Kenmore Mercy Hospital, in partnership with the University at Buffalo School of Nursing, is piloting the Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) program. Through this

collaborative effort, Nursing Students gain hands-on experience from nurses on the floor, providing an optimal learning environment.

 

“The Dedicated Education Unit concept requires the engagement of all the staff to provide the students with the best setting for clinical learning,” said Cynthia Curran, RN, MSN, a clinical assistant professor at SUNY Buffalo. “Both the 2 and 3 East units at Kenmore Mercy were up to that challenge.”

 

In addition, these units provide a variety of experiences for nursing students, including orthopedics, neurological spine, general and bowel surgery, as well as work with telemetry/cardiac and medical patients.

 

Curran acts as a coach for the hospital staff, supporting their teaching, facilitating that transfer of classroom learning for the students, and evaluating the success of the program. As a bed-side educator, the DEU nurse provides evidence-based practice and protocol driven care. The students get to work in clinical settings, learning from nurses with a wealth of experience.

 

“The DEU program works because it is one of mutual respect, open communication and collaboration,” said Curran.