Cox Medical Centers’ International Nurse Fellowship Program becomes first in the nation to receive accreditation

Cox Medical Centers’ International Nurse Fellowship Program has received accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), the first such accreditation awarded in the United States.

This accreditation elevates CoxHealth’s International Fellowship Program to the highest possible standard through ANCC. The distinction signifies to nurses around the world that CoxHealth’s approach meets the highest national and international standard for programs that help nurses successfully transition into new practice settings.

“This accreditation is a testament to our teams’ dedication to providing support as our colleagues adjust to their new roles,” says Gina Ellerbee, DNP, CoxHealth’s Administrative Director of Nursing Practice and Professional Development. “It is an honor to not only be elevated to the highest standard set by the ANCC accreditation, but also to be the country’s only accredited international nurse fellowship program.”

In addition to the International Graduate Nurse Fellowship’s accreditation, the Graduate Nurse Residency’s program also gained accreditation through the ANCC Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP) in 2021. The PTAP sets the global standard for residency programs that transition registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses into new practice settings.

To receive accreditation, Cox Medical Centers (which includes CoxHealth’s Springfield-based facilities) was required to meet standards in the following categories: program leadership, program goals and outcomes measures, organizational enculturation, development and design, and practice-based learning.

In addition to a confidential survey completed by fellowship participants, appraisers from the ANCC met with nurse fellows, preceptors, peer mentors, educators, nurse leaders and human resources representatives to learn more about the International Fellowship Program.

“We are proud of the exceptional uniqueness within our fellowship program here,” says Beth Polivka, System Chief Nursing Officer at CoxHealth. “It is a powerful moment to hear from appraisers that the support we are providing our colleagues is ‘innovative’ and goes ‘above and beyond.' These accreditations are a direct reflection of CoxHealth’s ongoing investment in nurses – from residencies and externships, to support for student nurses, graduates and experienced nurses.”

To learn more about the ANCC’s Practice Transition Accreditation Program®, visit www.nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/accreditation/ptap

To learn more about CoxHealth’s program, visit www.coxhealth.com/employees/nursing/international-nurse-careers/international-gnr