AACN And AONE Announce Plans For Nurse Manager Certification Exam - Partnership Follows Launch Of Nurse Manager Orientation Program

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 04 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) and the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) announced that they have expanded their partnership to develop the first certification exam designed exclusively for nurse managers.

This latest partnership effort is rooted in AACN's and AONE's 6-year collaboration to provide education and development resources for nurse managers. Development of a nurse manager certification program is a logical next step following the highly successful release last year of the Essentials of Nurse Manager Orientation (ENMO), a comprehensive e-learning program on which the two organizations collaborated. Providing tools to support and validate the knowledge, skills and abilities of nurse managers is of vital importance given the high influence they have on the quality of patient care and the work environment in which nurses deliver that care.

AACN Certification Corporation completed a study of nurse manager practices which found that frontline nurse managers are generally prepared for their leadership roles through on-the-job training. This certification will provide a way for nurse managers to validate that they have acquired the essential knowledge and skills necessary to be effective in their role.

The relationship between AACN and AONE began in 2002 when the two organizations, in collaboration with the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), developed the Leadership Learning Domain Framework for nurse managers and the resulting Nurse Manager Inventory Tool. The Inventory Tool and ENMO fill a previously unaddressed need organizations and individuals had for assessing and developing nurse manager leadership skills.

"We are extremely pleased to expand our strong and highly valued partnership with AONE to provide essential resources for nurse managers," said Wanda Johanson, RN, MN, chief executive officer of AACN. "The development of this certification exam will give nurse managers a way to develop and validate their knowledge as they strive to excel in their demanding roles, carrying out complex leadership responsibilities that directly affect the quality of patient and family care."

"As an organization dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative nursing leadership, AONE is proud to offer a certification exam for nurse managers, which will significantly add to our depth of nurse leader resources," said Pamela Thompson, MS, RN, FAAN, chief executive officer for AONE. "Our continued partnership with AACN makes it possible to fill this need in a comprehensive and expedient manner."

More information on the Leadership Learning Domain Framework, Nurse Manager Inventory Tool, and the Essentials of Nurse Manager Orientation is available on both organizations' web sites at http://www.aacn.org and at http://www.aone.org.

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 500,000 acute and critical care nurses. Its international headquarters are located in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Founded in 1969, the association has more than 240 chapters worldwide and is working toward a healthcare system driven by the needs of patients and their families, where acute and critical care nurses make their optimal contribution. Complete information about AACN is available online at www.aacn.org.

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE) is the national professional organization for nurses who design, facilitate and manage care. With more than 6,000 members, AONE is the voice of nursing leadership in healthcare. Since 1967, the organization has provided leadership, professional development, advocacy and research to advance nursing practice and patient care, promote nursing leadership excellence and shape public policy for healthcare. AONE's 48 affiliated state and metropolitan chapters and its alliances with state hospital associations give the organization's initiatives a regional and local presence. AONE is a subsidiary of the American Hospital Association.

American Organization of Nurse Executives