ACEN accreditation is critical in ensuring the rigor and quality of nursing education. Preparing for the ACEN accreditation process can be daunting, requiring careful planning and attention to detail. This article will address common steps and the hidden gems that helped guide Iowa State University's nursing program to a successful initial accreditation visit.
The ACEN website provides excellent resources on the accreditation process, Standards and Criteria, and policies. Familiarize yourself with ACEN's Accreditation Manual, namely, the 2023 Criteria and Standards. As you prepare your self-study, respond intentionally and systematically to each Standard and Criterion.
Implementing a successful action plan requires that you start early and develop a dedicated accreditation committee that meet at regularly scheduled intervals. The action plan should outline specific steps, timelines, and delegated responsibilities. Review progress at each meeting to ensure collaboration and accuracy. Implement a plan for continuous monitoring and improvement that includes an annual assessment and updates of the Systematic Plan of Evaluation.
Take advantage of ACEN documents, webinars, and conferences. These resources provide up-to-date information about the process and expectations for the self-study and site visit. Set up a mock site visit with simulated questions for representatives in each Criterion, including institutional administration, financial aid, faculty, admission, registrar, technology, library, and students. Identify community partners who can speak to the quality of your students and the institution’s and program’s impact in the community. Send out invitations and arrange in-person and virtual options for meeting with the peer evaluators.
Advisory Review and becoming a peer evaluator are hidden gems program administrators can use to reduce the stress and uncertainty with the self-study and site visit preparation.
An Advisory Review is an opportunity for programs to receive support and comprehensive feedback from an ACEN Director regarding the self-study and accreditation process. Our program took advantage of this service; it helped to strengthen our self-study by providing valuable, constructive feedback. The process helped us to recognize where we needed further narrative and gave insight into questions that may be asked during the accreditation visit.
Professional growth to familiarize myself with the accreditation process motivated me to sign up to be an ACEN peer evaluator. This experience was instrumental in the preparation for the self-study and site visit. As a peer evaluator, I had the opportunity to read other programs’ Self-Study Reports, which further advanced my knowledge of the Standards and Criteria. I observed practices from other nursing programs, witnessed how programs prepared for the site visit, and identified ways to enhance our program, self-study, and site visit. The preparation and process of becoming a peer evaluator helped to foster my development as an administrator and nurse educator.
As a nurse administrator, encourage faculty to become ACEN peer evaluators. Our university endorses the educational process and experience as professional development, fulfilling the criteria for advancement, promotion, or tenure. Engagement as a peer evaluator assists with faculty buy-in and develops accreditation champions for continuous improvement and preparing the next accreditation cycle.
Being a peer evaluator demystified the process. I witnessed how ACEN peer evaluators clarified, verified, and amplified information in the self-study. I became more efficient in reviewing a Self-Study Report critically, recognizing strengths and areas needing improvement.
ACEN provides in-depth education for peer evaluators on the ACEN Standards and Criteria. During the training, I noted where our program could implement change or add clarity to our Self-Study Report. ACEN accreditation is a rigorous process and upholds high standards - they are also a supportive partner in strengthening the quality of nursing education. For our program, the peer evaluator process was an invaluable asset in the accreditation process.
The ACEN website provides valuable information to assist with the accreditation process. Utilizing these resources, familiarizing yourself with the accreditation process, implementing a plan of action, and requesting an Advisory Review can assist with a successful accreditation visit. Volunteering to be a peer evaluator is a hidden gem that improves institutional accreditation planning, contributes to professional development and faculty collaboration, and identifies champions to prepare for your next accreditation cycle.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) supports the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public by providing specialized accreditation for all levels of nursing education and transition-to-practice programs.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.
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Atlanta, GA 30326
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