Stephanie Vaughn1, Kristen L Mauk2, Cynthia S Jacelon3, Pamala D Larsen4, Jill Rye5, Wendy Wintersgill6, Christine E Cave7, David Dufresne8. 1. School of Nursing, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, USA. 2. Nursing, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA. 3. School of Nursing, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA. 4. Nursing, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA. 5. Nursing, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center, Sioux Falls, SD, USA. 6. Rehabilitation, Christiana Care Health System, Wilmington, DE, USA. 7. Rehabilitation, El Camino Hospital Los Gatos, Los Gatos, CA, USA. 8. Professional Development, Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation nursing is practiced in various settings along the healthcare continuum. No framework is noted in the literature that defines the necessary competencies of the rehabilitation nurse. PURPOSE: To develop a Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing and its application to clinical and educational practice. METHOD/ DESIGN: A seven-member Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) task force was convened; conducted a literature review, reviewed current and historical ARN documents, including the Strategic Plan, and developed a Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing practice. FINDINGS: The Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing delineates four domains of rehabilitation nursing practice and essential role competencies. CONCLUSION: The Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing addresses this diverse specialty practice in the current healthcare arena. This framework can be used to guide nurses practicing at different levels of proficiency in various settings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Competency Model can be used as a structure for staff orientation, evaluation tools, clinical ladder components, role descriptions and rehabilitation nursing courses.
BACKGROUND: Rehabilitation nursing is practiced in various settings along the healthcare continuum. No framework is noted in the literature that defines the necessary competencies of the rehabilitation nurse. PURPOSE: To develop a Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing and its application to clinical and educational practice. METHOD/ DESIGN: A seven-member Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) task force was convened; conducted a literature review, reviewed current and historical ARN documents, including the Strategic Plan, and developed a Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing practice. FINDINGS: The Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing delineates four domains of rehabilitation nursing practice and essential role competencies. CONCLUSION: The Competency Model for Professional Rehabilitation Nursing addresses this diverse specialty practice in the current healthcare arena. This framework can be used to guide nurses practicing at different levels of proficiency in various settings. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The Competency Model can be used as a structure for staff orientation, evaluation tools, clinical ladder components, role descriptions and rehabilitation nursing courses.