Incredible Health Staff

Nurse Types / Nurse Manager

Are you an experienced nurse looking to advance your career? Becoming a nurse manager can be an exciting change of pace when climbing the nursing ladder.

Nurse managers have a lot of responsibility, but the work can be very rewarding. Some of the tasks you can expect in this nursing role include creating schedules for employees and giving annual performance reviews. 

If you have great natural leadership abilities, you may find this nursing role a good fit for your skills and personality.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What is a nurse manager?
• What does a nurse manager do?
• Where do nurse managers work?
• What are specific types of nurse managers?
• How do you become nurse manager in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of nurse managers?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for nurse managers?
• FAQs

What is a nurse manager?

The name says a lot about the role. A nurse manager oversees the nursing staff in a healthcare setting. They typically hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree or higher. Most healthcare employers require a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to work as a nurse manager.

Some of the most important skills a nurse manager needs to have are:

• Human and fiscal resource management
• Leadership skills 
• Organizational management 

In this nursing role, you can advocate for improved patient care and outcomes.

Qualities of a successful nurse manager

Nurse managers must be organized and have strong leadership skills. Your management style can mean the difference between nursing staff that works well together and nurse burnout that leads to high turnover rates.

If you want to be a good leader and a good manager, here are some other traits you must possess:

• Clinical expertise
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills

What do nurse managers do?

Nurse managers have many responsibilities. If you work in this nursing role, it’s important to understand that the buck stops with you. You assume ultimate responsibility for patient complaints or issues with delivery of care.

Some of the daily responsibilities you can expect as a nurse manager include:

• Collaborating with medical practitioners about patient care 
• Developing plans for patients and their caregivers
• Handling disciplinary action for members of your nursing team
• Improving patient outcomes
• Interviewing and hiring new nursing staff
• Managing the budget for your nursing unit
• Overseeing the daily operations of your unit
• Scheduling nurses for their shifts
• Serving as a liaison between the administration and nursing staff
• Training new nursing staff and other healthcare team members

A day in the life of a nurse manager

A typical day in the life of a nurse manager can include many tasks. You may review reports and hold meetings with other healthcare practitioners to review patient progress and treatment plans. You can expect to take part in meetings with other department managers.

Other tasks you may carry out during the day can include:

• Budgetary reviews
• Check-ins with nursing staff to discuss or resolve issues
• Interviewing nursing candidates for open positions
• Nursing staff training and onboarding 

---

Common conditions treated by nurse managers

Nurse managers do not perform bedside care for patients. However, you must be an expert clinician and have a firm grasp of best practices for the nursing profession to work in this nursing career.

Where do nurse managers work?

Nurse managers can work in any healthcare setting where nurses are needed. The possibilities are endless, which appeals to many nursing professionals that choose this nursing career.

Some of the places where you can use your nurse management skills include:

• Home healthcare agencies
• Hospitals
• Medical and surgical centers
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient treatment facilities
• Physicians’ offices
• Urgent care centers
• Veterans Administration clinics, hospitals, and outpatient treatment centers

What are closely related fields?

Nurse managers have the kinds of expertise and skills that can transfer to other fields. Some other occupations you can consider include:

• Administrative services and facilities management
• Human resources managers
• Insurance underwriters
• Medical records and health information specialists
• Social and community service managers

Each of these closely related fields requires strong leadership abilities.  

How do you become a nurse manager in 3 steps?

Be prepared to invest some time and money into your career if you plan to become a nurse manager. While some healthcare facilities require only a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to work in this role, most expect candidates to hold a more advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

Follow these three steps to get started on your journey to a nursing career you love.

Step 1 – Become a Registered Nurse

Before you can step into the role of a nurse manager, you first must become a registered nurse (RN). You can do this in one of three ways. You can earn your Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science of Nursing (ABSN) if you have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Since most healthcare employers prefer nurse managers with MSN degrees, it makes the most sense to go for your BSN as soon as possible. You must complete it before you can apply to an MSN program.

Earn an MSN degree

Earning a BSN degree has many benefits. You’ll learn critical thinking and leadership skills beyond what is traditionally taught in an ADN nursing program. Ultimately, you need one before you can pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). 

