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Welcome to our hospital

At Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson, we are committed to helping you regain independence after a life-changing illness or injury. We serve the greater Tucson area as a leading provider of inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, amputation and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.

Using clinical collaboration and advanced technologies, we provide a personalized care plan designed to meet your unique needs and help you achieve your goals.

Our inpatient rehabilitation hospital uses an interdisciplinary team approach that includes physical, speech and occupational therapists, rehabilitation physicians, rehabilitation nurses, case managers, dietitians and more, combined with our advanced technology and expertise, to help you achieve your goals. You will receive at least three hours of therapy five days per week while under the constant care of registered nurses, many of whom specialize in rehabilitation, and frequent independent private practice physician* visits.

Rehabilitation is covered in full or part by most health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Our hospital has contracts with most major insurance companies and is willing to negotiate with other companies, as needed.

*The hospital provides access to independent physicians.

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Careers

What to expect

Take a look at what happens during a stay at our hospital

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Superior amenities at our hospitals

60 Beds

Cafeteria

Free WiFi

Telephones

Televisions

Interpreter services

Pet friendly

Support groups

Tours available

Student observation hours

Volunteers

We proudly display our Gold Seal of Approval™

Stroke Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in stroke rehabilitation.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Our hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Disease-Specific Care Certification in brain injury rehabilitation.

See our hospital

Hospital happenings

Dawn Kislek, RN, was treated at Encompass Northwest Tucson for multiple gunshot wounds. Dawn is truly an inspiration to the staff and her family for making sure to work diligently to get home to her children! She’s now back to work at her nursing job at Tucson VA!

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

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Dawn Kislek

Hospital happenings

Encompass RIT and Northwest Tucson set a goal of raising $5,000.00 for the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association - Arizona. On the day before our fundraiser would close, we achieved our goal! So many staff members from several departments at both hospitals participated and showed their support. We were happy to raise awareness in our communities and make this huge accomplishment for the American Heart Association. #TUCHeartWalk

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Encompass RIT and Northwest Tucson set a goal of raising $5,000.00 for the Heart Walk for the American Heart Association - Arizona.

Hospital happenings

We celebrated our employee of the year recipient by holding a banquet for Yvonne Mejia. Yvonne is the Admissions Liaison for Encompass NW Tucson! Each day, she works to get insurance authorizations for patients to come to Encompass Health for treatment. Yvonne is a deserving Encompass Health employee who truly deserves this honor. We are so thankful for her positive drive and her ability to work cohesively with all staff members.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Yvonne Mejia

Hospital happenings

Encompass Health Northwest Tucson has teamed up with the American Heart Association to fundraise for the virtual heart walk this year! Our first fundraiser we hosted was a cookie sale, where visitors contributed $1 to support the American Heart Association and received a delicious cookie in return!

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Encompass Health Northwest Tucson has teamed up with the American Heart Association to fundraise for the virtual heart walk this year!

Hospital happenings

Ann, a physical therapist at RIT Tucson, spoke about how inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and the therapy they provide can help get patients back to their lives after a life-changing illness or injury. We value Ann's dedication and expertise!

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

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Ann, a physical therapist at RIT Tucson, spoke about how inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and the therapy they provide can help get patients back to their lives after a life-changing illness or injury.

Hospital happenings

Gabriella and her boyfriend were involved in an accident that left her with serious injuries and took her partner's life. Upon admission to Encompass Health, she had titanium put in her arm and leg and had to relearn to walk and use her arm. Her nursing and therapy team worked hard to support her through her therapy but also in her grief. She worked diligently, so she could get home to her son quickly. Gabriella loved the staff and energy of Encompass Health so much, she came back to work for the team four years later! She has performed several roles, such as a therapy tech, front desk managing and now housekeeping! Thank you Gabriella for you inspirational story and all of your contributions to the team.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Upon admission to Encompass Health, she had titanium put in her arm and leg and had to relearn to walk and use her arm. Her nursing and therapy team worked hard to support her through her therapy but also in her grief. She worked diligently, so she could get home to her son quickly.  Gabriella loved the staff and energy of Encompass Health so much, she came back to work for the team four years later!

Hospital happenings

Our awesome wound care nurse, Tess, set up this fun station in the lobby, so when patients, family or staff passed by she could test their skills on pressure knowledge and promote pressure injury prevention.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Our awesome wound care nurse, Tess, set up this fun station in the lobby.

Hospital happenings

After waiting for a double lung transplant for 2 weeks Darryl tested positive for COVID-19 in the pre-operation screening. After recovering from COVID-19 and receiving his double lung transplant, he arrived at Encompass Health to regain his strength and mobility.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

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Darryl during his stay at Encompass Health Northwest Tucson

Hospital happenings

Efren was admitted to Encompass Health Northwest Tucson after surgery from a non-traumatic spinal cord injury. He and his occupational therapist, Caitlin, are practicing hand, wrist and arm dexterity on a table covered in shaving cream. He can't wait to regain his strength enough to go home where he lives with his sister who helps care for him.

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

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 Efren

Hospital happenings

We love celebrating our deserving patients. Ozelle Eaton was about to turn 95 and was not going to be able to discharge before her birthday. Our staff put together a surprise birthday celebration to brighten her spirits. Happy Birthday, Ozelle!

- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson

Ozelle Eaton

Leadership and staff

Jeff Christensen, CEO
JEFF CHRISTENSEN

Area Chief Executive Officer

Jeff brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience as the area CEO to both Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson (RIT) & Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson (SoAZ).

Jeff brings more than 30 years of healthcare experience as the area CEO to both Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Tucson (RIT) & Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute of Northwest Tucson (SoAZ). Originally from New York, Jeff relocated with his family to Tucson from Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was CEO at Carolinas Specialty Hospital. Jeff received a master’s degree in business administration from Texas A&M at Corpus Christi. He received a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, in Brooklyn. Jeff is active with many community organizations in the Tucson area.

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Susan Bulen
SUSAN BULEN, M.D.

Medical Director

Dr. Susan Bulen, MD is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist and has over 33 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr. Susan Bulen, MD is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialist and has over 33 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from University of California School of Medicine - Irvine medical school, and completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of California-Sand Diego. She is Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She has served as the Medical Director at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of NW Tucson since 2006 and her favorite pass time is playing with her dogs.

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Anika Cornelese
ANIKA CORNELESE

Human Resources Director

Anika has worked at Encompass Health since 2019 starting as a human resources assistant followed by human resources coordinator.

Anika has worked at Encompass Health since 2019 starting as a human resources assistant followed by human resources coordinator. Anika started her career in healthcare with a bachelor's degree in nursing followed by a master's degree in healthcare management.  She worked as a registered nurse in the Netherlands for seven years. After her experience as a nurse, Anika broadened her horizons working in a nationwide Dutch healthcare project. Anika is PRINCE and Six Sigma certified and has a passion for process improvement.

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Casey Good
CASEY GOOD

Area Controller

Casey joined Encompass Health Northwest Tucson in September 2019. Prior to joining the Encompass Health team, Casey was an audit manager for a regional accounting firm specializing in the government and non-profit sectors.

Casey joined Encompass Health Northwest Tucson in September 2019. Prior to joining the Encompass Health team, Casey was an audit manager for a regional accounting firm specializing in the government and non-profit sectors. Casey holds a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting from the University of Arizona.  He is a certified public accountant in the State of Arizona and holds memberships in the American Institute of CPAs and the Arizona Society of CPAs.

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Chiamaka Itsuokor
Chiamaka Itsuokor, PT, MBA, DPT, C/NDT

Director of Therapy Operations

Chiamaka brings 14 years of physical therapy clinical practice experience with specialization in Neurodevelopmental Therapy.

Chiamaka brings 14 years of physical therapy clinical practice experience with specialization in Neurodevelopmental Therapy. A Nigerian native, she graduated from the University of Ibadan with a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy, a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from AT Still University.

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Randy Short
RANDY SHORT

Facilities Management Director

Randy came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson in January of 2017.

Randy came to Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson in January of 2017. Randy is a 30-year plus veteran of the healthcare and maintenance fields working with medical buildings to make sure they are in compliance with several required regulations and meeting Joint Commission requirements. As a facilities maintenance director, Randy is also experienced with OSHA, NFPA and has other necessary accreditations that benefit the hospital. Before coming to Encompass Health, Randy, a Tucson resident for more than 45 years, worked with the assisted and memory care units for the elderly and has worked in the hospital setting both in Tucson and Texas.

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Joann Smith
JOANN SMITH

Director of Quality Assurance and Risk Management

Joann holds a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science from Hahnemann University in Pennsylvania.

Joann holds a bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science from Hahnemann University in Pennsylvania. Joann’s 30 plus years work experience includes clinical, forensic and industrial laboratories, infection control, quality, risk management and compliance. She has 20 years’ experience in management roles. She joined Encompass Health, formerly HealthSouth in 2004 overseeing quality, risk management, compliance and patient safety.

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Jennifer Stone
JENNIFER STONE

Director of Case Management

Jennifer joined the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson team in September of 2015.

Jennifer joined the Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Northwest Tucson team in September of 2015. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in social work from Arizona State University. Prior to working at Encompass Health, she worked at an acute care hospital, and has previous experience working in hospice and outpatient dialysis settings. Jennifer is a licensed master social worker in the state of Arizona, and is passionate about utilizing research to improve patient experiences and outcomes.

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Kerby Westbrook
KERBY WESTBROOK

Chief Nursing Officer

Kerby joined Encompass Health in 2015 as a rehabilitation liaison in the admissions department.

Kerby joined Encompass Health in 2015 as a rehabilitation liaison in the admissions department. She served as the wound care coordinator and RN manager prior to being named chief nursing officer of Encompass Health Northwest Tucson. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University, is a Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse, and is also wound care certified. She is a board member for the Arizona chapter of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

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Jennifer Ziegler
Jennifer Ziegler

Area Business Development Director

Jenny joined Encompass Health in 2016 as a rehabilitation liaison prior to being named area business development director.

Jenny joined Encompass Health in 2016 as a rehabilitation liaison prior to being named area business development director. She has 11 years of healthcare experience, holding a bachelor's degree in nursing from Northern Arizona University. Jenny furthered her expertise in rehabilitation earning her Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nursing certification in 2019. Jenny brings experience in referral development and relationship building

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What to expect

Take a look at what happens during a stay at our hospital

Watch the videos

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Our hospital

We deliver connected care and superior outcomes through our state-of-the-art inpatient rehabilitation hospital.

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