleased to announce the 2024 President's Award recipient, Maria Radwanski, MSN, FARN RN CRRN CMGT-BC NE-BC. Selected by current ARN President Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, and presented at this year's 50^th Rehabilitation Nursing Conference, this award honors Maria's significant and enduring contributions to both ARN and the field of rehabilitation nursing. 

We are pleased to present the October issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Direct Patient Care Award – Izzah Panganiban, CRRN. As a Clinical Nurse at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA, and an active member of the Southern California Chapter of ARN, Izzah exemplifies excellence in rehabilitation nursing through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

On World Stroke Day, October 29, people around the globe come together to recognize the journey of stroke recovery and the healthcare professionals who dedicate themselves to helping patients regain independence. The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses would like to recognize some of its members who are doing incredible work as a renowned stroke center. At the forefront of this mission is Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, a state-of-the-art, 38-bed inpatient acute rehabilitation hospital where innovative therapies and compassionate care create new hope for stroke survivors.

 The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is deeply saddened by the devastation caused by recent hurricanes across the southeastern United States. ARN's current President, Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN pens a letter to membership about the recent impact of these storms. 

ARN's nursing education webinars offer flexible ways to earn continuing education (CE) credits through online and on-demand educational courses. Host a staff meeting or chapter event and bring your nurse colleagues together to take advantage of ARN's nursing education webinars. Join us on November 12 at 1 PM CST for this upcoming webinar. 

We are pleased to present the September issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

Are you preparing for the CRRN® exam? Congratulations on taking the next big step in advancing your career as a rehabilitation nurse! We're here to help you succeed with the CRRN® Success Suite, specifically designed to maximize your chances of passing the certification exam.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) has inducted their 2024-2025 ARN Board of Directors during the closing ceremony of ARN's 50th Rehabilitation Nursing Conference.

The Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLD) was out in full force at ARN's 50th Rehabilitation Conference in San Antonio, TX, proudly rocking cowboy hats and "Ask Me" polos at the ARN member booth. If you didn't get a chance to stop by, don't worry! Join the NLD for an open Town Hall on August 26 where we'll discuss the upcoming call for volunteers, which opens on September 1.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) has awarded Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN RN CRRN FARN, the organization's first posthumous Distinguished Service Award. The award was presented during the grand opening ceremony of ARN's 50th Rehabilitation Nursing Conference in San Antonio, TX, by ARN President Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, in honor of Hatch's significant contributions to rehabilitation nursing as well as the organization. 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is offering live webinars throughout the year on different subjects for you to earn continuing education units (CEUs). Join us on September 5 at 1 PM CST for the new topic: The Essential Brain Injury Guide: Introduction, Overview & Etiology. 

Can't say we blame you for feeling like missing out! We hope everyone had a safe journey home from Texas. Whether you joined us virtually on August 5-6 or in person in San Antonio from August 11-13, the 2024 ARN Rehab Nursing Conference was an unforgettable experience with our incredible rehab nursing community. But don't worry if you missed it! You can still catch all the action with on-demand content—join from the comfort of your home or office. We've saved a seat for you until September 16! 

We are pleased to present the July issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Chapter Support Committee has worked with the ARN Southern California Chapter to share information about Southern California's internship program and how they've successfully recruited and onboarded new board members. 

Join us for the ARN Annual Member Meeting on July 17, 3 - 4:30 PM CST.  This important event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members, review our achievements over the past year, and discuss plans for the future.

We are pleased to present the June issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

​ The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at supporting family caregivers through education. The ARN Advancing Science and Practice Subcommittee invites proposals for grant support to contribute to the development of the ARN Family Caregiver Resource Center.

Voting for the 2025 ARN Board of Directors slate will open June 3 and will close on July 15. All ARN voting members will receive communication to approve the voting slate by July 15.

The ARN Fellowship Selection Taskforce is excited to invite you to review the application and eligibility for Fellow status with the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN). This distinguished recognition honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, sustained contributions to ARN, and an unwavering commitment to the field of rehabilitation nursing. Applications are now open until July 15. 

 We are pleased to present the May issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

Are you ready to take the next step in your rehabilitation nursing career? Earning your Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) credential is a significant achievement that showcases your expertise, commitment, and dedication to the field of rehabilitation nursing. To help you succeed, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is excited to introduce the CRRN Practice Exam – a valuable tool designed to support your certification journey.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is offering both live and on-demand webinar options throughout the year on different subjects in the new series, Rehab Nursing Essentials. Earn continuing education units (CEUs) and attend on your own schedule!