If you’re already working as an RN but don’t have a BSN, you can work while continuing your education through an RN-to-BSN program. Already have your BSN? You can fast track your MSN degree while continuing to work.The BSN-MSN program is a great way to advance your career without spending loads of time in school

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step to becoming a licensed RN. All RN nursing candidates must take the NCLEX exam to prove they are prepared for the responsibilities of their nursing role. You can take the NCLEX-RN exam more than once if you fail to pass the first time.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

After becoming a licensed RN, you’ll want to work in a healthcare environment that helps you build leadership skills and gain extensive clinical knowledge. Working in a fast-paced environment as an emergency room nurse or trauma center nurse can help you develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Helpful skills and experience

Nurse managers must be prepared to handle many tasks at once. Juggling budgets, scheduling nursing staff, and handling patient complaints are all par for the course in this nursing role.

Other helpful skills include:

• Business management know-how that helps you use management strategies that improve operations
• Interpersonal communication for handling discussions with nurses, healthcare practitioners on the care team, and patients
• Problem-solving abilities for tackling issues about general operations and patient care

Changing your specialty to a nurse manager

If you’re already working as an RN under a different nursing specialty, it’s possible to change to a nurse manager with the right level of education and experience.

Let’s say you’re currently working as an ER nurse, and you want to move away from direct patient care. Changing your specialty to become an ER nurse manager is a natural progression. If you haven’t yet earned an MSN, you’d need to complete that advanced degree before making the switch.

---

---

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

You have several options for specialty certifications as a nurse manager. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers the following credentialing exams:

• Nurse Executive. You must have an active RN license, a BSN degree or higher, and at least 2 years of experience as a mid-level administrator or faculty teaching position. Without an MSN degree, you also must have 30 hours of CEUs in nursing administration.
• Nurse Executive (Advanced). You must have a BSN degree or higher and two years of experience as a nurse manager. Alternatively, you can have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and 3 years of experience as a nurse manager or an associate degree in nursing and 5 years of experience.

What are additional requirements for nurse managers?

To maintain your credentials, you must meet certain continuing education requirements. The number of CEUs you need depends on your state of practice. Some states, like Arizona and Mississippi, don’t require CEUs.

All nurse managers, regardless of state, must maintain an RN license. You’ll want to check with your state board of nursing to ensure you’re following RN license renewal procedures as well.

What are the salary and career outlooks for nurse managers?

Nurse managers, like other nursing professionals, are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 32% growth rate between now and 2030. Nurse managers make an median average salary of $89,694 annually.

Some of the highest-paying states for nurse managers include:

• Hawaii – $97,449
• Massachusetts – $96,154
• Nevada – $96,094
• Rhode Island – $94,359
• Oregon – $92,929

---

---

Job satisfaction

Roughly 70% of nurse managers in the U.S. reported they were satisfied with their jobs. Of those, 68% said they would recommend the nursing career to others.

How can nurse managers advance their careers?

If you’re looking for career advancement opportunities, nurse managers have many options. You could become a clinical nurse manager, focusing on patient outcomes and the overall fiscal health of the healthcare facility.

Other alternatives include:

• Chief nursing officer (CNO). A senior role within large healthcare organizations, you would be responsible for developing, ensuring, and standardizing evidence-based care into daily practice.
• Nurse attorney. You could combine your nursing degree with a law school degree to go in a completely different direction.
• Patient care director. You can manage the clinical and administrative aspects of a healthcare facility through this role.

If you’re not sure which path is right for you, seek out advice from experienced nursing professionals on our community forums. It’s a great place to ask questions about all things nursing.

---

---

FAQs

Nurse Types / Emergency Nurse Practitioner

If you want to use your nursing education and experience in a fast-paced healthcare environment, then working as an emergency nurse practitioner may be a solid career choice. You can use your abilities while saving lives.

Emergency room care is not for every nurse practitioner (NP). You must be willing to diagnose and treat a diverse number of people experiencing a variety of medical emergencies. Medical emergencies can include:

• Cardiac arrest
• Mental health status changes
• Traumatic injuries
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Upper respiratory infections 

Your specialized training helps you react quickly to emergency medical situations, assessing patients and responding to their immediate needs. 

If a fast-paced environment is part of your ideal nursing career, then becoming an emergency room nurse may be a smart move. 

