Voorhees, NJ, December 7, 2020 - Jefferson Health’s three New Jersey-based hospitals, have each maintained “Exemplar” status for their NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) program. The Jefferson Health Care Center, a Sewell, NJ, skilled nursing facility and sub-acute rehabilitation center, has also been recognized as a NICHE “Member.

NICHE is the only international designation indicating a hospital's commitment to excellence in the care of patients 65 and older. NICHE “Exemplar” and “Member” status recognize the ongoing dedication of Jefferson Health – New Jersey to geriatric care, its success in the implementation of high-quality, system-wide interventions, and initiatives that demonstrate commitment to the care of older adults.

The “Exemplar” status, the highest of four possible program levels, was again awarded to Jefferson Health’s hospitals in Cherry Hill, Stratford and Washington Township, following an evaluation of the current state and future goals of the healthcare organization’s NICHE program. The Jefferson Health Care Center’s “Member” status means the facility is devoted to providing patient-centered care for older adults. Through NICHE, the Health Care Center will work to provide evidence-based, interdisciplinary approaches that promote better outcomes, positive experiences, and improved care for older adults, with the goal of earning “Exemplar” status.

“We are honored to once again be recognized by the NICHE program,” said Helene Burns, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Senior VP & Chief Nursing Officer at Jefferson Health – New Jersey. “These impressive designations signal our resolve to provide high-level, patient-centered care for older adults.”

About Jefferson Health: Jefferson Health, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, is reimagining health care in the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson’s dedicated team of doctors, nurses, health professionals, and staff provides a range of primary to highly-specialized care through 14 hospitals (seven are Magnet®-designated by the ANCC for nursing excellence), more than 40 outpatient and urgent care locations, the NCI-designated Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Magee Rehabilitation and the JeffConnect® telemedicine program. For 2020-2021, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals is ranked among the nation’s best hospitals in nine specialities by U.S. News & World Report. Jefferson Health’s mission is to improve the lives of patients in the communities it is privileged to serve through safe, effective, equitable, compassionate care.