Tribune staff reports

Schneck Medical Center has achieved Exemplar status for its NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program.

The Exemplar status recognizes Schneck’s ongoing, high-level dedication to geriatric care and pre-eminence in the implementation and quality of system-wide interventions and initiatives that demonstrate organizational commitment to the care of older adults.

Schneck first earned the designation in 2012.

Exemplar status, the highest of four possible program levels, was assigned following a rigorous self-evaluation of the current state and future goals of the NICHE program at Schneck.

The requirements include implementation of the NICHE Geriatric Resource Nurse model and evidence-based protocols on all applicable units, including specialty units; implementation of systemic aging-sensitive policies; inclusion of the input of patient, families and community-based providers in planning and implementation of NICHE initiatives; and assuming regional and national leadership roles.

“The NICHE designation and the Exemplar status signal our resolve to provide patient-centered care for older adults,” said Vicki Johnson-Poynter, vice president of nursing services.

“Through our participation in the NICHE program, we are able to offer evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences and improved care for the older adults in our care. This leads to greater satisfaction rates for our patients, their families and our staff.”

“What is tremendous about Schneck is its commitment to meeting the needs of older adults by ensuring the qualification of the nursing staff that serves those patients,” NICHE director Liz Capezuti said.