Posted on October 26, 2016

Nurses devoted to rehabilitation form West Michigan ARN chapter

Grand Rapids, Mich. – The West Michigan Association of Rehabilitation Nurses is celebrating the launch of its new chapter with a kickoff event on Thursday, Oct. 27 at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The chapter, one of 48 nationwide and the only one in West Michigan, joins the professional healthcare association dedicated to promoting and advancing rehabilitation nursing through education, advocacy, collaboration and research.

“We are excited to have an ARN chapter in West Michigan so nurses in this highly specialized field who live in our community and region can come together to develop professionally and enhance the quality of life for those affected by disability, catastrophic injuries or chronic illness,” said Patti Beemer, a registered nurse at Mary Free Bed who serves as president of the new chapter.

arn_logoThe kickoff event begins at 5:30 pm with registration and networking, followed by dinner and an educational presentation by Dr. Edmund O’Connor titled “Chronic Pain: We’re Doing It All Wrong!” To register, email westmichiganarn@gmail.com.

Working in partnership with its 5,500 members, ARN provides professional and educational resources to advance rehabilitation nursing in a variety of practice settings.

Beemer is joined on the board by president-elect Carol Dornbush, secretary Gwen Lanser, treasurer Susan Sears and directors Sarah Jordan and Nanci Steinebach.

To join the West Michigan ARN chapter or for more information on benefits of membership, visit rehabnurse.org or westmichiganarn.wordpress.com.