Fort Sanders Regional Earns NICHE Exemplar Status

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is proud to have achieved NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Health system Elders) Exemplar status once again. As an Exemplar member, Fort Sanders Regional is recognized for its diligent efforts to improve the quality of care in older adults. NICHE is the premier designation indicating a hospital’s commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65-years-and-older. Fort Sanders Regional has attained NICHE Exemplar status since 2013.

The status was assigned following a rigorous self-evaluation of the current state and future goals of the NICHE program at Fort Sanders Regional. The requirements include implementation of the NICHE Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model and evidence-based protocols on all applicable units, including specialty units; implementation of 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 geriatric population is expected to double to approximately 80 million adults age 65 and over by the year 2050. This influx requires healthcare professionals to be prepared to address the growing baby boomer population’s complex needs. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center believes in promoting best practices as the standard for geriatric nursing care to be prepared for this growing demand.