Nursing career has several practice areas. Those who have graduated on a four-year nursing degree can practice on the different areas of the course such as rehabilitation nursing. Today, one of the most self fulfilling areas of this job is rehabilitation nursing; it is where you help patients recover from any type of ailment they have. Aside from lending them a hand on the physical attributes of your job, you also help them recover emotionally and spiritually. Many nurses find this job a very rewarding phase of their career because of the kind of help they give to their patients. Patients also remember their rehab nurses more because of the quality time they spend together towards the care and recovery of one’s mind and body.
Rehabilitation Nursing – A Definition
Rehabilitation nursing aids the affected individuals to adapt to their disabilities, work towards independence and productivity, and achieve their maximum potentials despite their physical disabilities or chronic illness. A holistic approach is used in this field of nursing; and a medical, educational, vocational, spiritual and environmental approach are also utilized methods that come with rehabilitation nursing.
Soon after the onset of chronic ailment or disability, the nurse begins to work with the affected individual and their families as well. The nurses continue to provide support through the different programs instituted such as family education and referrals needed during the course of therapy. A nursing rehab center also empowers the patient to make one’s self continue living in the society and return to their normal lives. Access systems and resources are also being taught to the patient so much ease and comfort is provided during the rehabilitation process.
Rehabilitation Nursing – Principles
Rehabilitation nursing follows a set of principles in giving care to their patients. These rules are followed so that proper care may be given to their patients and the right methods of the recovery process be instituted. It is to be remembered that rehabilitation nursing is not a phase treatment or a work setting but a philosophy of care. The restorative and rehabilitative practice in rehabilitation nursing follows these basic principles: managing and organizing complex issues, collaborating or making referrals with other specialists, providing ongoing patient care, establishing plan of care, and setting goals to reach optimal wellness. These principles are set to guide nurses in giving the best rehabilitative care to their patients. If all these are followed in a rehabilitation nursing experience, then one can be assured of a healthy, bright, and independent future ahead.
There are many outpatient alcohol rehab facilities throughout the country, but it is still not known how effective it is. At an outpatient alcohol rehab, treatment is given to people who do not have a severe addiction to alcohol. Some alcoholics who have already gone through a stage of inpatient treatment often come to the outpatient alcohol rehab seeking for further help or check up, if they require one.
Since it is an outpatient alcohol rehab, the patients do not stay overnight. They attend sessions of alcohol education, individual and group counseling, or the family members of the alcoholic come for a support program. There are several durations of outpatient alcohol rehab programs.
Sometimes a program may be intense and the alcoholic has to attend to the treatment four to five hours a day, and maybe every day of the week. Sometimes the sessions are conducted in the evening, so that working people can attend them. Sometimes patients are called in only once a week for therapy session. Alcoholism is like a disease, and according to its severity the patient has to take intensive treatment or a light one.
Behavioral Treatments
There are three behavioral treatments which are used in an outpatient alcohol rehab to combat alcoholism. They are motivation enhancement therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy and 12-step facilitation.
Organizations For Help
There are several agencies in America which support to help alcoholics. A toll-free number is available and there is a 24-hour treatment referral service to help you. There are several government organizations that can help you to search for the outpatient alcohol rehab which is nearest to your home.
The traditional Alcoholics Anonymous programs are available in all communities. Besides this there are other groups who provide an outpatient alcohol rehab by encouraging self-empowerment to help recovery from alcohol. Since the AA has a somewhat spiritual content, some may feel a bit uncomfortable with it.
One type of outpatient alcohol rehab teaches the patient self-management and the recovery training program is based on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The program enhances motivations to abstain and discusses ways to cope with urges. It also offers problem solving solutions and helps an alcoholic deal with lifestyle balances.
Whether the treatment of the alcoholic is in an inpatient alcohol rehab or in an outpatient alcohol rehab, rehabilitation nursing plays a very important role. After all, it is important to provide after care to the person who has been through a long and difficult treatment. All the people around the patient have to help him to recover his functional abilities, prevent further complications and restore optimal wellness.