Ace News Spring 2018 Continuing Education

ATLANTA, September 16 , 2019 – On Friday, July 19, 2019, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing Education (KABONE) signed a memorandum of understanding, which entered the organizations into a cooperative partnership. The signing parties were Dr. Hee Soon Kim, the President of the KABONE and Dr. Marsal P. Stoll, Chief Executive Officer of the ACEN. The document was signed during the Merging Accreditation and Innovation: 2019 ACEN Nursing Education Accreditation Conference, which took place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis (as pictured).

KABONE is both an accrediting and a regulatory agency located in Seoul, South Korea that specializes in accrediting baccalaureate and associate nursing programs. As the ACEN and KABONE both agree that there is a recognized need for providing accreditation of nursing education programs in order to promote and ensure quality of nursing education, they also agree that an organization's accreditation standards and criteria should reflect the values of the nursing profession and accountability to the public.

The agencies anticipate participating in activities of mutual interest regarding accreditation for nursing programs. The memorandum excerpt below details some potential future interactions:

1. Exchange appropriate and relevant information and issues (e.g., standards and procedures' revisions)
2. Opportunity to observe the evaluation process (e.g., site visit process)
3. Reciprocal visits for common interests and objectives (e.g., conference invitation as a speaker or participant, meeting between representatives)
4. Other ongoing basis activities of mutual interest regarding accreditation for nursing programs

When KABONE established their standards and criteria in 2004, the framework, values, and mission greatly matched what the ACEN (then, the NLNAC) had established. The memorandum was a long time coming, as the ACEN has had ongoing communications and a relationship with KABONE as early as 2007. Finding themselves to be in solidarity, the ACEN and KABONE began in 2007 to have ongoing communications regarding nursing program accreditation. Dr. Sharon Tanner, who was CEO of the ACEN (then NLNAC) in 2007, and Dr. Grace Newsome both visited South Korea. During their trip, they gave presentations related to accreditation processes, peer review, and quality evaluation. They also met with South Korean universities and nursing leaders to discuss South Korea's establishment of nursing program accreditation. KABONE representatives also visited the ACEN office in 2007, and the relationship dedicated to serving nursing program accreditation became more firmly established.

These interactions grew into invitations for the ACEN professional staff to speak at KABONE conferences held in South Korea during 2012, where Dr. Suzette Farmer, Associate Director of the ACEN, presented information related to accreditation and ACEN outcomes assessment practices. Dr. Farmer was also given the opportunity to discuss nursing program accreditation progress, student learning outcomes, and program outcomes with some of South Korea's nursing leaders. In 2014, Dr. Nell Ard was also extended the invitation to give presentations regarding clinical nursing education for the enhancement in clinical competency as well as learning outcomes and quality management in nursing education.

The ACEN is delighted to enter this formalized collaboration with the KABONE, seeking the best nursing program accreditation practices and eager to serve nursing students on the international scale.

Top 10 Reasons to Attend
the 2019 ACEN Annual Conference

As May winds down, we are less than eight weeks away from the pre-eminent ACEN annual event, the 2019 ACEN Nursing Education Accreditation Conference. Whether or not you joined your ACEN family for the inaugural Conference in 2018, we think you will find this Top 10 list helpful in knowing what makes this Conference so unique.

10. The mobile app

The ACEN Annual Conference is a paperless event utilizing a handy mobile app (available for both iPhone and Android) to share the event agenda, speaker details, session handouts, and exhibit hall maps with you. You can even download the handouts (either to your device or to your computer) to reference them again after the Conference. And the best part? The app features a social element that allows you to connect with all of the other attendees in one place!

9. Over 50 breakout sessions to choose from

You are guaranteed to take home priceless knowledge and tips from attending the Conference–there are over 50 breakout sessions for you to choose from! This is an investment in yourself, and if you bring your team of educators with you, an additional investment in your program.

8. Up to 17 hours of CEs

The Conference offers an incredible value for your money with an opportunity for attendees to earn up to 17 hours of Continuing Education Units. The Conference alone earns you 13 CEs, but add the optional pre-session to gain an additional four!

