About ARN

History of Association of Rehabilitation Nurses

Rehabilitation, as an interdisciplinary healthcare specialty, grew out of the wars that occurred during the 20th century. Many soldiers-young men for the most part-survived injury, but faced serious disability. As a result, military hospitals established rehabilitation units that focused extensive efforts on returning these young men to society. Soon, rehabilitation units and hospitals sprang up around the country and the interdisciplinary specialty of rehabilitation gained importance. By 1974, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) was formed by Susan Novak with support from Lutheran General Hospital located in Park Ridge, Illinois, and nursing, which had always been involved in rehabilitation, formally became recognized as a rehabilitation specialty.

ARN was formally recognized as a specialty nursing organization by the American Nurses Association in 1976.

The Certified Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN®) exam was first administered in 1984. The CRRN certification program is now administered by the Rehabilitation Nursing Certification Board (RNCB), an autonomous component of ARN. The CRRN program is accredited by the American Board of Nursing Specialties.

Additional information on ARN, rehabilitation and rehabilitation nursing can be found in chapter one of The Specialty Practice of Rehabilitation Nursing: A Core Curriculum, fifth edition. You may find the ARN Network article, "35 Years of Progress" about founding ARN member and past ARN president, Albiana Doll, RN, an interesting glimpse into the evolution of rehabilitation practice over the past 35 years.

Significant Dates in ARN History

1974
The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) was formed by Susan Novak with help from Lutheran General Hospital, located in Park Ridge, IL.

1976
ARN was formally recognized as a specialty nursing organization by the American Nurses Association.

1980
The ARN journal, originally established in 1975, was renamed Rehabilitation Nursing.

1981
Rehabilitation Nursing: Concepts and Practice-A Core Curriculum first edition was published.

1984
The Certified Rehabilitation Nurse (CRRN®) exam was first administered.

1986
The Rehabilitation Nursing Institute, originally established in 1977, was restructured and renamed the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation (RNF).

2007
The landmark study, "Nurse Staffing and Patient Outcomes in Inpatient Rehabilitation Settings" was completed and the results were published in RNJ. The study was funded by RNF and the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation Center and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Patient Safety Center of Inquiry.

2009
ARN celebrates 35 years.