Restorative Aide
A restorative aide is a certified nursing assistant (CNA) who has additional, specialized training in restorative nursing care. Restorative aides assist residents with exercises designed by the nursing or rehabilitation staff to help them improve the use of limbs and body functions. A restorative aide’s duties can include assisting residents with walking, strength training and range of motion exercises, dressing and grooming. Restorative aides work as a part of a care team and are responsible for documenting residents’ daily activities and progress. Like CNAs, restorative aides play a very hands-on role in the care process and spend a significant part of their time working closely with residents.
Education & Experience:
Restorative aide is a skill and a job classification that builds on a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide). Work experience as a CNA and usually completion of high school or GED.
Salary Average
$36,000
Certifications
Skill Stack training certified by the Idaho Department of Labor
Next Steps
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)
Rehabilitation Therapist
A rehabilitation therapist is a health and wellness specialist trained to assist, diagnose and treat individuals with mobility problems caused by injury, illness or accidents. Rehabilitation therapists are responsible for evaluating and diagnosing mobility impairments resulting from strains, fractures, sprains, diseases, and numerous other conditions. Based on their examinations, they recommend and administer therapeutic exercises and other forms of appropriate treatment.
Education & Experience:
Rehabilitation therapists are required to have an advanced degree and must meet the Idaho licensure requirements.
Salary Average
$100,000
Certifications
Physical Therapy (PT)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Speech Language Pathologist
Next Steps
Director of Rehabilitation Services
Director of Rehabilitation Services
A Director of Rehabilitation Services directs the programs and staff of the rehabilitation services department for the skilled nursing facility. They set and implement guidelines for rehabilitation programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy and assigns patients to staff therapists for treatment and reviews residents’ progress. The director of rehabilitation also communicates results of resident care to other services, departments and clinicians. They also ensure regulatory requirements related to providing care and billing for rehab services.
Education & Experience:
A Director of Rehabilitation Services must meet all of the same education and certification requirements as a rehabilitation therapist. The role may also require an advanced degree in physical therapy and at least seven years of direct experience in the field.
Salary Average
$115,000
Certifications
Physical Therapy (PT)
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Speech Language Pathologist
Next Steps
Regional Director of Rehabilitation
Corporate Director of Rehabilitation
So, is it time to find your life’s work?
If you are willing/able to work in a nursing facility or an assisted living community