Cornerstones is a program designed by educators and administrators of Delaware County Memorial Hospital to provide a comprehensive, 12 to 16-week orientation for registered nurses entering or re-entering the acute care setting. The program is comprised of classroom education, competency-based clinical support, peer support and mentoring. Classroom activities include lectures, case presentations, hands-on simulation, audio/visuals, CD-ROM programs, discussions, observational experiences, self-learning modules and competencies.
Who is Eligible for Cornerstones?
The Cornerstones program is designed for candidates who meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. Graduate Nurse with a temporary practice permit;
2. Registered Nurse returning to the bedside who requires a refresher course;
3. Registered Nurse without Critical Care or Emergency experience.
What Will Cornerstones Teach Me?
Upon completion of the program, the graduate/registered nurse will be able to:
1. Function competently as a graduate/registered nurse in an assigned area;
2. Integrate knowledge of body systems and disease processes into nursing practice;
3. Demonstrate the ability to calculate medication dosages and develop safe medication administration practices.
4. Present and discuss a clinical case study in an informal classroom setting;
5. Organize and prioritize care for a group of patients;
6. Demonstrate professional behavior;
7. Evaluate individual progress;
8. Communicate effectively as a team member.
What Areas of Study are Available to Me?
Students may be eligible to choose a course of study in one or more of the following areas:
ICU/CCU: Patients on these units are cared for by nurses who strive for excellence in the delivery of critical care nursing. Common diagnoses include myocardial infarction, respiratory failure and complex post-operative cases. A multidisciplinary team approach is highly valued in this setting. Transition into this specialty area focuses on obtaining critical care skills in addition to critical thinking skills.
Progressive Care Unit: The Progressive Care Unit is an 8-bed unit delivering specialized nursing care in a monitored setting. The patient population encompasses both medical and surgical patients who are hemodynamically stable, requiring intermediate intensive care nursing. The low patient-to-nurse ratio and the diversity of the patient population make the unit an exciting and challenging environment.
Telemetry: The 35-bed Telemetry Unit has coronary care nurses who care for a variety of cardiac patients. Diagnoses include angina, heart failure, rule out myocardial infarction, respiratory compromise and dysrhythmia. Nurses work as a team along with the physicians to deliver excellence in cardiac care.
Rehab: Nurses on the 24-bed Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit care for a variety of patients who have had hip/knee replacements, shoulder surgery, amputations, or strokes and need rehabilitation prior to discharge. This care is delivered by an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, therapists and a discharge planner, who collaborate to provide treatments and intervention necessary for discharge.
Oncology/Hematology: This 21-bed specialty unit has nurses who are educated to care for a variety of oncology, immunocompromised, and hematology patients. Collaboration with the medical staff, clinical support and the patient/family addresses the holistic needs of the patient and family.
Medical/Surgical: The nursing staff of the Medical/Surgical and Orthopedics/Surgery units care for a variety of medical and surgical patients. Diagnoses include pneumonia, abdominal surgery, vascular surgeries, and reconstructive surgeries. Med/Surg Nursing provides a strong clinical foundation for new graduates while offering experienced nurses the chance to continuously hone their critical thinking and assessment skills. A team-oriented environment provides quality care to patients.
Emergency Department: The DCMH Emergency Department is a fast-paced environment that keeps growing in size. Our Emergency Department has a dynamic group of nurses, physicians, and staff whose primary goal is to deliver high quality emergency medical treatment and care.
How Can I Find Out More?
To arrange an interview or to obtain more information, please call 610-284-8523.