Rehab nursing in a nutshell: the series

Oh, since I'm still thinking about  what I learned at a recent rehab nurses conference, I figure I'll share what I've learned along the way.

If you haven't already read some of the old stuff in this blog, feel free to go back in time. I've tried to keep most of the stuff that captures how I felt as a new nurse.

Frankly, being a new nurse wherever you are is scary. There are nice people out there, and there are the trolls and Nurse Ratcheds who will make your life hell (or at least attempt).

First rule: DO NOT LET THEM.  Sometimes the best thing you can do is to find a mentor (if you are in a residency program, thank your lucky stars...) and learn how to be a good nurse.

You can learn on your own some of the additional stuff you need to know in rehab.

Just remember Rule number 2: you will never stop learning. Don't even try, don't get sedentary, don't get sedate.

I can't tell you how many over 60+ year old nurses I saw at the recent rehab conference. Three of the original 12 nurses who started one group showed up. One had a cane, but let me tell you, she used that cane with confidence, and she went from session to session, several which I attended.

Our closing speaker (a nurse) helped his/her mom complete her CEUs for her license. She's 84.

Not sure if she's a rehab nurse, but she would have fit in fine with all of us (and would have ended up with lots of CEUs).

That's enough of an assignment for today. Enjoy the rest of your weekend, wherever you are.

More to come...stay tuned.