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What is an emergency nurse practitioner?
• What do emergency nurse practitioners do?
• Where do emergency nurse practitioners work?
• What are closely related fields?
• How do you become an emergency nurse practitioner in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of emergency nurse practitioners?
• What are the salary and career outlooks for emergency nurse practitioners?

What is an emergency nurse practitioner?

An emergency NP is a board-certified advance practice registered nurse (APRN). As an APRN, you’ll treat patients of all ages in emergency rooms and urgent care healthcare facilities. You’ll collaborate with a team of other healthcare providers to deliver life-saving medicine quickly.

Working in an emergency care facility doesn’t guarantee you’ll always treat patients who need access to critical care. Some patients visit the emergency room for minor health problems when they don’t have access to a primary care doctor.

Qualities of a successful emergency nurse practitioner

Emergency nurse practitioners (ENP) can see between 20 to 24 patients during a shift. Those numbers can increase depending on certain variables, like mass trauma incidents such as car accidents.

To be successful as an ENP, you must have the following qualities:

• Compassion. This is a hallmark of every nursing professional but is especially important for patients needing emergency care.
• Patience. People experiencing medical emergencies can be short-tempered because they are in pain. You’ll need to practice a lot of patience to cope with their behaviors.
•  Quick-thinking skills. Emergency medical situations require you to think fast on your feet to administer appropriate care and medical interventions to save a life.  
• Strong communication skills. You’ll need to clearly explain to your patient and their family members or caregivers the status of their condition and treatment. You also must communicate with other healthcare practitioners to ensure your patient receives the most appropriate care.
• Teamwork. You must be able to work with other healthcare practitioners to deliver the best and fastest care possible in emergency situations.

What do emergency nurse practitioners do?

Emergency NPs have many responsibilities. If you plan to pursue this nursing specialty, you must be prepared to:

• Assess patients with emergency medical conditions and trauma
• Diagnose patients who come to the ER for medical treatment
• Treat patients of all ages with diverse backgrounds

You’ll be expected to have extensive knowledge and be equipped to treat injuries, life-threatening medical conditions, and traumas.

Sometimes patients come to the ER because they lack a primary care physician or health insurance. As an emergency room nurse practitioner, you are expected to provide primary care services in these situations.

A day in the life a emergency nurse practitioner

A typical day in the life of an emergency nurse practitioner can be hectic. The number of patients you see depends on several factors. Mass trauma incidents and holidays can trigger busier than usual ER traffic.

When you’re not busy administering routine medical care to patients using the ER for primary care services, you can expect to handle urgent cases. Some of your key responsibilities include:

• Assessing patients
• Diagnosing conditions
• Collaborating and communicating with doctors, specialists, and surgeons
• Educating patients and caregivers
• Ordering diagnostic and other tests
• Prescribing emergency interventions and other treatment
• Supervising registered nurses (RNs) and other nursing team members

---

Common conditions treated by emergency nurse practitioners

You name it, you’ll probably be treating it as an emergency NP. The expansive scope of practice is one of the aspects of the job many ENPs appreciate.

Each year, more than 130 million people visit emergency rooms across the U.S. Of those, 35 million are for the treatment of injuries. As an emergency nurse practitioner, you can expect to treat some of the following conditions:

• Abdominal pain
• Broken bones and sprains
• Chest pains
•  Foreign objects in the body
•  Headaches
•  Lacerations
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Upper respiratory infections

Where do emergency nurse practitioners work?

Emergency nurse practitioners primarily work in hospital ERs. However, you also can use your extensive education and nursing skills in:

• Ambulances
• Critical care hospitals
• Trauma centers
• Urgent care facilities

What are closely related fields?

If you decide you’d like a change from working as an emergency nurse practitioner, there are other closely related fields where you can use your experience and knowledge.

One of the options growing in popularity among ENPs is telehealth nurse practitioner. You can use your skills to quickly assess whether a patient can receive care remotely or if they need to be seen in person in a physician’s office or emergency room.

How do you become an emergency nurse practitioner in 3 steps?

You can become an emergency nurse practitioner by following the steps outlined below. Extensive education and experience are required before you can work in this nursing career, so be prepared to work hard to reach your goal.

Step 1 – Become a Registered Nurse

The first step to becoming an emergency nurse practitioner is to pursue your registered nurse (RN) licensure. While you technically can become an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), emergency NPs require a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree, so you may want to earn a more advanced degree than an ADN before seeking licensure.

