The MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital (MHLH)Medical-Surgical Unit recently joined the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) program of NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. 

As a NICHE member, MHLH nurseswill dedicate time and resources to enhance the care of older adults by implementing system-wide, nurse-led interventions. By joining NICHE, MHLH demonstrates its organization-wide commitment to high-quality care for older adult patients. 

MHLH is one of two Maine hospitals that have joined NICHE. 

“In today’s health care climate, nurses are faced with multiple challenges. As our communities age, we must be equipped to care for the geriatric population with care that has been proven to improve their outcomes,” said MHLH Med-Surg Director Beth Kessler. “The NICHE program aligns perfectly with the MaineHealthvision of working together to make our communities the healthiest in America.” 

 As an initial step in joining NICHE, key nurse leaders on the Med-Surg unit engaged in the NICHE Leadership Training Program. Program participants developed an understanding of NICHE’s pillars and principles anddeveloped an action plan to drive quality and provide support in developing age-friendly care for adults ages 65 and older. At the completion of this intensive Leadership Training Program, NICHE formallyrecognizedMaineHealth Lincoln Hospital as a member. 

Achieving this designation included developing an evidence-based practice project using NICHE resources. The Med-Surg team focused on the fundamentals of care for older adult patients, recognizing its impact on reducing both falls and length of stay. The project emphasized consistent ambulation —at least 20 feet, three times a day—along with regular bathing and oral care. The results have been strong: both falls and lengths of stay have decreased. The initiative also strengthened team collaboration and reinforced a shared commitment to high-quality patient care. 

“Older adults have unique needs,” said NICHE Executive Director Dr. Mattia Gilmartin, Ph.D., RN, FAAN. “With NICHE, MHLH will be better positioned to meet those needs.”