Wrapping Up 50 Years: Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead

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. 

Dear ARN Members,

As we close the 50th year of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), I feel immense pride in all that we have accomplished together. Over the past five decades, ARN has grown from a dedicated group of pioneers into the leading voice for rehabilitation nursing in the United States. Today, we continue to thrive not only as a national organization but also as an international contributor to advancing rehabilitation care. Our members, who come from all over the world, have shared their expertise on global stages, participated in World Health Organization initiatives, and furthered rehabilitation knowledge worldwide.

Advancing Research and Resources

Since 1975, the Rehabilitation Nursing Journal (RNJ) has been at the forefront of improving practice through evidence-based research. ARN has become a trusted resource for education and expertise, a champion for advocacy, and a force for positive change for individuals living with disabilities or chronic conditions. In 2025, we extend our deepest thanks to Pamala Larsen, PhD MS RN FARN, who has served as RNJ Editor-in-Chief since 2019, and warmly welcome Anne Deutsch, PhD RNCRRN FARN, as the incoming editor. We look forward to seeing the journal's continued impact under Anne's leadership.

This year, our Advancing Science and Practice Subcommittee forged new partnerships with the Agnes Marshall Walker Foundation (AMWF) and the Sigma Foundation for Nursing to offer grants amplifying rehabilitation research. Look for open and rolling applications for these initiatives starting in January 2025!

Additionally, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Barbara Lutz, PhD RN CRRN PHNA-BC FAHA FAAN, and Dr. Michelle Camicia, PhD RN CRRN CCM NEA-BC FARN FAHA FAAN, we launched a new Caregiver Resource Grant to support the development of high-quality educational resources. These initiatives are a testament to ARN's commitment to advancing innovation in our field. 

Record-Setting Volunteer Engagement

We saw a record-breaking number of volunteer applications, thanks to the Nominating and Leadership Development Committee, led by Chair Susan Kometz, MBA BSN RN CBIS CRRN, and Co-Chair Kimberli Martinez, DNP RN CRRN. The Engagement Taskforce, under the leadership of Chair Donna Williams, MSN RN FARN CRRN, and Co-Chair Stephanie Davis Burnett, DNP RN CRRN, played a pivotal role in fostering engagement. Along with the Fellowship Taskforce, these groups also helped induct seven new Fellows of ARN (FARN), bringing the total to 36 since 2019.

Membership Growth on the Incline​

Our membership has grown significantly this year, welcoming over 1,200 new members (as of November) and bringing our total community to more than 4,300—one of our highest counts since 2021. Through the ARN Institutional Membership, we've strengthened partnerships with Encompass Health and Arkansas Children's Health while forming new collaborations with Lifepoint Health and the American Heart Association. We also would like to take the time to recognize organizations like Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center for their continued support of our membership benefits for their large number of nurses.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Chapter Support Committee, led by Chair Elizabeth Mooney, MBA BSN RN CRRN, and Co-Chair, Stephanie Lim, MSN RN CRRN, our chapters are regaining momentum and fostering stronger engagement. This year, we were thrilled to welcome the Georgia Chapter, which not only joined our community but also earned the distinction of Small Chapter of the Year. While leadership remains a challenge in some areas, chapters are embracing innovative approaches to connect across state lines, collaborate with one another, and leverage their collective strengths to drive success.

Recognizing Certification Milestones

To our December Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) test-takers, we wish you the best of luck! We also congratulate those who passed the June exam and joined the ranks of over 12,000 rehabilitation nurses who hold this valued certification. This year's increase in CRRN® applicants highlights the growing recognition of its importance among nurses and healthcare organizations alike.

If you're planning to pursue your CRRN® certification, ARN is here to support you every step of the way. Prepare for the exam with our Virtual Live Courses, offered this spring (April 2–May 21) and fall (September 10–October 9), or explore the CRRN® Success Suite for comprehensive study materials to help you succeed.

Staying Connected 

Are you following us on social media? Follow us for daily inspiration, share our posts to promote rehabilitation nursing, and take advantage of opportunities like Member Spotlights, CRRN® Spotlights, and blog features. Since 2023, we've gained over 2,400 new followers—connect with us and be part of the conversation!

Remember to take advantage of Member Circle, your exclusive online rehabilitation nursing community. As an ARN member, this platform allows you to connect with fellow nurses, ask questions, share insights, and explore best practices in rehabilitation care. Don't miss out on this valuable resource and look for a new interactive interface in 2025. 

Looking Ahead 

Looking ahead, ARN is on solid ground. The Board of Directors is currently updating our strategic plan, maintaining our strong pillars of engagement, visibility, and knowledge, while incorporating innovation to address emerging needs. As we move forward, we will refine our initiatives to remain relevant and impactful. Be on the lookout for the unveiling of our new strategic plan in 2025!

Staying Engaged 

I encourage you to stay engaged and share your expertise! Consider answering the Call for Volunteers this coming August or submitting your work to the 51st annual ARN Rehabilitation Nursing Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. It's a wonderful opportunity to advance the knowledge and practice of rehabilitation nursing and to showcase your contributions to the field. Registration opens this January!

As the year comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication and hard work inspire me daily. Thank you for all you do to improve the lives of those you serve and to strengthen our profession.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth and happiness. I look forward to continuing our journey together in the year ahead.

Peace, joy, and all the best in the New Year,

Maureen Musto, MS RN APRN-CNS ACNS-BC CRRN FARN
ARN Board of Directors President 2023 - 2025