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing 

Earning a BSN degree has many benefits. You’ll learn critical thinking and leadership skills beyond what is traditionally taught in an ADN nursing program. A BSN allows you to pursue specialty certifications and is a stepping-stone toward your destination as an emergency nurse practitioner.

If you’re already working as an RN but don’t have a BSN, you can work while continuing your education through an RN to BSN program. 

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step to becoming a licensed RN. You can take the NCLEX-RN exam more than once if you fail to pass the first time. You must wait 45 days between attempts.

The NCLEX-RN exam tests your competency in four separate categories: 

• Safe and effective care environment 
• Health promotion and maintenance
• Psychosocial integrity
• Physiological integrity 

Earn an MSN degree

The final step in becoming an emergency nurse practitioner is to earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Some nursing professionals choose to pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which requires even more schooling than an MSN.

If you’re having trouble deciding between an MSN and a DNP, keep the following in mind. Emergency nurse practitioners with an MSN degree can specialize clinically. With a DNP, you can seek leadership roles.

Step 2 – Accumulate experience

After becoming a licensed RN, you’ll want to work in a healthcare environment that helps you build valuable skills for your career as an emergency nurse practitioner. Working in an ER or other trauma-care setting is an obvious choice to gain the experience you need.

Helpful skills and experience

Thinking fast on your feet while serving an above-average number of patients each day are two hallmarks of emergency nurse practitioners. You’ll want to seek out healthcare environments where you can hone both.

Other helpful skills include:

• Analytical skills that can help you quickly assess and treat a patient for a variety of conditions
• Communication skills that allow you to coordinate care with other healthcare practitioners
• Grace under fire that allows you to maintain your patience in urgent-care situations
•  Leadership abilities that help you guide other nurses in the timely and effective handling of emergency situations

Changing your specialty to an emergency nurse practitioner

If you’re already working as an RN under a different nursing specialty, it’s possible to change to an emergency nurse practitioner. One of the most common switches is from ER nurse to ER nurse practitioner.

You can prepare for the switch with targeted continuing education courses that help you build skills for your new career and prepare you for an advanced nursing degree.

---

---

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

You have several options for specialty certifications as an emergency nurse practitioner. Most of the credentials relate to emergency and trauma care.

The most popular is the Emergency Nurse Practitioner (ENP) certification from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, which demonstrates your competency as an emergency care practitioner.

Other certifications you may need include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

What are additional requirements for emergency nurse practitioners?

You’ll need to be recertified as an emergency nurse practitioner every 5 years. There are two options for meeting this additional requirement.

• Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of emergency care clinical practice and 100 emergency related CEUs within 5 years of your original certification.
• Retake and pass the ENP certification exam before your current certification expires.

What are the salary and career outlooks for emergency room nurse practitioners?

Demand is high for emergency nurse practitioners because ERs are at the top of the list for the greatest need for skilled nursing professionals at all levels.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), growth predictions for emergency NPs remains at 40% from 2021 to 2031.

The salary outlook for emergency NPs remains rosy as well. The average national salary for ENPs is $119,304. Some of the highest-paying states for ENPs include:

• Hawaii – $123,574
• Massachusetts – $123,141
• Connecticut – $122,349
• Nevada – $122,282
• Rhode Island – $119,403

---

---

Job satisfaction

Most emergency nurse practitioners view their roles in crisis and trauma care as essential to achieving favorable patient outcomes. As with other nursing jobs, high levels of stress can lead to burnout, so you must take time to engage in self-care.

How can emergency nurse practitioners advance their careers?

If you haven’t already done so, earning a DNP degree can open the door to career advancement. ER nurse practitioners with an MSN can enroll in an MSN to DNP program.

You can continue to work in your field while earning your DNP. Once you have a DNP, you can seek clinical and leadership nursing roles.

Need help figuring out what’s best for your nursing career goals? Ask questions and get great advice from our community of experienced nurses.

---

---

Nurse Types / Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Nurses are the healers and caregivers of the world. Their knowledge and compassion help patients navigate illnesses and injuries and survive life-threatening conditions. Oncology nurse practitioners (ONPs) are nursing specialists who work with some of the most fragile patients in our society – those suffering from cancer.

