NLNAC Evaluates School of Nursing for Reaccreditation

Managing Editor

Courtesy of Media Services

Reaccreditation Evaluation - The reaccreditation site team from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission Council of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs visited the University of Arkansas at Monticello School of Nursing. The School of Nursing is seeking continued accreditation for its BSN program. Preparations for the visit spanned two years and was a school-wide effort. Pictured from left are (seated): Christine Felts, Belinda Well and Leia O'Fallon of the UAM nursing faculty, (standing) James Crow, Anita Shaw and Laura Evans of the UAM nursing faculty, Pam Gouner, dean of the School of Nursing, faculty members Charlotte Denton and Sharon Walters, and Carolyn Kornegay and Toni Barnett of the NLNAC accreditation team.

 
   MONTICELLO - The School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas at Monticello received a visit from representatives of the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

   According to Pam Gouner, dean of the School of Nursing, the school hosted two site visitors from the NLNAC for three days.

   Toni Barnett, from North Georgia State College and University, and Carolyn Kornegay, from Langston University in Oklahoma, visited UAM March 2-4 to evaluate the nursing program for reaccreditation.

   Gouner said accreditation evaluations occur every eight years.

   “Site visitors review documents and question students, faculty, staff and administration involved with the nursing program,” she said. “In addition to multiple meetings with clinical facilities and faculty and administrators on campus.”

   Barnett and Kornegay held a public meeting March 3 in Sorrels Hall to allow alumni, hospital representatives, scholarship donors and Drew H.E.A.L.T.H. Coalition members to give feedback about the contributions and opportunities of UAM’s nursing program.

   Theresa Horton, director of Education at South Central Center of Aging and a UAM nursing alumna, said she never has to worry about the work ethic of the graduates.

   “They know what they are supposed to do,” she said.

   Cheryl Rabalais, physician office manager at Ashley County Medical Center, said ACMC has not experienced nursing shortages as much as other locations because of students from UAM.

   “We look really hard at UAM graduates,” she said. “We know they are prepared.”

   Gouner said graduating from an accredited program means the school teaches according to the national standards of nursing education.

   “It is heartwarming to hear how UAM nursing has touched so many lives in Southeast Arkansas ,” Gouner said. “We strive to educate exceptional nurses that will make a positive difference in the lives of those they touch.”

   Gouner said it was a wonderful visit and the school expects an excellent report when she receives notification from NLNAC in June.

   UAM School of Nursing graduates currently rank highest in the state of Arkansas for their performance on the NCLEX-RN licensing exam (96 percent), according to Gouner. Arkansas ranks No. 6 in the nation on NCLEX-RN pass rates.