7. Networking breakfast included

Based on feedback from last year's attendees, there will be a more structured networking environment in 2019. On Saturday morning, network during a two-hour breakfast with a focus on connecting mentors and protégés. Additionally, the peer group forums are back at the end of the day on Saturday, with incredible raffle drawings in EACH forum breakout room.

6. Atlanta

Atlanta is a fantastic hub of activity, great for both events and vacations. Did you know it's considered the Hollywood of the south? Or as we like to call it down here, "Y'allywood." From excellent restaurants to fabulous shopping and an exciting nightlife, you will NOT be disappointed in your destination. Check out the Best Things to Do in Downtown Atlanta: https://www.atlanta.net/50fun/downtown/.

5. An exhibit hall full of vendors

With two months still to go, there are already well over 30 vendors registered to exhibit at the Conference. What does this mean for you? An incredible opportunity to learn about new products, new businesses, and new services, all in one place. Additionally, many of the vendors will be offering exclusive promotions at the event so you will be able to return home knowing that you have the best deal available. Plus, Thursday night's agenda features the Marketplace Reception, where you will be able to connect, not just with the vendors, but also with the ACEN CEO and Board of Commissioners.

4. Pre-session with NCSBN and the ACEN Directors

Have Next Generation NCLEX® on your mind? Good news for you! The four-hour pre-session will provide you with updates from the NCSBN on the current research phase of Next Gen, an overview of the new examination format, and sample examination questions. EXCLUSIVE ALERT – the impact of the examination will be discussed in terms of selected ACEN Standards and Criteria, and the session will end with a panel discussion between the ACEN Directors and Dr. Phillip Dickison, the Chief Officer of Operations and Examinations at the NCSBN.

3. The Human Library

Have you ever visited your local library and "borrowed" a person who is as engaging and full of information as a book? No? At the ACEN Annual Conference you can do just that! "Check out" an expert ACEN site visitor for 20 minutes and talk to them, ask questions, and get advice and suggestions. The Human Library is a FREE discussion, and is ONLY available at this Conference.

2. The Knowledge Café

Sit down with a cup of coffee and study exemplary ACEN Self-Study Reports, Site Visit Reports, and Focused Site Visit Reports. These are never available to the public, EXCEPT at the Conference (with the permission of the program). Take notes and help yourself and your program by learning how to write the best report possible.

1. Spending time with your peers!

The absolute best reason to attend the ACEN Annual Conference is YOU and YOUR PEERS. The camaraderie, peer networking, inspiration, and pure fun that you will have at this event is in a class of its own. One thing guaranteed is that you won't regret coming to the 2019 ACEN Nursing Education Accreditation Conference!

No matter how you slice it, with this Top 10, the 2019 ACEN Annual Conference is #1 for nursing education and accreditation, and we can't wait to see you there!

At their September 2018 meeting, your ACEN Board of Commissioners endorsed a whitepaper entitled "Guidance on Developing Quality and Interprofessional Education for Health Professions," which was authored by the Health Professions Accreditors Collaborative (HPAC).

The purpose of the whitepaper is to offer faculty in ACEN accredited program general information related to interprofessional education. The whitepaper is informational only and not binding on any ACEN accredited program or the ACEN itself.

To: ACEN Constituents
From: Marcy Stoll, CEO
Date: February 25, 2019
Re: Proposed Transition-to-Practice Policies

The ACEN Board of Commissioner's approved Standards and Criteria for the accreditation of Transition-to-Practice programs in July 2018. The ACEN is excited to seek public comments on the proposed Transition-to-Practice Policies. Interested parties have the opportunity to offer comments from February 25, 2019 to April 12, 2019. Please provide any comments by e-mail to Jessica Dermody, Executive Assistant to the CEO.

References:

What are Transition-to-Practice Programs?

Transition-to-Practice (TTP) programs are designed to build a bridge between a nurse's formal education and the real world of nursing practice. TTP programs facilitate and support the nurse's transition from student to licensed practice. The literature suggests that the benefits of TTP programs include improvements in the quality of patient care, enhanced patient safety, improved employer retention of nursing staff, and increased competence and confidence of the participating nurse. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health (2011) report recommend that "accrediting bodies…support a nurse's completion of a transition-to-practice program (nurse residency) after they have complete a pre-licensure or advanced practice degree program or when they are transitioning into new clinical practice areas." The ACEN, as the leading authority for nursing education accreditation, has developed a TTP accreditation process in order to further fulfill its mission to support the interests of nursing education, nursing practice, and the public.

