JRMC receives NICHE designation

     According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 16 percent of Iowa’s population is over 65. And according to data from the Pew Research Center, population projections predict by 2030, when all Baby Boomers will have turned 65, about 18 percent of the nation’s population will be at least that age. As individuals age it’s important to respond to the needs of this growing population – especially in the area of health care.

     One way UnityPoint Health – Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) is being proactive in this area is with a recent NICHE designation. NICHE stands for Nursing Improving the Care of Healthsystem Elderly.

     NICHE is the leading nurse-driven program designed to help hospitals and healthcare organizations improve the care of older adults. The vision of NICHE is for all patients 65 and over to be given sensitive and exemplary care. The mission of NICHE is to provide principles and tools to stimulate a change in the culture of healthcare facilities to achieve patient-centered care for older adults. A NICHE designation demonstrates a hospital’s organizational commitment and continued progress in improving quality, enhancing the patient and family experience, and supporting the hospital and other healthcare organization’s efforts to serve its communities.

     Currently, there are over 700 hospitals that are NICHE designated; 18 in Iowa. JRMC received the designation after three employees completed a NICHE leadership program and submitted a 2017 Action Plan specifying interventions, which will be implemented to enhance the care it provides to older adults.

     One of the major initiatives of JRMC’s Action Plan is the introduction of the Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN). The GRNs will participate in online and classroom education sessions and play a key role in preventing, assessing and addressing common geriatric syndromes. The GRN will be a leader in providing care coordination and work to keep patients safe once they leave the hospital.

     “NICHE allows us to continually improve the care that we give, specific to the elderly population,” said Carol Cress, inpatient nurse manager. “Their care is different than the care we would typically provide to adults or children. JRMC is lucky to have employees who are NICHE trained because it is directed towards the majority of our patients, the elderly.”