National League for Nursing

About the NLN

National League for Nursing - Excellence Initiatives

Frequently Asked Questions About The
Continuing Designation

How does continuing designation differ from the initial designation?
Is it necessary to have a consultant visit, if our school has previously undergone the process?
Does the COE committee have access to my previous application when reviewing the application for continued designation?
How much information do I need to include for each criteria?
What happens to my designation if I do not reapply for COE designation?

How does continuing designation differ from the initial designation?
Continuing designation is a subsequent award given to a currently designated COE school using the same application and rigorous review process. The difference is in the fees and designation period: schools applying for a second designation receive discounted application fees and those applying for subsequent designations receive a longer designation period; five years instead of four years. Is it necessary to have a consultant visit, if our school has previously undergone the process?
No. The consultant visit is optional for all COE designated schools applying for continued COE designation. As with the initial designation if the applicant chooses to have a consultant they assume all costs for the on-site consultant visit, including travel, meals, and lodging expenses. These arrangements are made by the school in collaboration with the consultant.
Does the COE committee have access to my previous application when reviewing the application for continued designation?
No, the selection committee does not have a copy of the previous application. Therefore it is especially important to provide background, highlight your exemplars, and provide evidence of how you have sustained excellence during your designation period. As with the original application, all criteria in the selected category must be addressed across all programs. How much information do I need to include for each criteria?
It is the responsibility of the school to provide convincing evidence that all criteria in the selected category have been met for all programs offered by the school. Background information as well as a timeline should be referenced with a focus on sustainability, impact and outcomes.

What happens to my designation if I do not reapply for COE designation?
COE designation including use of the COE logo can only be used by currently designated Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education schools. If you choose not to reapply for COE designation or are unsuccessful in your bid for continuing designation you are no longer eligible to use the designation or specially designed COE logo.