Efforts to achieve the inaugural programmatic self-assessment of the Nursing College, guided by the Iraqi National Standards for Nursing as the benchmark of excellence – MAUC 2024-2025

Abstract

In 2007 the World Health Organization estimated dozens of million nurses forming the major workforce[1-2]. The Nursing School Accreditation Standards supported the National Accreditation Council for Nursing Schools (ACANC) to set national standards that will assist in accomplishing the accreditation process for nursing colleges in Iraq [3-4].The need for national standards is among the priorities to overcome the challenges in health and healthcare provision. The interaction between nursing and the beneficiaries is the focus of nursing education and health care [5-6]. The first university to adopt a based education program for nurses was recognized  in 1920(7)

The Iraqi national standards tried to identify essential components of education. To guarantee appropriate placement of graduated nurses in proper health care provision. [8-9] 

Methodology and design

Reviewing the existing standards and compiling a background synthesis document supported by literature review and analysis, consensus-building through nominal group process, and expert analysis, in addition to expert analysis of data and feedback analysis of public comments. The steps followed were mainly planned to gather evidence and data, secure the expert's consensus, collection of public comments, analysis, and synthesis, followed by document submission.

Results

The first & second standards contain nine criteria each. The third standard contains seven standards. The fourth standard contains ten standards, while the fifth one contains three criteria. Electronic database data is developed using clearly defined and written test plans. The head of the nursing department is a member of the college council and represents the department. The scientific dean directs the activities of the faculty and directs the nursing accreditation and curriculum committee and the faculty council with clear statements of authority and responsibility by the associate scientific dean, department head, and committee members.

Conclusions

The standards of the nursing program are suitable for establishing a solid educational criterion based on evidence and competency and toward lifelong learning. Moreover, Ongoing monitoring of syllabus implementation is ensured through clearly defined methods, documented in syllabus documents, and agreed to by staff.