For Immediate Release
News Release
AANN Contact: Angelisa Belden 847.375.6384
abelden@aann.org
ARN Contact: Elizabeth Sherman 847.375.6307
esherman@connect2amc.com
DVBIC Contact: Kimberly Meyer 202.286.1430
kimberly.meyer1@us.army.mil
Nursing Associations AANN and ARN Release
Care of the Patient with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
in the Clinical Practice Guideline Series
Glenview, IL— July 2011 —The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN) and Association
for Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) are proud to announce the newest addition to the respected AANN
Clinical Practice Guideline series, Care of the Patient with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. The publication
was supported by an educational grant from the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. It is caused by a bump or blow to
the head that affects how the brain normally works. Nurses are frequently the professionals who see
the full impact of TBI and can positively impact the course of a patient’s care. This guideline helps to
translate the latest evidence-based research into an easy-to-use reference.
This guideline represents a milestone in the AANN Clinical Practice Guideline series, which has
produced more than ten guidelines to date. As the first co-produced guideline, the publication
promotes evidence-based practice across the continuum of care. A team of 13 nurse volunteers from
both AANN and ARN developed, contributed, and reviewed the content offered in the document.
Editors, Care of the Patient with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Hilaire J. Thompson, PhD RN CNRN FAAN
Kris Mauk, PhD DNP RN CRRN GCNS-BC GNP-BC FAAN
Content Authors
Therese A. West, MSN APN-C, lead author
Karen Bergman, PhDc RN CNRN
Mary Susan Biggins, MBA BSN RN CRRN
Brenda French, MSN CRRN CBIS
Julia Galletly, MS ACNP-BC CCRN
Janice L. Hinkle, PhD RN CNRN
Jacquelyn Morris, BSN RN CRRN LNC CNLCP
Content Reviewers
Karyn Kling, BSN RN CRRN
Jennifer Lemke, RN CRRN
Kimberly Meyer, MSN RN ACNP CNRN
Cathy R. Parsa, MA BC RN CRRN
The Clinical Practice Guideline series is published electronically. To download a copy of this guideline,
or any of the guidelines offered in the series, visit the publication section of www.AANN.org. You may
also download a copy of this guideline from the Practice Guidelines section of the ARN website at
www.rehabnurse.org.
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About AANN
Founded in 1968, the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN), an organization of more
than 4,500 members worldwide, is committed to working for the highest standard of care for
neuroscience patients by advancing the science and practice of neuroscience nursing. AANN
accomplishes this through continuing education, information dissemination, standard setting, and
advocacy on behalf of neuroscience patients, families, and nurses. For more information, visit
www.AANN.org.
About ARN
Representing more than 5,600 members, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) exists to
promote and advance professional rehabilitation nursing practice through education, advocacy,
collaboration, and research to enhance the quality of life for those affected by chronic illness or
physical disability. Rehabilitation nurses help individuals affected by chronic illness or physical disability
to adapt to their disabilities, achieve their greatest potential, and work toward productive,
independent lives. They take a holistic approach to meeting patients’ medical, vocational, educational,
environmental, and spiritual needs.
About DVBIC
DVBIC is the primary TBI operational component of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological
Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. It is a unique collaboration between the Departments of Defense
and Veterans Affairs healthcare systems. Through state-of-the-art clinical care, innovative research,
and educational programs, DVBIC and its network of military, veteran, and civilian healthcare partners
serves active duty military and veterans who have sustained TBI. Its multi-center network and
collaborations with forward medical commands foster innovation along the entire continuum of care
from initial injury to medical evacuation, acute care, rehabilitation, and ultimately return to
community, family, work, or duty when possible.