Western Regional School of Nursing and the BN Collaborative Program will be going through the accreditation process by the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) and approval process through the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador (ARNNL) in the spring (March) of 2008. 
 
Accreditation is the means by which a school of nursing, its faculty and its students are measured to determine the quality of the education program in place.  When the BN Collaborative Program began with our partner site, Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Nursing and the Centre for Nursing Studies, we went through the same process and received a full 7 year accreditation and approval.  Now it is time for re-evaluation!! 
 
In order to promote student involvement in the process it was decided to prepare them for the visit of the accreditation and approval teams.  The teams normally interview students, review academic and clinical assignments, review projects, attend classes, clinical, conferences, labs, etc...  Therefore it is important for students to be aware of the process. 

To start this process a student readiness committee within the school was formed with this very intention.  Fun activities are being rolled out every month to teach students about accreditation, approval and their role in the process. 
 
The first activity was a LOGO CONTEST.  We asked students to come up with a logo for the accreditation/ approval preparation, so that when they see the logo all will know that it signifies an information session, contest, fun night, game, etc.... related to accreditation/approval and at the same time a learning process!!

The winner of the Logo contest was Brian Brenton a 4th year student.  Brian’s logo depicts the colors of CASN and ARNNL surrounding the WRSON crest, with the words “Accreditation through Partnership and Collaboration” surrounding the circles.  Congratulations to Brian for his winning entry!!  Brian is now the owner of an iPod shuffle. 

Many more activities are slated for the upcoming months.  Thank you to all students for participating and we look forward to their continued involvement!!