APNA comments on proposed updates to Standards for Accreditation of Nursing Programs
Recent discussions on the APNA Member Bridge All-Purpose Discussion Forum have highlighted concerns and confusion surrounding aspects of nursing education, such as the securing of clinical placements and preceptors for those enrolled in PMH-NP programs. As a part of its advocacy for members and psychiatric-mental health nursing, APNA monitors standards that drive PMH nursing education programs and gives voice to psychiatric-mental health nursing’s needs and expert input in this area.
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is a national agency that accredits undergraduate and graduate nursing programs. To support this work, it develops standards for this accreditation: the CCNE Standards for Accreditation of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing Programs. Last updated in 2018, the standards are currently under review and revision, a process which included a public comment period on the proposed revisions that ended December 8.
APNA has engaged in discussions on these proposed updates with national nursing organizations, encouraged members of the APNA Education Council to submit their comments, and sent a letter to CCNE providing organizational comments and questions regarding the proposed revisions. For example, the APNA letter:
- Requests clarifications surrounding the responsibilities of graduate programs related to clinical sites and preceptors.
- Expresses concern that the National Task Force Standards for Quality Nurse Practitioner Education, 6th Edition has been removed from the CCNE Standards with these proposed revisions. (APNA was a participant in the National Task Force on Quality Nurse Practitioner Education that developed and revised the criteria, and endorsed the document in 2022).
APNA will continue to update you as more information becomes available!
