NICHE in the geriatric emergency department (GED): The pivotal role of geriatric nurse champions and leaders in interprofessional GED care excellence.

ABSTRACT

Older adults need specialized care in the emergency department (ED) setting. Geriatric ED (GED) guidelines and the Geriatric ED Accreditation (GEDA) program address these unique needs with specific recommendations and requirements. These recommendations and requirements align with the Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) practice model. NICHE program evidence-based nursing practice protocols, education for nurses and other clinicians, and patient and family educational resources facilitate organizations' implementation of the recommendations and requirements to achieve improved outcomes for older adults requiring emergency care. NICHE, the GED guidelines, and the GEDA program provide standards and resources that prepare and equip ED geriatric nurse champions.