Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals Austin

02/04/2025

Each February, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month and recognize Black Americans' invaluable contributions to all aspects of our culture and society. Join us this month and every month in our commitment to amplifying Black voices and fostering inclusive communities.

01/20/2025

"The time is always right to do what is right." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join us as we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy. If you have not read his "I Have a Dream" speech in its entirety, we encourage you to do so by visiting https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

11/07/2024

Tony, who lived independently at home, was admitted to a local hospital in Austin – Texas, after suffering acute respiratory failure. During his initial assessment, doctors discovered severe narrowing and blockage in one of his coronary arteries and requiring an immediate coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. This surgery would improve blood flow to Tony's heart muscle by bypassing the blocked arteries. Unfortunately, following the procedure, Tony's condition worsened, and he was placed on a ventilator to support his breathing.

After several weeks in the local hospital, where he remained bedbound and dependent on the care team for all his needs, Tony’s medical team decided to transfer him to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Austin for extended medical care, including ventilator weaning and comprehensive rehabilitation. Upon admission, Tony was alert but required total assistance from the team to manage his daily care. He was transferred to the ICU, where the care team promptly initiated a personalized care plan with the primary goal of liberating him from the ventilator.

The ventilator weaning process began with gradual adjustments to the ventilator settings, allowing Tony to take more independent breaths while carefully monitoring his oxygen levels. Each day, he engaged in breathing exercises to strengthen his respiratory muscles. As his condition stabilized, he advanced to breathing trials, where he practiced prolonged periods of breathing on his own, with decreasing levels of ventilator support. After consistent progress, Tony achieved full liberation from the ventilator, which was a remarkable milestone in his recovery.

Once he was breathing independently, the care team introduced an extensive rehabilitation plan tailored to his needs. Physical therapists began with gentle exercises that he could perform from bed, focusing on improving his circulation and preventing muscle loss. As Tony’s strength and endurance grew, he advanced to sitting exercises, then standing with support, and eventually progressed to walking short distances with assistance. With each session, his confidence and mobility improved, empowering him to work toward his goal of returning home independently.

With the dedicated support of his care team, Tony regained his strength and independence, successfully achieving each goal set in his care plan. By the time of his discharge, Tony was managing many of his daily activities independently and was ready to transition back home. From all of us at Cornerstone, we wish Tony continued success on his journey to full recovery.

10/30/2024

James was involved in a severe motor vehicle accident when his vehicle was T-boned at a high rate of speed. He was quickly transferred to a local hospital in Austin, where he was treated for multiple serious injuries, including several fractures, a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and significant overall trauma. James required intensive care for nearly two months, during which time he needed total assistance from the medical team for all activities of daily living (ADLs) and was placed on supplemental oxygen due to respiratory difficulties.

As James' condition stabilized, his care team determined that he was ready for the next step in his recovery. Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Austin was chosen for his extended medical care, particularly due to its specialized Traumatic Brain Injury Program and focus on comprehensive rehabilitation. Prior to his admission, the interdisciplinary team at Cornerstone reviewed James' medical history and crafted a personalized care plan tailored to his unique needs.

Upon his arrival at Cornerstone, James’ care plan included extensive rehabilitation with a focus on physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech therapy (ST). The brain injury program was specifically designed to address the cognitive and physical challenges he faced following his TBI. The PT team worked diligently to rebuild James' strength, coordination, and mobility, especially after his extended period of bed rest. OT sessions were vital in retraining him to manage daily tasks, such as dressing and personal hygiene, while also improving his fine motor skills. The speech therapy team played a critical role in addressing the cognitive and communication difficulties caused by his brain injury, helping James regain his ability to speak clearly and process information effectively.

The interdisciplinary team provided ongoing care and support, constantly adjusting his care plan to ensure that each phase of his recovery was met with the right level of medical attention and therapy. After weeks of intense rehabilitation, James met all the goals set in his care plan, transitioning from total dependence to performing many ADLs with minimal assistance. His commitment and perseverance in therapy helped him regain control of his life. As James continued to improve, the care team determined he was ready for discharge to a lower level of care where he could continue his rehabilitation and strength training. James left Cornerstone Specialty Hospital walking short distances with assistance, communicating more effectively, and becoming more independent.

