Newswise — Chicago, IL – March 4, 2025 – The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to recognize the remarkable achievement of Thelma Batiste, RN CRRN, who has earned her Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN®) certification at the age of 67. This milestone is a testament to Thelma's lifelong dedication to nursing and professional growth.
With over 36 years of experience across various specialties, Thelma's journey led her to nursing rehabilitation, where she embraced the opportunity to deepen her expertise and enhance patient care. Her certification aligns with the broader goals of her department at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, where Director Shawntel Willis, MSN RN NEA-BC SCRN CRRN, emphasizes the transformative impact of CRRN-certified nurses. "Having more CRRNs has genuinely changed how we practice nursing," Shawntel explains. "There is a different sense of ownership when nurses are more educated. It fosters pride and a deeper understanding of why certain practices are important."
Thelma's achievement is part of a growing culture of learning and excellence within her rehabilitation unit, where 70% of patients successfully transition back into the community due to the collaborative efforts of nurses, therapists, and healthcare professionals. The department actively supports certification by providing study resources, reimbursing exam fees, and offering additional hourly pay for certified nurses. "I strongly emphasize creating a learning-friendly environment for the team," Shawntel notes. "The staff is also given time at work to study or take time off to prepare for their certification exams. To further incentivize certification, the unit offers full reimbursement for exam fees."
Thelma's commitment to continuous learning and excellence is exactly what Shawntel envisions for the future: "Looking ahead, I aim to have at least 50% of the RN staff certified. With Thelma and others leading the way, we are building a stronger, more knowledgeable team."
Thelma's story is an inspiration for nurses of all ages, proving that it's never too late to elevate your practice, make a lasting impact, and contribute to the future of rehabilitation nursing.
About Thelma Batiste
Thelma Batiste is a dedicated nurse with over 36 years of experience and a proud mother of four. Her nursing career began in the Nursery with newborns and later expanded to the OB department and postpartum care. Over the years, her career evolved to include 18 years in Home Health, where she served in various roles, including Pediatric Care, Extended Pediatric Care, Hospice, and general Home Health services.
Following a layoff, Thelma transitioned through various roles at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, ultimately finding her home in the Rehabilitation Department. Each step in her career built her expertise, culminating in her recent milestone: earning her CRRN certification.
Inspiration for Pursuing the CRRN® Certification
Thelma's drive to become a CRRN stemmed from a deep desire to understand her specialty better and continually improve her skills. "I've always wanted to truly understand what I was doing as a nurse and how I could become better at it," she explains. Determined to deepen her knowledge, she pursued the CRRN certification despite having to wait two years to meet the eligibility requirements. "Whether you're in your first year or your final years of nursing, there is always more to learn."
For Thelma, earning the CRRN was about more than just personal accomplishment. It was about delivering high-quality, specialized care to her patients. "Getting a certification in your specific area elevates the quality of care you provide and brings much respect to your profession. It also boosts the quality of your department."
Achieving the Goal at Age 67
Earning the CRRN certification at this stage of her career has been both humbling and exhilarating for Thelma. "This certification instills in me more knowledge, more questions, and a greater insight into the care of my patients," she shares. It’s a testament to her commitment to lifelong learning and her passion for nursing.
Team and Department Support
As one of only four CRRN-certified nurses in her department, Thelma takes immense pride in being part of this small but impactful group. "It's a small number, but it's a great achievement for our department. This is more than we've ever had," she says. Thelma credits her department for their unwavering support throughout her journey. "They paid for my testing, shared helpful information, and encouraged me every step of the way. They truly wanted me to succeed."
Preparation and Tools
Thelma attributes much of her success to , specifically the CRRN Self-Study Pro Package, which included microlearning videos, quizzes, and the ARN textbook The Specialty Practice of Rehabilitation Nursing. "The microlearning videos and quizzes were invaluable. Each chapter of the textbook had a corresponding video and quiz, which provided a solid framework and foundation for my studies. I learned in three ways: through the videos, quizzes, and by reading most of the textbook chapters. I then took the pretests multiple times to assess my knowledge." For Thelma, the all-inclusive package was a game-changer. "It was the best investment for me. The textbook is now my go-to reference manual."
Impact on Patient Care
Earning the CRRN certification has transformed Thelma's approach to patient care. "I now have a holistic view of my patients and a deeper understanding of their rehabilitation goals," she says. "My nursing perspective has shifted to focus on rehabilitation, not just great general nursing. I see a clearer pathway for my patients' recovery." Thelma's achievement has also earned her the respect of her colleagues and Dr. Jones, her department's physician. "Everyone understands what it took to achieve this certification and the value it brings to our department and patient care."
Advice for Others
For those hesitant to pursue certification due to age or other perceived barriers, Thelma's advice is simple: "It's a win-win situation. You gain a wealth of knowledge that enhances patient care and earns you respect in your specialty. Age is not a barrier. Whether you're young or older, achieving a higher standard is a small sacrifice that leads to great rewards in your nursing career." Thelma emphasizes the importance of striving for greatness. "I have loved what I've done for many years, but let's not settle for being good at it; let's be great! Achieving a higher standard is always worth it."
A Legacy of Excellence
Thelma Batiste's journey to earning her CRRN certification is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and passion for nursing. Her story inspires nurses of all ages to embrace lifelong learning and pursue excellence in their careers. As she continues to make a difference in her patients' lives, Thelma's journey reminds us that it's never too late to achieve your goals and elevate your practice.
ARN AND THE CRRN®
The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) supports and advances rehabilitation nursing through education, advocacy, and certification. The CRRN credential recognizes expertise in rehabilitation nursing, demonstrating a commitment to improving patient outcomes and professional excellence. For more information about ARN and the CRRN certification, visit
About the CRRN® Success Suite
The CRRN Success Suite played a pivotal role in Thelma’s certification journey, providing her with essential study tools like the CRRN Self-Study Pro Package. This all-inclusive resource featured microlearning videos, quizzes, and more, offering a comprehensive approach to exam preparation. Thelma found the combination of video lessons, quizzes, and textbook readings invaluable in reinforcing key concepts and assessing her knowledge. She now considers the textbook her go-to reference, proving the lasting value of the Success Suite beyond the exam. Learn more about the here.
Congratulations, Thelma, on this remarkable achievement!
Contact: Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN)
Anastasia Fidati
[email protected]
847-975-4852
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