How to set up a nursing rehab tech program
If you’re thinking of setting up a nursing rehab tech (NRT) program in your facility, here are tips from Maggie Wordell, RN, CRRN, director of education, who coordinated the training course for the Rehabilitation Institute at Santa Barbara (CA):
Require your certified nurse assistants (CNAs) to apply. You learn a lot about the candidates through the admissions process.
Choose preceptors carefully and train them well. Some nurses may be highly skilled clinicians, but they are not necessarily good teachers.
Conduct the training at the CNA level. Don’t overwhelm students with highly technical information they won’t need.
Allow enough time for candidates to practice their skills.
Make sure there is a good relationship between each preceptor and the NRT candidate. Wordell had to switch some pairs because of personality conflicts.
Give the NRTs a financial reward for their higher level of contribution to patient care.
Make sure the candidates are competent in their CNA skills before they take on additional training.
Encourage the nursing staff to delegate the skills to the NRTs.
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