From the entire staff at Cornerstone, we wish James all the success in his recovery as he continues his rehabilitation journey.

10/02/2024

Guadalupe, who enjoys spending time with his family, suddenly experienced moderate chest pain on the left side of his chest. Initially thinking it could have been a food-related issue, he tried to dismiss the discomfort but soon found himself struggling with more intense chest pain and difficulties breathing. Recognizing that something was seriously wrong, Guadalupe took matters into his own hands and admitted himself to a local hospital in Austin, where he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lower lobe.

As Guadalupe's condition worsened, he required mechanical ventilation to support his breathing. He spent several weeks in the local hospital, during which it became apparent that he needed extended medical care. A medical decision was made to transfer Guadalupe to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital of Austin for advanced medical care that would include ventilator weaning and extensive rehabilitation, due to the long duration of being bedbound.

Upon admission to Cornerstone, the interdisciplinary team conducted a thorough assessment of Guadalupe's respiratory status, which included chest X-rays and blood gas analysis, to guide the ventilator weaning process. The goal was to gradually reduce his reliance on mechanical ventilation while ensuring adequate oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. The team adopted a step-down approach, carefully monitoring Guadalupe's response with each adjustment to minimize the risk of respiratory fatigue. Guadalupe's rehabilitation plan included a personalized pulmonary rehab program aimed at improving his overall lung function and endurance. This program involved education on lung health, breathing techniques, and guided exercises tailored to his current capabilities. The team emphasized the importance of deep breathing exercises to expand lung capacity and clear secretions, which were critical given his history of pneumonia.

Recognizing the effects of prolonged bed rest, the physical therapy team developed a comprehensive mobility program for Guadalupe. Beginning with passive range-of-motion exercises, they gradually progressed to active mobility and strength training as his condition improved. The therapists focused on functional tasks, helping Guadalupe regain strength and independence. They encouraged Guadalupe to participate actively in his rehabilitation, fostering a sense of empowerment and commitment to his recovery.

After weeks of dedicated therapy, Guadalupe made remarkable progress in his recovery. He was able to wean off the ventilator, breathe independently, and regain sufficient strength and mobility. With a successful recovery, Guadalupe was discharged home to be reunited with his family and equipped with the tools and resources to continue his recovery journey.

09/18/2024

John, an avid golfer for over 20 years, was suddenly struck by shortness of breath and intense chest pain. Realizing the seriousness of his condition, he admitted himself to a local hospital in Austin, where he was diagnosed with kidney disease and acute systolic heart failure. While open-heart surgery was initially recommended, the procedure had to be postponed due to a severe infection in his foot, ultimately leading to a mid-foot amputation.

After several challenging weeks in the hospital, John’s condition stabilized, and he was transferred to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Austin for continued medical care and rehabilitation. Upon his arrival, the care team quickly developed a comprehensive plan to address his complex medical needs. John’s attending physician initiated targeted antibiotics to treat the infection, while the wound care team provided specialized debridement and advanced dressings to ensure proper healing of his surgical site. Their meticulous approach helped manage the wound and promote recovery.

John’s rehabilitation focused on rebuilding his strength and mobility. The physical therapy team guided him through an individualized program, starting with exercises to enhance circulation and reduce swelling in his lower limbs. As his strength improved, the team incorporated balance and gait training to help him regain stability and adjust to life after his amputation. Through consistent effort, John progressed from using walking aids to moving with greater independence. Physical therapy also included targeted exercises to strengthen his upper body and core, ensuring he had the stamina and stability necessary for daily activities.

Occupational therapy played a critical role in helping John regain independence in everyday tasks. The team worked with him to restore his ability to perform essential activities such as dressing, grooming, and bathing, using adaptive tools and techniques designed to accommodate his physical limitations. Given his heart condition, John learned valuable energy conservation strategies that allowed him to pace himself while performing daily tasks. The occupational therapists also ensured his home environment was prepared for his return, recommending modifications such as grab bars and reorganization of his living space to facilitate safe and comfortable movement.

John exceeded all the goals set in his care plan, making remarkable progress in his recovery. He was able to discharge from Cornerstone and return home. On behalf of the entire team at Cornerstone, we wish John continued success in his recovery.

09/10/2024

Our National Hiring Event is over, but we’re still hiring!

