In November 2015, The Christ Hospital Geriatric Department received a grant from the Sutphin Family Foundation providing further education for staff members. In October of 2016, thanks to this generous grant, 15 nurses were nominated by their managers and had the opportunity to participate in a unique full-day geriatric and dementia training. Following the training, along with completion of pre- and post-training work, these nurses are now dually-certified as Geriatric Resource Nurses through the well-known NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders) certifying body as well Certified Dementia Practitioners through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). In addition to their current roles, this select group of nurses will have responsibilities that include:
Serving their floors as caregivers for elderly patients
Being role models by providing sound, evidence-based geriatric care, educate their peers as well as patients and family members
Attend interest group meetings
Maintain certification
Construct "geriatric" themed bulletin boards twice a year
Please join us in congratulating and recognizing these nurses and their efforts!