BECOMING A PROGRAM EVALUATOR...

Peer reviewers are: program evaluators (site visitors), evaluation review panel members, and appeal panel members. They make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Peer reviewers know the current thinking within the various program types; are aware of appropriate curricula, rules, and conventions; and will quickly detect any unjustifiable attempt to depart from appropriate standards and criteria.

(view listing of NLNAC Peer Reviewers)

Eligibility For Selection as Peer Evaluator

Requirements	Master’s Degree	Baccalaureate Degree
Nursing Faculty/ Administrator Educational Credentials	Earned doctoral degree; Master’s degree in Nursing	Earned doctoral degree; Master’s degree in Nursing
Nurse Clinician Educational Credentials	Master’s degree in Nursing	Master’s degree in Nursing
Nursing Faculty/ Administrator Experience	Full time faculty appointment or administrator in an accredited* baccalaureate or higher degree program Current program evaluators who have accepted a part time faculty or administrative position* may continue to serve	Full time faculty appointment or administrator in an accredited* baccalaureate or higher degree program Current program evaluators who have accepted a part time faculty or administrative position* may continue to serve
Nurse Clinician Experience	Clinical appointment in nursing service	Clinical appointment in nursing service
Knowledge	Higher education Curriculum and instruction Current issues in nursing education and practice Philosophy and processes of specialized accreditation	Higher education Curriculum and instruction Current issues in nursing education and practice Philosophy and processes of specialized accreditation
Skills	Communication Group dynamics Computer literacy Management Professional expertise	Communication Group dynamics Computer literacy Management Professional expertise
Contributions	Scholarship/Research Practice Community service Institutional service Professional service	Scholarship/ Research Practice Community service Institutional service Professional service
Sensitivity	Cultural diversity/ uniqueness Entrepreneurial skills	Cultural diversity/ uniqueness Entrepreneurial skills

Requirements	Associate Degree	Diploma	Practical Nursing
Nursing Faculty/ Administrator Educational Credentials	Master’s degree in Nursing	Master’s degree in Nursing	Master’s degree in Nursing
Nurse Clinician Educational Credentials	Master’s degree in Nursing	Master’s degree in Nursing	Master’s degree in Nursing
Nursing Faculty/ Administrator Experience	Full time faculty appointment or administrator in an accredited* associate degree program Current program evaluators who have accepted a part time faculty or administrative position* may continue to serve	Full time administrator or faculty member in an accredited* diploma nursing program Current program evaluators who have accepted a part time faculty or administrative position* may continue to serve	Minimum of three years teaching; or as administrator in an accredited* practical nursing program Current program evaluators who have accepted a part time faculty or administrative position* may continue to serve
Nurse Clinician Experience	Clinical appointment in nursing service	Clinical appointment in nursing service	Clinical appointment in nursing service
Knowledge	Associate degree education Curriculum and instruction Current issues in nursing education and practice Philosophy and processes of specialized accreditation	Diploma education Curriculum and instruction Current issues in nursing education and practice Philosophy and processes of specialized accreditation	Practical nursing education Curriculum and instruction Current issues in nursing education and practice Philosophy and processes of specialized accreditation
Skills	Communication Group dynamics Computer literacy Management Professional Expertise	Communication Group dynamics Computer literacy Professional Expertise	Communication Group dynamics Computer literacy Maintain expertise
Contributions	Scholarship Community service Professional service Institutional service	Scholarship Professional service Community service	Scholarship Professional service Community service
Sensitivity	Cultural diversity/ uniqueness Entrepreneurial skills	Cultural diversity/ uniqueness Entrepreneurial skills	Cultural diversity/ uniqueness Entrepreneurial skills

* Program Evaluators (Educators) must be from NLNAC accredited nursing programs.

Program Evaluator (Site Visitor)

Selection

All program evaluators are current faculty and/or administrators of NLNAC accredited programs, or nurse clinicians and are selected through mechanisms and criteria established by the Commission.

Individuals identified by staff, nominated by a colleague, or who wish to be considered as a program evaluator must: submit letter of interest, current resume, and a letter of recommendation; be invited by NLNAC staff to become a program evaluator; and attend a program evaluator training forum.

Appointment

Program evaluators are eligible to serve for an indefinite period of time based on the following criteria:

	receive positive evaluations;
	remain current with the accreditation process through such avenues as attending program evaluator training forums, website communication, updates at annual meetings, participation in site visits on a regular basis;
	express an interest in continuing as a program evaluator.

Resignation

A program evaluator who retires may continue to serve as a program evaluator up to three additional years if she/he desires. Annually, the individual will submit for review a summary of activities undertaken to maintain currency.

A program evaluator who is no longer affiliated with nursing education program or nursing service will be asked to resign.

A program evaluator who accepts a position in a program not accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission will not be eligible to continue as a program evaluator.

Evaluation

An evaluation system is used to allow peer evaluators and the nursing education unit to provide input regarding the performance of each program evaluator and team chairperson.

Training

Program Evaluator Training Forums are held annually. Program evaluators are expected to attend one forum during a four year period.

Briefing Sessions are held by telephone conference call for scheduled visitors prior to each visit cycle.

Honorarium

An honorarium is paid to the program evaluator, unless the evaluator notifies the NLNAC that her/his institutional policies do not allow for stipends.

Evaluation Review Panel Member

Selection

Evaluation review panel members and alternate panel members are program specific and are appointed by NLNAC Board of Commissioners. The NLNAC professional staff reviews candidates based on information from current evaluation review panel members, program evaluators, Commissioners, and accredited programs and recommends their names to the Commission. Evaluation review panel members and alternate panel members must be current program evaluators and represent NLNAC accredited programs. Approximately one-fourth of the evaluation review panel member terms shall expire in any one year.

Appointment

Evaluation review panel members serve for a three-year term and may be appointed to two consecutive terms. Alternate evaluation review panel members may serve indefinitely. Vacancies are filled by program specific evaluators, selected from the list of alternate panel members to complete the unexpired term. An evaluation review panel member who retires may serve out the existing term, but, will not be eligible for reappointment.

Training

Evaluation review panel members are expected to attend program evaluator training forums. Prior to each Evaluation Review Panel meeting a Briefing Session is held to update the panel members.

Appeal Panel Member

Selection

Appeal panel members have knowledge and experience of the peer review process. The nurse educator members are currently active in nursing education. Evaluation review panel members and Commissioners cannot serve as an appeal panel member.

Appointment

The Panel shall consist of individuals drawn from a Commission approved list maintained by NLNAC of persons qualified to serve as appeal panel members.

For consideration in becoming a Program Evaluator, you may submit a letter of interest, current resume, and a letter of recommendation to:

Sharon J. Tanner, EdD, MSN, RN
Chief Executive Officer
National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, Inc.
3343 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 850
Atlanta, GA 30326