Our August 21 national hiring event saw great success as we hosted over 2,200 attendees nationwide and were able to quickly hire over 500 people across a number of specialties including nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, etc. to support our varied levels of care in our many hospitals across the nation.

To learn more about joining our growing team, visit https://jobs.scionhealth.com to find the right position for you.

09/04/2024

Weldon leads an active life, taking care of his grandchildren and enjoying his passion for attending tractor club events. After undergoing a scheduled open-heart surgery, Weldon faced unexpected medical complications, including acute and chronic respiratory failure, hypoxia, and critical illness myopathy. These setbacks led to him being placed on a ventilator for an extended period. After several weeks in the hospital, Weldon was transferred to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Austin for extended medical care to continue his recovery journey.

Before Weldon’s admission, the interdisciplinary team at Cornerstone carefully reviewed his medical history and developed a comprehensive care plan tailored to his unique needs. The primary goals were to wean him off the ventilator and to address the physical deconditioning he experienced due to prolonged bed rest. Upon his arrival, Weldon was admitted to the ICU, where the team immediately began implementing his care plan. Weldon was highly motivated and engaged in the process, participating in daily, intensive weaning therapies. The ventilator weaning process included a structured program of breathing exercises designed to strengthen his respiratory muscles. These exercises involved gradually increasing the time Weldon spent breathing on his own, supported by techniques such as incentive spirometry, which helped improve his lung function and capacity. The respiratory therapy team also implemented synchronized breathing techniques to ensure Weldon could adjust smoothly as the ventilator support was reduced.

Over the course of three weeks, with the support of respiratory therapy, Weldon made remarkable progress. His determination, combined with the careful titration of ventilator settings and consistent practice of breathing exercises, led to his successful liberation from the ventilator, allowing him to breathe independently once again.

In addition, Weldon participated in a robust rehabilitation program, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The physical therapy team focused on rebuilding his strength and endurance, helping him to regain mobility and independence. Occupational therapy worked with Weldon to enhance his ability to perform daily activities, ensuring he could return to his role as an active grandfather. Speech therapy was also instrumental in addressing any swallowing and communication difficulties that arose due to his extended ventilator use.

With success over success, Weldon passed all goals set in his care plan and was able to discharge to a lower-level care for additional rehab. From the entire team at Cornerstone, we wish him all the success in this recovery.

08/20/2024

As we prepare to host our Hiring Event tomorrow, August 21, Krystal Cyprian, Market Chief Nursing Executive, spoke with KENS 5 & Kens5.com about what jobseekers can expect at our event and positions currently available. Click the link below to watch the news segment! To register for our hiring event or learn more, please visit https://jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents.

Sponsored by: Kindred Hospitals For more information: 214.729.9606 Jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents

08/20/2024

Our National Hiring Event is this week!

We're hosting a national hiring event THIS Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Join us in person, or online via chat, as each of our facilities nationwide will host candidates who seek to be part of our team. If you want to join a health system that believes its role is to Empower the Hands that Heal to do what you do best, click the link below and register today.

If you are joining us in person, you will have the opportunity to meet with members of our team and interview on-site, no appointment necessary! Some facilities are hosting off-site events. Ask your recruiter for more details.

If you plan to join us online, we will host a virtual chat where our recruiters will be ready and available.

We want you to join our team! Register today at https://jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents.

08/18/2024

Bruce, a young and vibrant individual who enjoys playing PlayStation at home, faced a life-altering challenge when he was hospitalized due to a gunshot wound to his upper thorax. During his time in the hospital, he experienced fluctuating medical conditions, including bacterial pulmonary contusions and pneumomediastinum, which necessitated surgery for a tracheal injury repair. Unfortunately, Bruce's condition worsened, requiring him to be placed on a ventilator for breathing support. Despite these setbacks, Bruce remained hopeful and determined throughout his recovery journey.

After several weeks of intensive medical treatment, and once his condition stabilized, a medical decision was made to transfer Bruce to Cornerstone Specialty Hospital Austin for extended care that focused on ventilator weaning and a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Before Bruce's admission to Cornerstone, the interdisciplinary team developed a tailored care plan centered on his specific medical needs, with the primary objective of facilitating ventilator weaning. Upon arrival, Bruce's care team promptly sprang into action to support his recovery.

