NYU NICHE- Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders
NYU NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) is a pioneering initiative based at 380 2nd Ave, suite 306, New York, NY 10010, and is affiliated with New York University. Unlike traditional nursing schools, NICHE is an educational and collaborative program with a specific mission: to enhance the care of older adults within health systems through evidence-based nursing practices, education, and organizational support. It serves as a national leader in geriatric nursing, equipping nurses and healthcare organizations with the tools and knowledge necessary to provide exemplary elder care.
NICHE was established in 1992 and has since grown into a global movement. Its vision is to ensure that all older adults receive age-friendly, high-quality care regardless of their healthcare setting. The program achieves this by providing resources, consultation, and training to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare organizations. NICHE empowers nurses and interdisciplinary teams to transform healthcare environments, making them more responsive to the unique needs of older adults.
The core of NICHE’s approach is its evidence-based clinical protocols and educational resources. These materials are designed to address the most pressing issues in geriatric care, such as the prevention of delirium, falls, incontinence, pressure injuries, and medication mismanagement. The program’s flagship offering is the Geriatric Resource Nurse (GRN) model, which trains frontline nurses to become champions of elder care within their organizations. GRNs serve as clinical leaders, mentors, and advocates, driving improvements in patient outcomes and staff satisfaction.
NICHE also provides comprehensive assessment tools that allow institutions to evaluate their current practices, identify gaps, and measure progress. By fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement, NICHE helps organizations achieve and maintain excellence in elder care. The program offers a tiered recognition system, which celebrates institutions that demonstrate sustained commitment to geriatric best practices.
Education is at the heart of NICHE’s mission. The program offers a robust suite of online courses, webinars, workshops, and conferences covering a wide range of topics, from clinical skills to leadership development and policy advocacy. These educational offerings are tailored to nurses at all levels, as well as other healthcare professionals, ensuring that entire teams are equipped to meet the complex needs of older adults. NICHE also encourages interprofessional collaboration, recognizing that optimal elder care requires input from physicians, social workers, therapists, and family caregivers.
Research and innovation are integral to NICHE’s ongoing work. The program collaborates with academic partners, health systems, and professional organizations to advance the science of geriatric nursing. NICHE regularly disseminates the latest findings and best practices through publications, presentations, and its online knowledge repository. By staying at the forefront of geriatric care, NICHE ensures that its members benefit from the most current and effective approaches.
In addition to its educational and research activities, NICHE advocates for policy changes at the local, state, and national levels. The program is committed to addressing the systemic challenges that impact elder care, such as workforce shortages, reimbursement issues, and disparities in access to services. NICHE works closely with stakeholders to shape policies that support healthy aging and quality care for all older adults.
The impact of NICHE is far-reaching. Over 800 hospitals, long-term care facilities, and healthcare organizations across the United States and internationally have adopted the NICHE model. These institutions report improved patient outcomes, increased staff satisfaction, and enhanced reputation within their communities. NICHE’s emphasis on patient- and family-centered care fosters environments where older adults feel valued, respected, and empowered.
In summary, NYU NICHE is not a traditional nursing school but an innovative program dedicated to elevating the standard of care for elders in health systems worldwide. Through education, research, advocacy, and organizational support, NICHE is transforming the landscape of geriatric nursing and ensuring that older adults receive the compassionate, evidence-based care they deserve. Its legacy is one of leadership, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of elders and those who care for them.