Phelps Memorial Hospital Center Achieves NICHE "Exemplar" Status

Phelps Memorial Hospital Center announces it has achieved “Exemplar” status for its NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program. NICHE is designed to help nurses provide specialized care to patients age 65 and older. The “Exemplar” status recognizes Phelps’ ongoing, high-level dedication to providing the highest quality, most appropriate care to older adults. Phelps is one of only 10 hospitals in New York State to achieve this status.

The highest of four possible program levels, the Exemplar status was attained following a rigorous evaluation of the hospital’s current NICHE program and its future goals for the program. The requirements include implementing the NICHE Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model and evidence-based protocols on all applicable hospital units, including specialty units; applying aging-sensitive policies; incorporating input from patients, families and other healthcare providers in the development and execution of NICHE initiatives; and assuming regional and national leadership roles.

“The NICHE designation and the ‘Exemplar’ status signal our resolve to provide high-quality, patient-centered care for older adults,” says Cheryl Burke, MS, MBA, RN-BC, WCC, NICHE coordinator at Phelps. “Through our participation in the NICHE program, we are able to offer approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for our older patients. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for our patients, their families and our staff.”