Celebrate accomplishments and recognize your peers or yourself with ARN's Member Awards and Scholarships, now open through June 1, 2024.

Nurses Month provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions of nurses. By expressing gratitude, engaging in acts of kindness, and supporting wellness initiatives, we can show our appreciation for our rehab nurses' unwavering dedication and selfless service.

We are pleased to present the April issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

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!

How do you prefer to study? We have something for everyone to pass the CRRN® exam! ARN's CRRN® Success Suite - explore new comprehensive test preparation packages, designed to guide you every step of the way, providing you with the resources, practice, and expert guidance you need to succeed. 

Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) members, you are are invited to register to chat with members of the Nominating and Leadership Committee and the Board of Directors to discuss the seven (7) open positions and have your questions answered. Two dates are available to better fit your schedules. 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is thrilled to announce that we've expanded our communication capabilities to include SMS texting! This means staying connected with us is now even easier and more convenient for you. Whether you prefer traditional email or the simplicity of texting, we've got you covered.

We are pleased to present the March issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.  

The 2024 call for Board of Directors and Nominating and Leadership Development (NLD) Committee nominations are now open through April 25. See the open positions and learn more about how you could use your skillset to propel the organization forward.

If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive the March/April issue in the mail. Check out a preview of the articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue or visit the journal online to read the full issue.

Thanks to the generous member and nonmember donors who continue to support the mission of the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation (RNF), the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses' (ARN) Advancing Science and Practice Subcommittee (ASPC) will oversee two (2) new grant opportunities with funding up to $10,000 each. The deadline for all grants is June 1, 2023.

We are pleased to present the February issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

Join us in celebrating ARN's 50th conference at the 2024 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference this August. ARN is proud to continue to provide rehabilitation nurses with scheduling options to attend conferences through their busy schedules. Receive your CEUs from inspirational live sessions and on-demand recordings when you attend both virtually (August 5 and 6) and in-person (August 11-13) in San Antonio, TX.

Minimize your test-taking stress by enrolling in ARN's CRRN Success Suite, a comprehensive package of videos, study guides, and virtual live instruction classes. Spring 2024 Virtual Live Instruction begins on March 27^th and will conclude on May 15^th. Virtual Live Instruction is a series of eight two-hour-long sessions, ideal for those who prefer guided learning in the comfort of home or office. Led by experienced CRRN educators, these weekly sessions cover exam topics in a practical format with ample opportunities for discussions and questions and answers. Sessions are scheduled on Wednesdays from 3 – 5:00 pm CT, March 27 – May 15. All sessions are recorded so you can rewatch or catch up on a missed session.  

ARN has partnered with Walden University College of Nursing to offer three leadership courses. Below is a brief overview of each course.

Congratulations to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) member award winners. Several awards were presented at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference last August in Providence, Rhode Island, including the President's Award.

We are pleased to present the January issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

The Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB) develops, administers, and evaluates the certification program for rehabilitation nursing. The mission of the RNCB is to promote excellence in care by validating qualifications and specialized knowledge in the rehabilitation nursing specialty. Our RNCB directors are the shepherds of that mission, supporting the more than 13,000 CRRNs and bringing the program into the future so it can continue to serve the rehabilitation nursing community.

If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive the January/February issue in the mail. Check out a preview of the articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue or visit the journal online to read the full issue.

Maureen Musto, MS APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, president of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) for the 2023–2025 term, shares her story on becoming a rehabilitation nurse and her leadership journey in practice and as an ARN volunteer.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce its golden milestone - 50 years of unwavering commitment to advancing the field of rehabilitation nursing. Since our founding in 1974, we have been at the forefront of promoting excellence, innovation, and compassion in the care of individuals undergoing rehabilitation.

We are pleased to present the December issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

ARN's volunteer opportunities are expanding with a new committee focused on member initiatives and improvements. The new ARN Engagement Committee maintains a forward-thinking approach in all engagement initiatives involving ARN's members, CRRN®, and non-members.

​Incoming Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Board of Directors President, Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, addresses ARN membership after the unexpected passing of the ARN Board of Directors President, Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN RN CRRN FARN. 

When you present at ARN's 2024 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference, you're in control of not just the subject matter, but also the format of your presentation. Don't feel confined to delivering a TED Talk on rehabilitation! Explore the diverse options available to convey your knowledge and insights to your fellow rehabilitation nursing community. 

