A career as a rehab nursing tech (RNT) can be a very rewarding way to care for patients. Inpatient rehabilitation aims to improve functional ability to those with physical impairments or disabilities through innovative technologies, advanced therapies, customized treatment plans and coordinated care teams. In this medical setting, the nursing team works with therapy, case management, physicians and other healthcare professionals to help patients meet their functional goals.
What is the difference between an RNT and a nurse assistant?
Nurse assistants work in a variety of settings, including nursing homes, and perform duties such as bathing, toileting, dressing and transferring residents. They also can measure vitals, report condition changes, serve meals and help patients eat during the many months or years they live in the facility.
A rehab nursing tech is a nurse assistant who specializes in physical rehabilitation, performing care duties aligned with therapeutic goals. RNTs usually work in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, and the goal is to maintain or improve health while patients work on regaining independence over a period of a few weeks. A rehab nursing tech encourages patients to safely function and perform their own activities of daily living according to the plan of care with the goal of optimizing independence.
What kind of training do you need to become a good rehab nursing tech?
For those with no patient care background, a good course of action is to take a state-approved education program to obtain certification in your state. State courses usually cover the basic principles of patient care, including CPR, First Aid, AED usage, infection control, taking vital signs, range-of-motion exercises, delivering care and other important skills. Afterwards there is hands-on clinical practice in a healthcare facility, under the supervision of an instructor. After completing both the classroom and clinical rotations, you can take the state test for certification.
You can gain experience by volunteering at a hospital, working in long-term care or home health. Additionally, some high school vocational programs can provide practical experience so that upon graduation students are ready to transition to full-time employment.
For those with limited nurse assistant skills, gaining experience in a therapy-based environment can also be helpful to career growth. This could mean working per diem at an outpatient therapy clinic or starting as a therapy tech at a hospital to get exposure to the field. Some rehab nursing techs are working while a student in a nursing or therapy program, which can help them become a stronger nurse or therapist down the road.
If you are already working in inpatient rehabilitation, you can explore opportunities to cross-train as a rehab nursing tech or become state certified. Ask if you can shadow a rehab nursing tech to learn more about the job. Request to receive Stop Think Organize Position (STOP) training so you can help with patient mobility tasks and transporting patients to therapy. Even performing duties like passing trays and answering call lights can get you more exposed to patient care.
What skills and abilities does a rehab nursing tech need to be successful?
Key traits for job success are reliability, commitment to quality and patient satisfaction, communication and collaboration. Beyond that, the ability to multitask, be responsive, problem-solve, and prioritize tasks are fundamental to managing patient care. Being flexible to changes in your environment and patient assignment allows you to thrive instead of becoming frustrated in a busy hospital. Embracing diversity and inclusion allows you to individualize patient care and learn from teammates who have unique strengths.
What do rehab nursing techs say?
Another way to learn more about rehab nursing is to ask those who have worked in those roles. Read on to see what current and former Encompass Health RNTs have to say about rehabilitation nursing.
“The work done as an RNT is hard work, it can be tiring and many times misunderstood. But it is invaluable work. It taught me the importance of helping others in need and instilled in me a greater sense of perseverance that inspired me to do and be better. My experience as an RNT pushed me to go to nursing school so I could do more to help those who need it. Now, I look back at my experience and I know that every lesson I learned was crucial to getting me where I am today.”
Rafael Alvarez Luis, MSN, BSN, ARNP, CRRN
Chief Nursing Officer, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami
“We are here to rehab our patients. I win because it makes me feel good to see them be successful and get better. My job skills help them get better, and that makes me happy. This job has its ups and downs like any job, but seeing someone else get better is rewarding in itself. You get to know your patients and know you make a difference. It is good that they learn not to need you because they are getting better.”
Edith Estrada, Rehab Nursing Tech, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas
“It takes a lot of compassion and even more love for the work. If you do not want to be there for your patients 100% then it is probably not the job for you. Our patients depend on us to help them with things they cannot do on their own. I come in and leave all my personal baggage at the door. Our patients deserve a smile from us regardless of what is going on around us! Be chipper; smiling is contagious and your patients will notice the difference. I’ve had patients ask how I’m so chipper (I’m strictly an overnighter) and it’s honestly because I love my job and the fulfillment I get from helping others. To be a good RNT you need to have compassion, understanding and lots, I mean lots of patience.
I have worked as a CNA for over 20 years and honestly would not change a thing. I am currently pursuing an RN degree and look forward to many, many years at Encompass Health! I’m excited to spread my wings and have support from my superiors.”
Renee Hamby, Rehab Nursing Tech, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tom’s River
“To be an RNT, good time management is most important but other important traits are compassion, patience and empathy. I like my job because I take care of patients, getting them back to their normal surroundings and making a difference in their world. My best day is when a patient achieves their goals with my help, or I help them reach their milestones.”
Cara Campana, CNA* for 28 years at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Tom’s River
*Note: some states and hospitals require the CNA certification
“RNTs need to have patience…cater to your patient’s needs. Have empathy for your patients. It is rewarding helping others reach their goals. It makes me feel good about myself.”
Cristal Matias, Rehab Nursing Tech, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Las Vegas
The value rehab nursing techs provide
At Encompass Health, our rehab nursing techs provide immense value to our patients’ experience and the nursing department. Vice President of Nursing Operations Mary Ellen Hatch, MSN, RN, CRRN, had the following to say about our rehab nursing techs:
“Reflecting their role in technically supporting rehabilitation nursing in caring for our patients, RNTs have a unique approach, beyond what a nursing assistant in acute care would do, that promotes patient independence, self-care, and patient learning. The RNTs work closely with our patients to provide assistance, taking the time to allow the patient to perform as much of the activity as they can. Integral to ensuring comfort measures are provided, the RNTs help patients get ready to sleep at night and help with all personal care. One may find an RNT assigned to sit with an anxious patient or help a patient eat. Their role represents the Encompass Health value of leading with empathy at its very core.”
Want to learn more?
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The content of this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any medical conditions or treatments.
