The Power of Nurses: Celebrating the Superheroes of Rehabilitation

 Each May, we come together to recognize and honor the vital role nurses play in healthcare. This year, we're celebrating The Power of Nurses™, and the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) knows that power firsthand. From clinical excellence to emotional support, rehabilitation nurses embody strength, resilience, and compassion every day. This Nurses Week (May 6-12),  we're shining a spotlight on a few of the incredible ARN members whose unique "superpowers" are making a lasting impact on patients, families, and colleagues alike.

Honoring You This Nurses Week 

Don't forget to take advantage of ARN's continuing education and member benefits, now through May 31: 

• NURSESROCK25: 15% off of everything in the ARN Learning Center
• NURSESMONTH15: $15 off of ARN Membership

Read a letter from ARN President, Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN, about the importance of Nurses Week. 

The Superpower Series: Rehab Nurses Who Inspire Us
 

Hallie Hesson, BSN RN CRRN
Superpower: Being a Dynamo​ 

Dodd Rehabilitation Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Ohio

Hallie Hesson, BSN RN CRRN, is a Clinical Ladder 3 nurse on a Stroke and General Rehabilitation unit - and a true dynamo in every sense of the word. Her unmatched energy and team spirit make her the go-to person for her coworkers when things get tough. Hallie's superpower lies not only in her clinical skills, but in her constant readiness to lend a helping hand, lighten the mood, and bring her team together when it matters most. Her positivity is contagious, and her drive elevates patient care across the unit.

Rajeshbhai "Raj" Karee, BSN RN CRRN
Superpower: Compassion and Empathy

TIRR Memorial Hermann, Texas

Known as "The Cath King," Raj Karee has served as a urology nurse at TIRR for 15 years—and has been a staple of the facility for over 25. Working with patients experiencing sensitive and often difficult conditions requires more than technical skill—it demands deep empathy and compassion. Raj's superpower is making every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for, no matter how vulnerable their situation. His calm demeanor and emotional intelligence allow patients to find dignity and trust in moments of discomfort.

Dani Howard RN CRRN
Superpower: Giving Patients Their Voice Back

TIRR Memorial Hermann, Texas

Dani Howard's journey into rehab nursing began with a life-changing connection. Straight out of nursing school, she served as a private duty nurse for a "locked-in" patient who had once gone through TIRR. That experience sparked a lifelong passion for rehab nursing, and today, Dani is known for her ability to give patients their voice back—literally and figuratively. She listens deeply, advocates fiercely, and recognizes that small moments of connection and dignity can be just as powerful as clinical milestones. For Dani, it's all about letting patients know they are seen and heard.

Lindsay French, RN BSN CRRN
Superpower: Healing Wounds and Spirits

Encompass Health and Rehabilitation Hospital of Panama City, Florida

Lindsay French excels in wound care—but her impact goes far deeper than the skin. With a belief that emotional well-being plays a vital role in recovery, Lindsay takes time to connect with each of her patients on a personal level. Her signature move? Asking patients their favorite animal and then drawing a cheerful cartoon version on the whiteboard in their room. These small sketches often spark big smiles—and have become her playful trademark among coworkers. Through both her clinical precision and heartfelt care, Lindsay is a healer of bodies and spirits.

Haydee Llave, BSN RN CRRN
Superpower: Caring with Sincerity

Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, California

For over 20 years, Haydee Llave has led with heart. Her superpower is simple yet profound: genuine caring. By treating every patient with sincerity and listening attentively, Haydee builds deep rapport and trust - creating the foundation for meaningful recovery. "Every patient has their own suffering," she says, "and by making them feel special, they'll express their true feelings and let you walk with them toward their goals." Her promise to patients is one of unwavering presence: "I'm here to take good care of you, and the only time I can't come right away is when I'm helping someone else." With Haydee, every shift runs smoother—and every patient feels like a priority.

Taylor Stallworth, MSN RN CRRN
Superpower: Curiosity that Elevates Care

Rush Copley Medical Center, Illinois

Taylor Stallworth is an inpatient rehab nurse who brings a unique spark to her practice: an insatiable curiosity. Whether she's at the bedside or serving the broader rehab nursing community as a committee member for the Rehabilitation Nursing Journal editorial board and a general board member for NIARN, Taylor is always asking, learning, and growing. Her superpower lies in her drive to deepen her nursing knowledge so she can deliver better, more informed care to every patient she encounters. For Taylor, curiosity isn't just a personal trait, it's a powerful tool for progress.

Gabrielle Assemian, BSN RN CRRN
Superpower: The Zen Effect

Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, California

Gabrielle Assemian's presence is her power. With a naturally calming energy, she brings a sense of peace and grounding to patients, families, and colleagues alike. Her superpower, or what she calls her "zen effect," creates an atmosphere where healing can flourish. In the often high-stress environment of rehabilitation nursing, Gabrielle's ability to soothe and center those around her makes a lasting impact, one calm breath at a time.

Virginia Vironchi, BSN RN CRRN
Superpower: Spreading Joy with a Bubbly Personality

Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center, California

Virginia Vironchi lights up every room she enters with her vibrant, bubbly personality. Her superpower is simple yet incredibly powerful: bringing happiness to those around her. Whether it's lifting a patient's spirits or boosting the morale of her team, Virginia's infectious positivity creates a warm and welcoming environment. In a field where emotional resilience matters just as much as clinical skill, her joyful energy is a bright light for everyone she encounters.

Thank You for All You Do 

This Nurses Month, we celebrate you - the rehab nurses who embody the strength, empathy, and tireless spirit that define our profession. You are powerful. You are seen. You are making a difference. We encourage you to share your story and be featured on the ARN website and social media.