Strategies to promote civility in accreditation

Abstract

Nursing accreditation demonstrates that educational programs meet expected quality standards while also helping to ensure programs prepare caring and skilled nurses who positively impact healthcare. However, due to the stressful, high-stakes nature of accreditation processes, as well as factors that influence nursing faculty, activities may lead to aggressive behaviors. Aggressions during accreditation processes contribute to negative outcomes such as adverse accreditation actions that ultimately impact individuals, programs, and organizations. This article offers strategies that nursing faculty, whether participating in accreditation activities at their employing institution or serving as peer reviewers for an accrediting organization, can use to promote civility and community. Respectful, cooperative approaches applied throughout accreditation activities help enhance program outcomes.