Why Accredit Transition-to-Practice Programs?

Accreditation:

• Demonstrates organizational commitment to best practices and improving patient outcomes.
• Demonstrates organizational commitment to nursing staff.
• Aids in recruitment of nursing staff.
• Aids in retention of nursing staff.
• Fosters ongoing, self-examination, re-evaluation, and focus on the future.
• Engages program educators in best practices related to peer evaluation.
• Heightens program educators' and administrators' awareness and responsiveness to areas needing improvement in the transition-to-practice program.
• Provides opportunities for networking among transition-to-practice programs.
• Provides recognition that the transition-to-practice program has been evaluated, and periodically re-evaluated, by a qualified independent group of peers and demonstrates the extent to which the transition-to-practice program meets Standards and Criteria specific to transition-to-practice programs.

What Makes Transition-to-Practice Accreditation with ACEN Different?

The ACEN Standards and Criteria encompass best practices for the development, design, and implementation of a quality Transition-to-Practice program. Unlike other accrediting agencies for Transition-to-Practice programs, the ACEN Standards and Criteria for TTP programs are not prescriptive and allow program leaders flexibility. For example, the program leaders may develop their own curriculum OR may purchase and implement a curriculum from a third-party. With ACEN accreditation the program leaders have the freedom to take control and develop a TTP program that meets the needs of your nurses and the needs of the community you serve, while still ensuring the program meets the quality standards of an accredited program.

Registration has opened for the 2019 ACEN Nursing Education Accreditation Conference, and early bird pricing is in effect through October 31st! Register today to get the best price on the full conference admission, AND on the pre-sessions.

The theme of the conference is Merging Accreditation and Innovation, and it will highlight inventive teaching methodologies, curricula, outcomes assessment, clinical education, academic progression models, polarity concepts, partnerships, and simulation. Each session will offer novel ideas for faculty, nurse administrators, college administrators, students, accreditation liaisons, laboratory personnel, data analysts, and staff.

The conference features:

• 11 block hours of concurrent sessions and 4 block hours of pre-sessions
• Conference mobile app
• Peer Group Forums
• Networking Breakfast
• Poster Presentations
• Knowledge Café
• Human Library
• Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
• Up to 17 Continuing Education hours attainable per person

By Greg Donaldson, ACEN Accreditation Specialist – Report Processing and Quality Assurance

ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2018 – Just like last year, the ACEN is thrilled to share the results of its last two Board of Commissioners meetings. At the July 2018 and September 2018 meetings, a total of 63 programs were reviewed for continuing accreditation, and 28 programs were reviewed for initial accreditation. In total, 91 programs were reviewed, and 100% were granted accreditation. It goes without saying that the ACEN is extremely proud of the nurse administrators' and faculties' efforts and their results!

It should be noted that most programs reviewed were granted continuing accreditation without stipulations, and some programs were granted continuing accreditation with conditions, warning, or for good cause due to non-compliance with one or more Accreditation Standard. Programs with a stipulation(s) are required to complete follow-up actions to provide further evidence of efforts to demonstrate compliance with the 2017 ACEN Standards and Criteria. As always, the ACEN staff are available to the nurse administrator and faculty for guidance and support. In addition, 38 programs hosted focused site visits in the Spring 2018 Cycle, with all programs having accreditation affirmed.

First and foremost, all the nurse administrators and faculty for the programs reviewed are commended for their hard work and dedication. Whether it is attendance at Self-Study Forums or the First Annual ACEN Accreditation Conference held in July 2018, the ACEN has seen an increased interest in quality improvement through accreditation.

The ACEN is always exploring new opportunities to assist programs in the accreditation process, such as the Advisory Review, through which programs can submit materials to the professional staff and receive feedback in preparation for the next accreditation review. The ACEN prides itself on being a supportive partner while fulfilling its stewardship responsibilities. The ACEN does its best to be both a leader and partner in nursing education, and that means remaining accessible, consistent, and forward-thinking.

