Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals

Certified rehabilitation registered nurses improve patient outcomes at Madonna

November 17, 2021

Rehabilitation nursing is a philosophy of care that requires a broad level of knowledge and skill. While at Madonna, patients recovering from a serious injury or illness receive around-the-clock care from a dedicated team of nurses who specialize in rehabilitation. Many of our nurses have also earned the distinction of the Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) certification, a highly regarded professional credential in the field of rehabilitation nursing. Research indicates that nurses that obtain this certification positively impact patient outcomes by helping patients improve quicker and shortening average length of stay. Of the 135 CRRNs registered in Nebraska, more than half, 72, are employed at Madonna.

These specialized nurses collaborate with our other health care team members including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists, speech therapists and others to provide a comprehensive care plan based on each patient’s needs. Many of our patients have to relearn daily activities, and our experienced nurses help them meet their therapy goals, such as bathing, bowel and bladder retraining, dressing and eating. Madonna’s nurses are experts in collaborating with the care team to create comprehensive care plans that help patients to reach their highest level of independence.

“We work with some of the most complex cases and have the best outcomes,” Carrie Kuta, BSN, RN, CRRN and Madonna’s nurse education coordinator, said. “Our patients are our family, friends and neighbors. The impact on their lives reaches far past the walls of Madonna into the hearts and minds of those we serve and those who love them.”

Because the length of stay at Madonna is longer than in an acute care setting, typically 28 days or more, nurses spend more time with patients and form deep bonds with both patients and their families. Our nurses help families with caregiver training, encouraging them to feel comfortable and confident in caring for their loved one when they return home. They also provide reassurance as patients navigate the ups and downs of rehabilitation. Our nurses go above and beyond to embody Madonna’s core values — collaboration, hospitality, respect, innovation, stewardship and teaching.

“Rehabilitation nurses at Madonna have the compassionate heart to care for the whole person — body, mind and spirit, and we guide our patients to safely push their limits in order to reach their goals,” Ellen Scott, RN, CRRN, said. 

For nurses who want to take the next step in their rehabilitation career and improve patient care and outcomes, Madonna offers CRRN review classes multiple times a month and reimburses staff for the certification. CRRN certification also counts toward meeting Interdisciplinary Clinical Advancement Navigator (ICAN) criteria for increased wages.

However, the benefits of a CRRN certification go beyond monetary compensation. Madonna’s culture of caring strives to create the best environment for both staff and patients. Our nurses who have this certification demonstrate a desire to be a life-long learner and a passion for quality patient care. This increases their patient satisfaction scores, leading to professional recognition and peer acknowledgment.

“Achieving CRRN certification shows engagement, promotes ongoing learning and highlights the desire to constantly look for self-growth opportunities,” Scott said.

Learn more about nursing at Madonna here.

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