Newswise — Chicago-November 16: The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN), in partnership with MedBridge, is offering a free two-part webinar series covering the critical skills nurses need to assess, manage, and address the mental and psychosocial well-being of patients with COVID-19, families, caregivers, colleagues—and themselves.

Many post-acute rehabilitation facilities have seen an influx of patients with COVID-19, and a resulting increase in symptoms of post-traumatic stress among staff, caregivers, patients, and families. Moderated by social services and patient mental health expert Laurie Ferguson, PhD, this two-part series will help nurses identify the signs and symptoms of psychosocial distress and give them the tools needed to protect their patients’ and fellow caregivers’ mental well-being. 

Mental Health During COVID-19 Part 1: Rehab Patients and Caregivers, on December 9 from 11 am–Noon CT, will feature panel members Steven Powell, MSN RN-BC CRRN, and Michelle Camicia, PhD RN NEA-BC CCM FAHA PHN CRRN, and will improve nurses’ ability to

(*) identify COVID-19–related mental health symptoms in patients, families, and caregivers

(*) analyze common psychosocial issues to increase efficacy of care

(*) implement a response to inform best practices.

Mental Health During COVID-19 Part 2: Supporting the Well-Being of Rehab Staff, on December 16 from 2–3 pm CT will feature Steven Powell, MSN RN-BC CRRN, and Tonisha J. Melvin, DNP ANP-C APRN CRRN, and will

(*) improve nurses’ understanding of common sources of, and ways to treat, COVID-19–related stress on staff

(*) explore the positive effects of personal support and organizational interventions

(*) identify those most at risk for mental health distress.

Rehabilitation nurses are in a unique position to affect their patients’ recovery and quality of life, and they also are at unique risk of burnout and other types of mental distress. ARN aims to provide nurses with the tools and techniques they need to best care for patients, families, and caregivers—both physically and mentally.

Visit www.rehabnurse.org/health to learn more about and register for this exciting new offering. 

To access additional COVID-19 resources designed to improve rehabilitation practice, visit rehabnurse.org/covid.

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Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)

ARN is a professional organization dedicated to promoting and advancing professional rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy, certification, collaboration, and research to support rehabilitation nurses and enhance the quality of life for those affected by disability and chronic illness. For more information about ARN, please visit www.rehabnurse.org or call 800.229.7530.