Another large part of the success with ACEN accreditation is the substantial guidance provided to nurse administrators and faculty members by the ACEN professional staff throughout the Candidacy process. Before becoming a candidate for initial accreditation, a Candidacy Presentation must be submitted, and the professional staff members evaluate each presentation and write extensive reviews in which they offer guidance to the nurse administrator and faculty in the following areas: Standard 2 Faculty and Staff; Standard 4 Curriculum, Standard 5 Resources; and Standard 6 Outcomes (specifically, Criterion 6.1). Candidacy reviews differ from Site Visit Reports in that professional staff offer specific advice regarding areas in which the program may be non-compliant or need development. As a result of the review, nurse administrators and faculty for programs approved for Candidacy have a blueprint to guide them in preparing for an initial accreditation site visit.

In the Fall 2018 Cycle, the ACEN will review 36 programs for initial accreditation and 85 programs for continuing accreditation, and an estimated 32 programs for initial accreditation and 88 programs for continuing accreditation in Spring 2019 Cycle. With the continued efforts of the nurse administrators and faculty as well as the ACEN staff, we believe all programs will be successful in their accreditation review. Your ACEN staff looks forward to supporting all the nurse administrators and faculty in these programs!

USDE Grants Continued Recognition to the ACEN

Nursing Education Programs in the USA and Worldwide Benefit

ATLANTA, May 14 , 2018 – The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is proud to share that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has once again granted recognition to the ACEN as a specialized accreditor for nursing education programs.

On May 9, 2018, the ACEN received the decision letter from Diane Auer Jones, Senior Policy Advisor form the Office of Postsecondary Education at the USDE, stating that the recognition of the ACEN was renewed for a period of five years in accordance with 34 CFR 602.36 of the Secretary of Education's Criteria. This decision mirrors the recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) and the recommendation from USDE staff.

The ACEN has been recognized by the USDE continuously since 1952 ¹ ; however, what makes the recognition so momentous is the ACEN was awarded the maximum number of years possible, with no follow-up. This flawless result demonstrates that the ACEN is the gold standard of nursing education program accreditation.

"We are ecstatic to receive this five-year recognition decision from the USDE, which benefits nursing programs nationally and worldwide. This continued recognition acknowledges our commitment to quality nursing education through accreditation. The ACEN will remain focused on being a supportive partner for our accredited programs as we continue to be the leading authority for nursing education accreditation."

The continued recognition by the USDE affirms that the ACEN standards and processes are consistent with the mission of the USDE – "to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence" ²  – and that the USDE has determined the ACEN to be a reliable authority "as to the quality of education or training provided by institutions of higher education." ³ The ACEN also continues to be the only USDE recognized accrediting agency for nursing programs at the practical, diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, and clinical doctorate levels.

To learn more about the history of accreditation in the United States or about the significance of USDE recognition, please visit the Department's website at https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html. For more information about the ACEN, please visit http://www.acenursing.org.

The USDE scope of recognition for the ACEN is: "Accreditation of nursing education programs and schools, both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer a certificate, diploma, or a recognized professional degree including clinical doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs in the United States and its territories, including those offered via distance education. Title IV Note: Practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and higher degree nursing education programs that are not located in a regionally accredited institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs." ¹

¹ https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg7.html#NationalInstitutional
² https://www.ed.gov
³ https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html

ATLANTA, May 14 , 2018 – The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) is proud to share that the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) has once again granted recognition to the ACEN as a specialized accreditor for nursing education programs.

On May 9, 2018, the ACEN received the decision letter from Diane Auer Jones, Senior Policy Advisor form the Office of Postsecondary Education at the USDE, stating that the recognition of the ACEN was renewed for a period of five years in accordance with 34 CFR 602.36 of the Secretary of Education's Criteria. This decision mirrors the recommendation from the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) and the recommendation from USDE staff.

The ACEN has been recognized by the USDE continuously since 19521; however, what makes the recognition so momentous is the ACEN was awarded the maximum number of years possible, with no follow-up. This flawless result demonstrates that the ACEN is the gold standard of nursing education program accreditation.

"We are ecstatic to receive this five-year recognition decision from the USDE, which benefits nursing programs nationally and worldwide. This continued recognition acknowledges our commitment to quality nursing education through accreditation. The ACEN will remain focused on being a supportive partner for our accredited programs as we continue to be the leading authority for nursing education accreditation."

