A registered nurse's license is necessary to become a professional rehabilitation nurse . To meet licensure educational requirements, the candidate must complete a baccalaureate, diploma or associate degree program. While associate and diploma programs are acceptable, the trend is toward the baccalaureate degree as the preferred entry-level degree.
Some nurses go on to earn master's and doctoral degrees in rehabilitation nursing.
While certification is not required to practice rehabilitation nursing , it is available. However, by the year 2001, a bachelor of science in nursing is required to work in the field. Currently, nurses with two years experience in rehabilitation nursing are eligible to take the certification examination. Certification in the specialty demonstrates knowledge, skill and qualification to other health care providers, patients and the public. Job Duties Rehabilitation nurses often play a very important role as a member of the interdisciplinary team, working cooperatively with rehabilitation counselors, social workers, occupational and physical therapists, and physiatrist's.