We are pleased to present the November issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

It is with deep sorrow that the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) share news of the passing of our esteemed and beloved 2023-2024 Board President, Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN RN CRRN FARN, on Sunday, November 12, 2023, following an unexpected medical emergency.  Let's take a moment to reflect on her outstanding achievements within ARN and the rehabilitation nursing world.

​ARN's Rehabilitation Nursing Conference is renowned for delivering exceptional educational content. To ensure a commitment to delivering the latest advances in rehabilitation, the ARN Conference Planning Subcommittee diligently identifies and addresses areas where knowledge or professional practice gaps exist. 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) would like to recognize the dedicated individuals who have contributed significantly to the development of ARN's new CRRN Success Suite, available now. This suite of Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) test prep packages is designed to support test-takers throughout the studying process based on individual learning needs. Sign up for the December CRRN exam by the final deadline, November 1.

Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN RN CRRN FARN, the President of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) for the 2023-2024 term, extends a heartfelt message to ARN members and the wider public, reflecting on her unexpected path to nursing and leadership. 

We are pleased to present the October issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

Congratulations to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) member award winners. These awards were presented at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference this August in Providence, Rhode Island.

Amy Hester PhD, RN, BC, Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer, HD Nursing, LLC has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (Academy). Dr, Hester is the 2022-2023 Chair of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Advancing Science and Practice Committee.  Congratulations on your honor, Dr. Hester! 

​Congratulations to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) member award winners. These awards were presented at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference this August in Providence, Rhode Island.

We are pleased to present the September issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

ARN is pleased to announce the new CRRN Success Suite, available now. This suite of Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) test prep packages is designed to support test-takers throughout the studying process based on individual learning needs. 

If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive your September/October issue in the mail. Check out a preview of the articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue or visit the journal online to read the full issue. Also this month, continue to see the new covers for the RNJ. 

Take the next steps in your rehab nursing career by working alongside some of the top-tier professionals in your field. No matter your availability, skills, or experience - there is an opportunity for everyone! This article, by Linda Pierce, PhD MSN RN CRRN FAAN, a long-time ARN member and volunteer, shares her thoughts about the importance of volunteering and the valuable experience that you can gain.

Join the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) as we congratulate the 2023 inducted class of Fellows on earning their ARN Fellow Designation (FARN) designation. 

ARN is now looking for volunteers for 2024 and has many ways for you to get involved. Position yourself as a thought leader, surround yourself with like-minded professionals, and share your interest through an ARN engagement or volunteer opportunity. No matter your availability, skills, or experience - there is an opportunity for everyone! The deadline to apply is September 30.

ARN is now looking for volunteers for 2025 and has many ways for you to get involved. Position yourself as a thought leader, surround yourself with like-minded professionals, and share your interest through an ARN engagement or volunteer opportunity. No matter your availability, skills, or experience - there is an opportunity for everyone! The deadline to apply is September 30.

If you weren't able to attend ARN's Rehab Nursing Conference, you may have missed the big announcement of our new CRRN Success Suite, coming this October. This suite of CRRN test prep packages are designed to support test-takers throughout the studying process based on individual learning needs.

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) membership voted to approve new members to their leadership board, who were installed during ARN's 2022 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference on August 18, 2023, in Providence, RI.

We look forward to seeing you both virtually and in-person at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference. Whether you're online or joining us in Providence, RI, we have the tools and technology needed for you to easily navigate your schedules, submit your evaluations, and connect with your rehab nursing community.  

We are pleased to present the July issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses. 

Be part of ARN's 50th rehabilitation nursing conference. Submit your proposals reflective of quality improvement, evidence-based practice, research, education, leadership, and/or program evaluation ARN's 2024 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference in August 2024. This event will be presented in a hybrid setting, both virtually (dates to be announced soon) and in-person (August 11-13) in San Antonio, TX.  

Please join the Chapter Support Committee as we welcome all chapter leaders on August 16, 2023, 9 - 10 AM, for a 1-hour in-person session Providence, RI.

All chapter board members are invited. Meet other board members while you learn from each other in a roundtable setting. 

If you or a colleague have not been receiving emails from ARN consistently, you could be unsubscribed or your employer could have a firewall in place. Learn more about what may be occurring when it comes to receiving emails from ARN to your inbox. 

​ARN heard your feedback and is excited to announce our new Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that will be launching this year at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference! ARN has begun focusing all of our existing SIGs into these four (4) SIGs to increase opportunities and engagement within our SIGs.