Once settled in, Bruce embraced the care plan with diligence. He collaborated closely with his pulmonologist and the respiratory therapy team, engaging in breathing exercises designed to enhance his lung function and capacity. His consistent efforts paid off, and after several weeks of hard work, Bruce successfully liberated himself from the ventilator and began to breathe independently. Now free from the ventilator, Bruce's motivation soared. He enthusiastically participated in physical and occupational therapy sessions aimed at restoring his mobility and functionality. The physical therapy team focused on strength-building exercises to enhance his endurance, incorporating progressive activities that challenged him while ensuring his safety.

At the same time, occupational therapy aimed to help Bruce regain the skills necessary for daily living. His therapists engaged him in simulated real-life tasks, which built his confidence and independence. Bruce’s positive attitude and commitment to his therapy not only impressed his care team but also accelerated his progress.

Recognizing the potential impact of his tracheal injury on his communication abilities, Bruce also began speech therapy. Through assessments, speech therapists evaluated his communication and swallowing skills, developing personalized strategies to address any difficulties. Bruce participated in various exercises focusing on articulation, voice modulation, and cognitive-linguistic tasks, leading to significant improvements in his ability to communicate effectively. The therapists also taught him safe swallowing techniques, ensuring he could enjoy meals without risk.

With his unwavering spirit and the dedicated support of his interdisciplinary care team, Bruce has made remarkable strides in his recovery while passing goals in his care plan. Bruce was discharged from Cornerstone and returned home to his loving family. From the entire staff at Cornerstone, we wish Bruce all the success in his recovery.

08/14/2024

We're one week away from our National Hiring Event!

We're hosting a national hiring event on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Join us in person, or online via chat, as each of our facilities nationwide will host candidates who seek to be part of our team. If you want to join a health system that believes its role is to Empower the Hands that Heal to do what you do best, click the link below and register today.

Ask your recruiter how you can earn up to an extra $8/hr with our new Impact Incentive Program.

Please consider joining us as each of our hospitals will welcome candidates into their buildings to meet with members of our team and interview on-site. Some facilities are hosting off-site events. Ask your recruiter for more details.

We want you to join our team! Register today at https://jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents.

08/07/2024

We're hosting a National Hiring Event on Wednesday, August 21, 2024!

Join us as each of our facilities nationwide will open our doors to candidates who seek to be part of a health system that believes its role is to Empower the Hands that Heal so that you can do what you do best. Please consider joining us as each of our hospitals will welcome candidates into their buildings to meet with members of our team and interview on-site. Some facilities are hosting off-site events. Ask your recruiter for more details.

We want you to join our team! Register today at https://jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents.

06/19/2024

Today, we proudly celebrate Juneteenth, which honors the end of slavery and the gaining of independence by all Black Americans. We encourage everyone to acknowledge and reflect on the incredible history of resilience, courage, achievement and patriotism of Black Americans, in the face of systemic barriers.

06/06/2024

Our National Hiring Event is over but we’re still hiring!

Our May 22 national hiring event saw great success as we hosted over 2,700 attendees nationwide and were able to quickly hire over 750 people across a number of specialties including nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, etc. to support our varied levels of care in our 96 facilities across the nation.

To learn more about joining our growing team, visit jobs.ScionHealth.com to find the right position for you.

06/01/2024

Every June, we proudly join organizations and communities nationwide in celebrating Pride Month. This month and throughout the year, we proudly stand with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive, and equitable workplace for all. Happy Pride!

05/27/2024

Today, we honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. May we honor those heroes and the families they left behind every day.

05/21/2024

Our National Hiring Event is TOMORROW!

We're hosting a national hiring event on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Join us in person, or online via chat, as each of our facilities nationwide will host candidates who seek to be part of our team. If you want to join a health system that believes its role is to Empower the Hands that Heal to do what you do best, click the link below and register today.

If you are joining us in person, you will have the opportunity to meet with members of our team and interview on-site, no appointment necessary! Some facilities are hosting off-site events. Ask your recruiter for more details.

If you plan to join us online, we will host a virtual chat where our recruiters will be ready and available.

We want you to join our team! Register today at https://jobs.scionhealth.com/hiringevents