The continued recognition by the USDE affirms that the ACEN standards and processes are consistent with the mission of the USDE – "to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence"¹ – and that the USDE has determined the ACEN to be a reliable authority "as to the quality of education or training provided by institutions of higher education."² The ACEN also continues to be the only USDE recognized accrediting agency for nursing programs at the practical, diploma, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, master's degree, and clinical doctorate levels.

To learn more about the history of accreditation in the United States or about the significance of USDE recognition, please visit the Department's website at https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html.

The USDE scope of recognition for the ACEN is: "Accreditation of nursing education programs and schools, both postsecondary and higher degree, which offer a certificate, diploma, or a recognized professional degree including clinical doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, associate, diploma, and practical nursing programs in the United States and its territories, including those offered via distance education. Title IV Note: Practical, diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and higher degree nursing education programs that are not located in a regionally accredited institutions may use accreditation by this agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs." ³

_________________________________________

1. https://www.ed.gov
2. https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html
3. https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg7.html#NationalInstitutional

ATLANTA, Dec. 5, 2017 –As a reminder, the 2017 Standards and Criteria became effective January 1, 2017, and all programs being reviewed beginning January 1, 2018 will do so under the 2017 Standards and Criteria. To that end, the ACEN is committed to helping you as a supportive partner with the transition to the 2017 Standards and Criteria, and the ACEN staff would like to remind faculty that there are several resources to assist programs with this transition. These resources include the professional staff, online documents and guidelines, forums and workshops, as well as intensive support options.

Professional Staff
The ACEN professional staff are seasoned educators who are committed to helping programs navigate the accreditation process.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about the ACEN Standards and Criteria, policies, or procedures. We are here to help!

Online Resources – Recently Updated!
The ACEN website is a substantial online resource providing links to the ACEN Accreditation Manual, Standards and Criteria, guidelines, instructions, and templates. The ACEN would like to thank all of the individuals who have provided feedback to improve the clarity of our documents and guidelines. Faculty are encouraged to review the following updated resources which may be particularly helpful with the 2017 transition:

• Guidelines for the Preparation of the Self-Study Report: This document is a must-use for preparing the Self-Study Report, providing not only details for formatting but also lists of essential elements which should be included in the report and/or the evidence room to support the narrative. There are also focused questions in these guidelines to help you with developing a clear and comprehensive report for your peers.
• Sample Systematic Evaluation Plan Template:  The systematic plan for program evaluation may seem overwhelming. Conversely, the 2017s have significantly reduced the information that must be included in the plan (hurray!). Though the ACEN does not mandate a particular format for the plan, this example template provides a great place to start for those new to accreditation or those transitioning their plan to the 2017s.
• Faculty Profile Table and Instructions:  Criterion 2.1 and 2.2 has significant changes in the 2017s. This table and the instructions assist faculty with providing all of the required information for peers to evaluate these Criteria as well as components of Criteria 2.3, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.10.
• Laboratory Personnel Table and Instructions:  For programs that have laboratory personnel who support the lab and/or facilitate student learning experiences, this table is necessary! Laboratory personnel are discussed in Criterion 2.7 of the Self-Study Report and these instructions will assist you with completing the table if it is applicable to your program.
• Guidelines for the Preparation of the Follow-Up Report: Does your program have a Follow-Up Report due after January 1, 2018? If so, the faculty must write the report to the 2017s even though they may have been previously reviewed under the 2013s. These guidelines will assist you with all aspects of the report.
• Site Visit Report Templates used by Peer Evaluators: Review the report template used by your peers during the site visit. This template can provide valuable information about the types of questions and clarifications they may ask about during the visit. Feel free to copy tables into your own reports for ease of use by your peers!
• ACEN Glossary: End-of-program student learning outcomes; program outcomes, laboratory personnel; program coordinators; sufficient full-time faculty; communities of interest; partnerships; program completion. What do these terms really mean? Check out the glossary to ensure you understand to what your peers are referring!
• Side-by-Side Comparison: This document provides a comparison of the 2017 and current 2013 Standards and Criteria reflecting a description of the changes. Check this out for rationales as well as details for helping your programs' transition!
• Open Access Training Modules: These freely accessible modules are available for everyone! While all Peer Evaluators complete this online training, even you may access the materials which provide a great overview of the 2017 Standards and Criteria!

