Comprehensive Overview of Nursing and Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Care of the Stroke Patient

Certified rehabilitation counselors www.crccertification.comAssist individuals with disabilities to maximize their vocational and avocational living goals in the most integrated setting possible through the application of the counseling process, including vocational and counseling, case management, referral, and service coordination; identifying and addressing employment and attitudinal barriers; and job analysis, development, and placement services.Neuropsychologists www.apa.orgSpecialize in brain-behavior relationships and have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, and neuropathology.They identify and treat cognitive and neurobehavioral dysfunction, and through assessment also monitor recovery and thereby enhance community reintegration.Occupational therapists www.aota.orgFocus on the "skills of living" necessary for independent and satisfying living.OT services include customized treatment programs to perform daily activities, comprehensive home and job site evaluations and adaptation recommendations, performance skills assessment and interventions, adaptive equipment recommendations and training, and family and caregiver education.Rehabilitation nurses (RNs) www.rehabnurse.orgManage complex medical issues, provide ongoing patient and caregiver education, and establish care plans to maintain optimal wellness.RNs use a holistic approach to fulfill patients' medical, environmental, spiritual, vocational, and educational needs via principles from other disciplines and their own unique medical expertise (bowel, bladder, and skin management).In all care settings, RNs function as coordinators/case managers, collaborators, and counselors.A registered nurse with at least 2 years of practice in rehabilitation who passes the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses examination can earn the Certified Rehabilitation Nurse distinction.Physical therapists www.apta.orgExperts in examining and treating neuromuscular problems that affect the abilities of individuals to move.PTs practice in many settings and with all age groups.Physicians www.aapmr.orgUsually coordinate the rehabilitation team and manage medical conditions pertaining to stroke and comorbidities.A physician may be a physiatrist (ie, specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation and thus restoration of function in individuals with problems that range from simple physical mobility to more complex cognitive issues).Recreational therapists www.atra-online.comProvide treatment services and recreation activities to individuals with disabilities to facilitate independent physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning by enhancing individuals' current skills and assisting new skill development for daily living and community function.Besides discharge planning for community reintegration, they help individuals develop or redevelop social, discretionary time, decision-making, coping, self-advocacy, and basic skills to enhance overall quality of life.Social workers www.naswdc.orgAssist individuals, groups, or communities restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, while creating societal conditions favorable to their goals.Requires knowledge of human development and behavior; social, economic, and cultural institutions; and interactions among these factors.Social workers help prevent crises; counsel individuals, families, and communities to facilitate coping with everyday stresses; and identify resources to allow individuals with disabilities to remain in the community.SLPs www.asha.orgAssess speech, language and other cognitive functions, as well as swallowing, and provide interventions and counseling/education to address language and speech disorders (eg, aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria, and cognitive-communication impairment).SLPs also intervene when swallowing and cognitive disorders exist.They provide services to all age groups and in all care settings.RN indicates rehabilitation nurse.