PATERSON, NJ, April 25, 2024 – St. Joseph’s University Medical Center has achieved “Exemplar” status – the highest possible – for its Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program. NICHE is the premier national designation indicating a hospital’s commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65 and older.

“Our nursing team has been recognized once again for the expert care we deliver for patients of all ages,” said Deborah Smith, Senior Vice President and Interim Chief Nursing Officer, St. Joseph’s Health. “We implemented the NICHE program nearly 20 years ago to upgrade the quality of care for older adult patients. Since then, our nursing staff has embraced and enhanced the program, reflecting our commitment to providing safe and quality care for our older population.”

The geriatric NICHE program is an award-winning nursing practice model that integrates evidence-based practices and empowers nurses to excel in the care of older adults. “Exemplar” status, the highest of four possible program levels, was awarded following a rigorous evaluation of the current program and future goals.

“St. Joseph’s University Medical Center demonstrates the guiding principles of the NICHE program and holds itself accountable to the highest possible standards of clinical and service quality,” the NICHE organization wrote in St. Joseph’s evaluation. The group cited the organization’s nursing and program leadership, ongoing staff education, and patient and family-centered approach to elder care as standouts in the pursuit of nursing excellence for older adults.

With a team of more than 1,200, nursing at St. Joseph’s is at the forefront of innovation to design evidence-based solutions to meet our community’s health needs. Committed to nursing excellence and professional development, they present research on local, regional and national levels. The team at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center has achieved Magnet® designation – nursing’s highest honor – as part of the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet® Recognition Program for the sixth consecutive time, one of just 19 hospitals in the world to mark this achievement.