Cancer is a terrible disease that takes many forms. It does not discriminate by age, culture, gender, or race. Becoming an oncology nurse practitioner is not for every nursing professional. It takes a special kind of strength. Nurses who choose to work in an oncology setting understand the work is challenging and emotionally taxing. Still, they do it anyway.

Some of the things we will explore during this post including the following:

• What is an oncology nurse practitioner (ONP)?
• Where do oncology nurse practitioners work?
• What are oncology nurse practitioner job duties?
• What are the 5 steps to earning your ONP?
• How much do oncology nurse practitioners make?
• What is the job outlook for oncology nurse practitioners? 

What is an oncology nurse practitioner (ONP)?

Oncology nurse practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing comprehensive care to cancer patients. ONPs also provide consulting and education to families of cancer patients. They are part of a team of healthcare providers who:

• Conduct physical assessments of cancer patients
• Create treatment plans
• Administer cancer therapy
• Prescribe medications specific to cancer care

While cancer can strike anyone in any age group, those over the age of 65 are more at risk. For this reason, many ONPs find themselves working more with elderly cancer patients.

Where do oncology nurse practitioners work?

Since the scope of oncology nursing care spans from prevention and early detection to symptom management and palliative care, ONPs can work in a variety of settings. Medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology are included in the scope of practice for ONPs.

They can opt to work in:

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Outpatient care centers
• Private practices

What are oncology nurse practitioner job duties?

Oncology nurse practitioners are the first line of communication for cancer patients and their families. They are the most familiar face on the cancer care team, coordinating most aspects of a patient’s care throughout the treatment process. Here are some of the most common job responsibilities of ONPs:

• Conducting a health assessment and reviewing patient health history
• Monitoring a patient’s physical and emotional status
• Organizing image studies, laboratory test results, and pathology reports
• Collaborating with the patient’s team of cancer care providers
• Educating patients and their families about cancer and all treatment plans
• Administering medications, fluids, and cancer treatments like chemotherapy
• Serving as an official spokesperson for the cancer patient when communicating with other clinicians on the patient’s behalf

Depending on where they work, ONPs may have additional duties. A well-crafted job description outlines all responsibilities.

What are the 5 steps to earning your ONP?

Pursuing a career as an oncology nurse practitioner requires a special level of commitment. Here are the steps for earning a nursing degree to be an ONP.  

1.       Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

As previously mentioned, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) as the first step in your career as an ONP. Nurses who already have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) can complete a BSN in 1 to 2 years.

Nursing candidates without a formal nursing degree may take up to 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Candidates who are already Registered Nurses (RNs) can enroll in an RN-to-BSN program to fast-track their degree. Many of these “bridge” programs can be completed in 2 years or less.

2.       Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

Some nursing professionals already hold an RN when they decide to pursue a BSN. Candidates who already hold RN licensure can skip this step. For those who need to become licensed RNs, you must sit for the NCLEX-RN.

3.       Earn a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor in Practical Nursing (DPN)

A minimum of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) is required to work as an oncology nurse practitioner. A Doctor of Practical Nursing (DNP) degree is only necessary for nurses who wish to work in research and development or educational settings.

4.       Obtain an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) License

Most states require ONPs to obtain additional licensure as advanced practice registered nurses. Each state’s licensing board provides information about whether an APRN is required to work as an ONP. Check with the state about whether an APRN is needed.

5.       Become certified in oncology nursing

The final step is to earn oncology nursing certification. The Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation (ONCC) offers several certification options for ONPs. Some include:

• Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
• Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP)
• Certified Breast Care Nurse (CBCN)

How much does an oncology nurse practitioner make?

ONPs earn a average annual salary of $118,768. The top 90% of wage earners in this nursing specialty can expect to make $127,103 per year. Depending on location, some oncology nurse practitioners make more or less than the national average.

Want to check out an estimated salary range for ONPs in a specific location? Incredible Health offers a free Nurse Salary Estimator tool. 

---

---

What is the job outlook for oncology nurse practitioners?

The U.S. has battled a nursing shortage since 1998. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for nurse practitioners of all specialties is expected to grow by . With an increased focus on preventive healthcare and a rapidly aging population, the need for ONPs is expected to continue rising.  

FAQs

---

---

Nurse Types / Rehab Nurse

Patients living with acute and chronic illnesses, injuries, and disabilities depend on the expertise and care of rehabilitation nurses. Some rehab nurses work on pain management to help assist patients. The ability to help others and make a difference in their patients’ lives is one of the top reasons nurses give for choosing this profession.

