(photo by Neil Brake)
Nursing School hosts visit from accrediting commission
The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) conducted a site visit this week of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing.
Three evaluators and a representative from the Department of Education conducted a comprehensive three-day tour that included reviews of curriculum, classroom and blended learning as well as stops at several of the school's clinical sites.
“We take our role of educating tomorrow's nurse practitioners very seriously,” said Linda Norman, D.S.N., R.N., senior associate dean for Academics.
“Although it's been a lot of work for everyone at the school, we do enjoy the opportunity to showcase our approach to education, talented faculty, innovative programs and our students.”
The NLNAC views schools of nursing as important parts of a community's infrastructure, so the site evaluators hosted a public comment session that was attended by health leaders such as Commissioner of Health Susan Cooper, M.S.N., R.N., and other members of the community.
Evaluators visited clinical sites where students receive experience such as pediatrics and palliative care at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, acute care at Vanderbilt University Hospital and primary care at Vine Hill Community Clinic.
The NLNAC re-accredits schools of nursing every eight years. VUSN was due for review in 2007, but received an extension due to renovations being done at Godchaux Hall at that time.
Official results of the school's accreditation will be revealed in the coming weeks.