What is Pediatric Rehabilitation? A Nurse’s Perspective

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.

Meet Sharon Maley, MSN RN CRRN, Nurse Program Coordinator for Inpatient Rehabilitation

With over 27 years of experience at Akron Children's Hospital in Akron, Ohio, Sharon Maley has devoted her career to pediatrics, with a specialized focus on pediatric rehabilitation since 2012. Her journey to this rewarding field began in 1993 when she worked as a nursing assistant in an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Today, she celebrates her passion for helping children and families navigate the challenges of recovery and rehabilitation.

The Journey to Pediatric Rehabilitation

Sharon's introduction to rehabilitation nursing started during her nursing school days. Working as a nursing assistant on an adult inpatient rehab unit, she found joy in helping patients carry over therapy skills into their daily routines. Years later, in 2012, Sharon played a pivotal role in launching Akron Children's Hospital's Inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation (IPR) program.

Prior to this, children requiring intensive rehabilitation often had to travel out of their communities or to a different state, leaving their support systems behind. The new IPR program now provides comprehensive rehabilitative treatment for children with complex medical, physical, and functional needs—offering care at all levels, from the ICU to outpatient therapies and transition services.

What Makes the Job Rewarding?

For Sharon, the most fulfilling part of her job is seeing patients and families gain trust in our team and return home—whether it's to their pre-hospitalization baseline or adapting to a new normal. "Regardless, they are going home," she says. Sharon takes pride in knowing her team provides exceptional care and instills confidence in families as they transition out of the hospital.

​Challenges in Pediatric Rehab Nursing

Pediatric rehabilitation comes with unique challenges. Navigating the medical, emotional, and logistical complexities of care requires patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to holistic, family-centered approaches. While Sharon doesn't specifically outline these challenges here, they often include managing diverse medical conditions, overcoming resource limitations, and addressing emotional barriers families may face during the recovery process.

A Day in the Life of a Pediatric Rehab Nurse ​

Sharon's role as a Nurse Program Coordinator is dynamic and collaborative. The day starts with a morning huddle where the interdisciplinary team—comprising doctors, nurses, therapists, rehab tech, psychologists, teacher, social workers, and care managers—reviews patient updates, sets goals, and discusses clinical decisions.

Throughout the day, Sharon and her team:

• Conduct family meetings to align on care goals and progress.
• Participate in psychosocial rounds to address sensitive issues or barriers.
• Arrange community outings to promote independence and reintegration.
• Schedule education sessions to prepare families for discharge.
• Collect and manage data, such as WeeFIM (a tool for measuring functional independence).
• Coordinate CARF accreditation and drive program development.
  
  

Sharon emphasizes the importance of teamwork and shared decision-making, ensuring a holistic, patient- and family-centered approach to care.

​Why Pediatric Rehabilitation Matters

Rehabilitation nursing in pediatrics goes beyond medical care. It's about helping children regain independence, adapt to new abilities, and thrive despite challenges. For Sharon and her team, success isn't just measured in physical milestones but in the confidence and resilience instilled in both patients and families. "Our mission is to help our patients and families focus on abilities, not disabilities, by encouraging kids to be kids."  

Beyond the Nurse's Station: Meet Sharon

Outside of work, Sharon has a rich personal life filled with family, hobbies, and memories. She has been married to her husband, Bryan, for 21 years and has two adult stepchildren, Evan and Elana.

An animal lover, Sharon chose not to get another dog after losing her beloved English Springer Spaniel, Abby, due to a busy schedule. However, she dreams of having another dog (or two!) after retiring.

A fun fact about Sharon? She used to barrel race as a young adult! She and Bryan are avid fans of Cleveland sports teams and enjoy activities like golfing, hiking, listening to live music, vacationing, and, above all, spending time with family and friends.

A Journey of Compassion and Care

Sharon's story underscores the transformative power of pediatric rehabilitation. It's a field driven by compassion, collaboration, and innovation. As Sharon puts it, "We leave no stone unturned" when it comes to ensuring every child receives the care and support they need to succeed.

If you've ever considered a career in pediatric rehabilitation—or are simply curious about this field—Sharon's journey is a testament to its profound impact on patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

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