When you are a rehab nurse, you work as part of a collaborative healthcare team. You will use every clinical skill learned in nursing school to care for your patients. Rehab nurses are not limited in where they can work or the age of patients they can treat. That makes the position appealing to many in the nursing profession.

In this articles, we will explore:

• What are the responsibilities of a rehab nurse?
• Who do rehab nurses work with?
• How do I become a rehab nurse?
• How much do rehab nurses make?

What are the responsibilities of a rehab nurse?

According to the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, there is never a dull moment when working as a rehab nurse. These nurses wear many hats. They are collaborators on a team of healthcare professionals tasked with the treatment of a patient. They coordinate care and advocate for the needs of the individuals they are serving. Rehab nurses also educate the patients and their families on how to achieve the best outcomes from their treatment plan and help them live independently again.

Depending on where they work, rehab nurses can have different job responsibilities. Some of the most common include:

• Coordinating care with other healthcare professionals on the patient’s team of healthcare providers
• Educating patients, their families, and caregivers about their illness/injury and treatment plan
• Giving medications prescribed as part of an overall treatment plan
• Helping patients adapt to changes in lifestyle due to illness/injury while achieving maximum function and independence
• Preparing nursing care plans and updating them when appropriate

Rehab nurses spend a lot of one-on-one time with their patients, so good communication skills are a must.

---

Who do rehab nurses work with?

The beauty of working as a rehab nurse is the flexibility it provides. Patients with conditions ranging from ALS and brain injuries to joint replacements and spinal cord injuries need the assistance of a rehab nurse.  These nurses help patients relearn vital skills in order to maintain as much independence as possible. 

Since rehab nurses work with a variety of patients, they practice in some of the following settings:

• Community and private hospitals
• Government facilities (including the Veterans Affairs Administration)
• Home health agencies
• Independent rehabilitation facilities
• Long-term acute care services
• Skilled nursing facilities that offer rehabilitation services
• Universities and teaching hospitals

---

---

How do I become a rehab nurse?

There are several steps involved in becoming a rehabilitation nurse. Since rehab nurses are technically registered nurses (RN), they must follow the same education route as an RN. These are the steps involved in becoming a rehab nurse:

1.       Nursing school

First, you must attend an accredited nursing program and earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A bachelor’s degree will open more doors for you than an associate’s degree and may also come with a bump in pay. It is important to ensure the nursing school you are attending is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. 

2.       NCLEX-RN exam

Next, nurses will sit for the NCLEX-RN examination. The exam consists of 75-145 questions. You have 5 hours to complete the exam. If you fail the NCLEX you can retake the exam in 45 days.

3.       Earn specialized certification

Rehab nurses have the option of receiving a specialized certification called the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) through the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses. This certification is not mandatory, but many rehab nurses find it a valuable resource in advancing their careers. Among other benefits, rehab nurses who possess this certification earn higher salaries than their uncertified peers.

Once you are a licensed rehab nurse, you will need to complete continuing education to maintain your licensure. Check with your state board of nursing to determine which CEUs are required, then sign up for free nursing CEUs that can be completed 100% online. 

---

---

How much do rehab nurses make?

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics lists the average annual salary for all RNs as $82,750. Rehabilitation nurses make an average annual salary of $83,234 as of July 26, 2022. The salary range for rehab nurses is between $70,476 and $104,995, and depends greatly on location and type of facility.

Salaries for rehab nurses increase with years of experience and education. You can use a nurse salary estimator tool to receive a personalized estimate based on location and nursing specialty. Knowing your market value can help you decide where to apply for work.,

Demand for rehabilitation nurses is expected to rise by 6% between 2021 and 2031. As the average life expectancy increases so to does the need for rehab nurses. Access to transformative medical care and treatments for illnesses and injuries will also drive the demand for this sector of the nursing profession.

---

---

Next steps

Rehabilitation nurses have many options for advancing their nursing careers. One way is to increase your nursing degree level. You can do this by obtaining your master’s degree or higher. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can help you advance to a rehabilitation nurse practitioner.

Visit the Incredible Health Questions & Advice page to ask real nurses any questions you may have.

FAQs

---

---