About Us

Susan (Sue) Novak formed the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) in 1974 after seeing a need to support nurses who work to enhance the quality of life for those affected by disability and chronic illness. Novak, described as a “visionary,” partnered with Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, to advance the quality of rehabilitation nursing. ARN was recognized as a specialty nursing organization by the ANA in 1976. The first Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) exam was first administered in 1984. Of note, Sue Novak later moved from Illinois to Florida and served as the Director of Nursing at what is now Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital from around 1984 through 1996. Since its founding, the ARN continues to promote expertise in rehabilitation nursing by providing continuing education opportunities and resource materials, offering a credentialing program, and promoting research. To see more Milestones of ARN, obtain resources through The ARN Learning Center, and learn about the credentialing process and membership benefits, go to www.rehabnurse.org.

 

The Florida State Chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (FSARN) became an active chapter of ARN on June 16, 1977. Renee Steele-Rosomoff was the first chapter President in 1977. She advocated for districts to be formed. As a result, FSARN formed 12 districts throughout the state. To learn more about the FSARN, find a map of the original districts, and find information on educational opportunities, go to www.fsarn.org.

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Our local district, the Northeast District of the Florida State Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (NEFSARN), was founded in 1979 with Ann Lattimer, BSN, CRRN, as the first President. FSARN and NEFSARN continue to serve rehabilitation nurses in the state of Florida through educational opportunities, including annual educational conferences and monthly speaker presentations. They also provide networking opportunities for sharing information on best practices, leadership, and current research.

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