If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive your July/August issue in the mail. Check out a preview of the articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue or visit the journal online to read the full issue. Also this month, see the NEW cover and logo. 

We are pleased to present the June issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

Register for this year's Annual Member Meeting on Tuesday, June 27, 3 - 4:30 PM CST. Hear from ARN leadership about upcoming initiatives and connect with other members. Register Now

 Cast your vote for the 2024 slate to approve the Board of Directors and Nominating and Leadership Development Committee! 

On June 8, you should have received a ballot via email with the subject line "Your ARN 2024 Board Elections Ballot." This email contains your link to complete a ballot for the 2024 ARN election. If you do not see that email, please check your spam folder, and feel free to reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

​ARN recently sent out a one-question survey asking readers (and non-readers) what topics they would like to see more of in the Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ). See the topics, below, and consider submitting articles to the RNJ! 

Contribute your ideas, review past conference evaluations, recruit speakers, select educational content, and so much more when you join the 2023 Conference Planning Subcommittee. See the qualifications, below, and learn more about how you can volunteer to plan ARN's 2024 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference both virtually and in-person for ARN's 50th conference celebration. Submit your application by June 30th to be considered. 

On June 21, 2023, at 12 PM CST, the ARN Chapter Support Committee invites all chapter leaders and members to the webinar "ARN Education for Chapters" to learn how to develop and present CEUs to your chapter.  

Celebrate accomplishments and recognize your peers or yourself with ARN's Member Awards and Scholarships, now open through June 15, 2023.

ARN Board of Directors President, Maria Radwanski, MSN RN CRRN CMGT-BC FARN, uses this Nurses Month's theme of showcasing descriptive "re"hab nursing verbs and adjectives in action to describe our members and community. Radwanski goes on to discuss "The Present, the New, and the Future of REhabilitation Nursing" in her letter to the membership for this Nurses Month, below. 

We can't wait to see everyone at ARN's 2023 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference! Are you looking to do more than just attend #REHAB2023? Volunteer as a Breakout Moderator! 

This Nurses Month (May 1-31), we are celebrating the incredible work our members, and all nurses, do to support patients and families. May is also Mental Health Awareness month. In line with the American Nurses Association's (ANA) first week of Nurses Month of self-care, ARN joins the conversation to support our rehab nurses in ways to improve your self-care and remind you to put yourself first. 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) joins the American Nurses Association (ANA) in celebrating Nurses Month this May. While nurses deserve to be recognized more than just one month or a week out of a year, ARN would like to take this time to acknowledge the impact that rehabilitation nurses make throughout the year.

We are pleased to present the April issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.

If you are an ARN member or a Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) subscriber, you should soon receive your May/June issue in the mail. Check out a preview of the articles that will be gracing the pages of this issue or visit the journal online to read the full issue.

Rehabilitation is a healthcare service that can help people maximize their physical, cognitive, and emotional functions. A rehabilitation program can benefit patients diagnosed with severe cancer like mesothelioma, a rare form of respiratory cancer.  Meanwhile, you might ask: how can rehabilitation help during a patient's cancer treatment? What rehabilitation therapies exist for people with cancer? 

The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) would like to take this week (April 16-22) to recognize our hard working committees and volunteers who make a big difference in the organization and throughout the field of rehabilitation. Hear from President of ARN, Maria Radwanski MSN FARN RN CRRN CMGT-BC, as she pens a letter to our volunteers, and see the list of our committees who move this organization forward through their hard work and efforts. 

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the rehabilitation field? Do you have the skills and experience to help guide the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) towards success? If so, we invite you to consider applying for one of the five open positions on our Board of Directors and Nomination and Leadership Development Committee. Applications are open through April 15. 

Hear from Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) Editor-in-Chief, Pamela Larsen's updates on renaming of the 'This n' That' article, and her encouragement for more clinical consultations to be submitted in a less formal format for the journal. 

On March 15, ARN is opening nominations for both the Board of Directors and Nominating and Leadership Development Committee (NLD) as well as the applications to become a Fellow of ARN (FARN). 

With the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) Board of Directors elections currently open until April 15, we dive into one of our current members who has a unique background to pair with her leadership on the board. The current ARN Board of Directors Secretary-Treasurer, Grace Campbell, PhD MSW RN CNL CRRN FARN, shares a look into her day and proves that no two rehab nursing paths are the same.

We are pleased to present the February issue of the ARN Health Policy Digest. This member benefit provides updates on health policy and legislative and regulatory developments that may be of interest to rehabilitation nurses.