CCNE vs NLN Accreditation

[richkundrn]

I have an ADN with 8 years experience in L&D/OB, Psych and NICU. I'm currently working NICU in a hospital that is working toward magnet status and strongly encourages nurses to be at least BSN prepared. If I'll be returning to school it makes sense to me to go ahead and go for my MSN. I have a real interest in education and my most favorite aspect of nursing is the teaching component- whether it's been coaching a mom through labor, teaching patient groups on a psych unit, or teaching infant care basics to parents in NICU. I love learning patho- I think that is what keeps me interested in NICU (ALWAYS something new to learn). Also, the thought of 12 hour shifts, with sore feet and an aching back when I'm 2 years from retirement just doesn't appeal to me! So, in a nutshell, there's my reasoning for wanting to pursue an MSN as a nurse educator.

Now for my question- I'm researching schools that offer RN to MSN programs as well as the MSN Nurse Educator option. A few of the programs I'm interested in are CCNE accredited, but not NLN accredited. Is there a "gold standard" for accreditation? If you were in a position to hire a newly graduated nurse educator would you have a preference for NLN vs CCNE? From the view of a nurse educator, what are the differences, if any, between working for a CCNE vs NLN accredited program? Do you think my nursing education would differ much either way?

I really appreciate your input!

Thanks!

[barb4575]

Light,

I think you are absolutely right about the differences in NLN vs. CCNE for the different levels of education. Yes, many programs have decided not to do NLN at the BSN level due to expense and CCNE being more prestigious.

Barb

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

And the end result is that for most licensures, either NLN OR CCNE is what is required. It does provide some standardization for education.

[nepatel]

I am enrolled in a RN to BSN program at a University in California. It is a Part of school of Professional Study program at a well known University. We are the first class of the program. we will graduate in August of 2008. Our program does not have CCNE accreditation. Our dean believes that it is just a prestigious recognition and not a neccessary one. We believe that we have to have graduated from accreditated program in order to apply for MSN program at other universities. some of the students are saying that first class needs to graduate from the program before they can give us any accreditation. Is that true? I am really confused.