The rehabilitation clinical nurse specialist of the 1990s: roles assumed by recent graduates.

Abstract

Since there are a limited number of master's programs that prepare rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists, it was assumed that most or all graduates of such a program newly established at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia would assume positions in traditional rehabilitation settings. A needs assessment completed before the beginning of the program indicated that these facilities needed and definitely would hire graduates as rehabilitation clinical nurse specialists. A follow-up study, consisting of questionnaires sent to the first graduates and their employers, indicated that several had taken roles in areas not considered traditional rehabilitation settings. This article discusses rehabilitation as an umbrella concept and how that concept possibly influenced graduates in assuming their first position after graduation.