ANCC Accredited Nursing Skills Competency Program

South Carolina Nurse, The, Apr-Jun 2008 by Allison, MaryMoon

WELCOME

The ANCC Accreditation Program is excited to announce the addition of the brand new, never been done before, accreditation of a Nursing Skills Competency Program.

This new initiative awards accreditation to an educational course that meets ANCC Accreditation Program criteria for the design and implementation of a course that yields or validates a skill or skill set.

The application may be accessed online at http://www. nursecredentialing.org/accred/competency/application.htm

Anticipated questions:

Q. Practically speaking, what are the differences between ANCC-accredited continuing nursing education and an ANCC-accredited nursing skills competency program?

A. Accreditation relative to continuing nursing education is awarded to an organization or entity that provides (or, in limited instances, that approves) continuing nursing education activities. ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program accreditation is granted to an individual course, rather than the entity or organization providing the course. The accredited nursing skills competency course must be designed according to ANCC design criteria.

Design criteria for the ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program include validity and reliability requirements, as well as requirements for observation of successful use of the skill or skill set in practice. Additionally, the qualifications of the speakers and mentors/overseers must be identified, and selection of those qualifications must be defended as part of the ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program application process.

Q. Who should apply?

A. The ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program is for any organization that offers high quality education programs for nurses, such as:

* Hospitals. Substantiate the skills of your nurses to accrediting bodies, third-party payers, and consumers.

* Manufacturers or distributors of commercial healthcare products. Communicate your commitment to not only sell products, but to ensure appropriate use by the healthcare provider.

* Specialty nursing organizations. Validate and communicate specialized nursing skills and competencies.

* State nurses associations. Enhance portability by demonstrating the nursing skills of your members through a nationally accredited course. Assist nurses entering your state to provide evidence of proficiency in the skills required by employers in your state.

* Temporary staffing agencies. Show customers that your nurses are competent in a variety of skills.

* Universities and schools of nursing. Demonstrate the skills of graduating nursing students. This is an excellent accreditation for simulation labs and nurse refresher courses.

Q. How does an organization apply?

A. An organization interested in obtaining ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program Accreditation must complete an application describing its nursing education program assessment, planning, curriculum, teaching strategies, instructor qualifications, learning environment, and successful completion criteria.

The application may be accessed online at http://www. nursecredentialing.org/accred/competency/application.htm

The application is reviewed by a volunteer review panel consisting of education design experts and experts in the content and skill to be taught in each applicant program. Site visits are not required as part of the application process.

Q. How long is the accreditation of the nursing skills competency program in effect?

A. ANCC Nursing Skills Competency Program Accreditation is typically granted for two years, with the option to apply for renewal after the initial accreditation period.

Additional information may be found on the ANCC Accreditation Program web site at http://www. nursecredentialing.org/accred/competency/index.htm. Questions or comments should be directed to MaryMoon Allison at MaryMoon.Allison@ana.org or by telephone at 301.628.5261.

MaryMoon Allison, MHSE, BSN, RN, CAE

Director, Accreditation Program

American Nurses Credentialing Center