Betsy M. McDowell, PhD, RN, CNEOctober 2012

SC Organization of Nurse Leaders

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To establish the value of accreditation of nursing education programs – for the individual nurse and for the nurse employer

To identify the various roles of nursing service leaders in obtaining accreditation of a nursing education program

To delineate issues that must be considered by nurses when choosing a nursing education program for their continued formal education

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Mandatory vs voluntary credentialing:

Individual nurses Licensure Certification

Nursing education programs Approval Accreditation

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Types of accreditation: Institutional

Regional (public & private institutions – Southern Association of Colleges & Schools)

National (private & specialized career schools – Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges & Schools)

Program NLNAC CCNE Specialized (ACNMAC & CANAEP)

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Nursing Education Accrediting Agencies:

NLNAC – all levels of basic licensure nursing education programs, including PN, ADN, diploma, BSN, MSN, doctoral

CCNE – baccalaureate and higher degree programs, including BSN, RN/BSN, MSN, DNP, plus nurse residency programs

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Accreditation standards: Mission & governance Faculty Students Curriculum Program resources (human &

physical) Program outcomes & ongoing

evaluation6

Accreditation specifics: NLNAC – candidacy; self study; site

visit; initial accreditation of 1st class & valid for 5 years; reaccreditation every 8 years

CCNE – candidacy; self study; site visit; initial accreditation possible before graduation of 1st class & valid for 5 years; reaccreditation every 10 years; mid-term reports required

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Benefits of accreditation:1. Demonstrates quality of program &

graduates2. Self-evaluation of program leads to

improvement3. Assists with recruiting to program4. Facilitates transfer of credits & acceptance

into graduate schools5. Required for some positions (Army N Corps)6. Students eligible for financial assistance7. Enables program to qualify for grants

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Nursing advisory board membersConsultants during all phases of

accreditation processWritten feedback/letters of supportHost site visitors when in facility &

assist in publicizing visit“Clarify/verify/amplify” during on-site

visitMembers of site visit teams (dual

appointments)9

Student factors: personal long-term goal(s) for returning

to school, then type of program/degree required

learning style available resources including fiscal &

time lifestyle changes inc. work degree of family & social support

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Program factors: approval and/or accreditation status location of classes, delivery format, & any

residency requirements curriculum (both nursing & gen ed/cognate

requirements ) & transfer of existing credits length, both minimum & maximum tuition, including available financial aid caliber of graduates (NCLEX pass rates if

pre-licensure)

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Questions?

Thank you!

Betsy.mcdowell@newberry.edu

803-321-510412