Workshops, Forums, Annual Conference
Want to hear it live? The ACEN staff provide a full review of the 2017 Standards and Criteria during Self-Study Forums each spring and fall. These forums provide attendees an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the ACEN Standards and Criteria, the self-study process, as well as guidance for writing the Self-Study Report. Bring your questions and get practical ideas for writing to the Standards and Criteria in the Self-Study Report.

We also offer workshops for program administrators, which is particularly helpful for new administrators or those new to accreditation. These workshops assist the novice or advanced-beginner nurse administrator and other program administrators who are leading an accredited program. Information related to accreditation policies, processes, and maintaining compliance with the ACEN Standards and Criteria is provided. The Program Administrators Workshop is a great way to network and share experiences with others.

Finally, the inaugural ACEN Nursing Education Accreditation Conference in July 2018 will be a great venue to learn from your peers and discover the innovative ways other programs are meeting and exceeding the ACEN Standards! The conference theme for 2018 is "Quality Education through Accreditation" and will provide a scholarly forum in which faculty, nurse administrators, and students of ACEN-accredited programs share best practices related to nursing education accreditation. The conference is your opportunity to engage in scholarship, learn new educational practices, meet and network with your peers, interact with the ACEN Board of Commissioners, meet our dynamic Chief Executive Officer, and enjoy the numerous amenities of Atlanta, Georgia. We hope to see you there!

Intensive Resources
For programs seeking more intensive support, the ACEN offers the following options:

• Peer Evaluator Training and Orientation:  Even if you are not sure about becoming a peer evaluator, reviewing the online training may provide additional insight into the Standards and Criteria as well as demystify the process. Access is open to everyone, though CEs are only provided when you complete the training and become a peer evaluator!
• Observer on a Site Visit Team: Have you ever wanted to know what the peer evaluators look for as they come to visit your program? This option provides programs with an opportunity to send a faculty member on a site visit to another program to observe the peer evaluators on the site visit team and obtain insight on the peer evaluation experience and process.
• Advisory Review: Would your program like more extensive help from the professional staff? This option provides your program an opportunity for more comprehensive feedback from a professional staff member, typically 1-2 years before a scheduled continuing accreditation site visit.
• Candidacy Mentoring: The ACEN is your supportive partner for guidelines and mentorship when seeking initial accreditation with the organization.  Professional staff are available to answer questions regarding the Candidacy process and a professional staff mentor is assigned to each program upon confirmation of eligibility. This mentor will help to guide the program through the Candidacy process. The Candidacy documents were also updated over the summer and are available to you at: http://www.acenursing.org/resources-candidacy/

As always, ACEN professional staff are available to answer your questions. Please feel comfortable contacting us by telephone at (404) 975-5000.

We are pleased to announce that the Board of Commissioners has approved Policy #32 Observer on the Site Visit Team, which allows a nursing program in its initial or reaccreditation review process to designate one (1) person to accompany a site visit team.  The purpose of a Site Visit Observer is to provide one (1) designated person from a nursing program the opportunity to learn from the site visit team activities and from the review process experience.  A site visit team may have only one (1) observer and that observer may not have any conflicts of interest as defined by ACEN Policy #1 Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest.  All host programs must agree to have an observer accompany the site visit team.  The ACEN cannot guarantee that all requests will be honored nor will all requests be approved due to the variability in the number of scheduled site visits.  However, requests to have an observer accompany a site visit team will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Programs that agree to host an observer will receive priority.  Neither the ACEN nor the host nursing program is responsible for any expenses (e.g., travel, lodging, meal, etc.) incurred by the observer in connection with observing the site visit team process.  All expenses must be borne by the observer and/or the observer's governing organization/nursing program.

All requests must include the completed Observer Intake Form with appropriate signatures and the prospective observer's curriculum vitae.  Both documents should be submitted by fax, ATTN: Observer, +1 (404) 975-5020. The Observer Intake Form is also available in the Resources for Nursing Programs page of the ACEN website.

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Source: https://www.acenursing.org/category/news/

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