CLINTON, Md. - MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital employee-based nurse residency programs have been accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). This accreditation reflects the deep-rooted values of excellence in patient care and commitment to the highest standards in nursing education and clinical practice for new nurses exhibited by both hospitals.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation is a nationally recognized indicator of quality and integrity in nursing education programs, ensuring programs meet rigorous quality standards across key areas: Program Delivery, Institutional Commitment and Resources, Curriculum, and Assessment and Achievement of Program Outcomes.
MedStar Southern Maryland submitted its initial application and documentation in February 2023, and MedStar St. Mary’s in May 2023. This was followed by the development of a comprehensive, 1,000-page self-study document indicating how each hospital’s nurse residency program met CCNE criteria. Successful on-site surveys by CCNE representatives at both facilities were completed in November 2024. The accreditation awards were announced in May 2025, demonstrating each hospital’s high standards for transitioning new nurses into clinical practice.
Laura Ogle, DNP, CENP, CNE, CEN, MedStar Southern Maryland’s director, Nursing Professional Development, said, “This achievement reinforces MedStar Southern Maryland nursing program’s commitment to integrity, professionalism, the highest standards of nursing education, and ultimately, better care for the community. The CCNE accreditation demonstrates the exceptional quality of our nursing residency program.”
The accreditation process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the hospital’s nursing program based on four key standards:
- Support for new nurses by ensuring they are equipped to safely and confidently enter clinical practice.
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Access to institutional resources including technology, learning spaces, funds to support a strong nurse residency program, and strong academic partnerships within the community.
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A robust curriculum and professional development focused on clinical skills, leadership, and professional growth, including scholarly research opportunities.
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Continuous collection and analysis of data on the program’s outcomes.
“Accreditation of MedStar St. Mary’s nurse residency program validates our commitment to new-to-practice nurses and means we are committed to empowering new nurses with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to thrive,” stated Jeanne Hill, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, RNC-OB, C-EFM, director, Nursing Professional Development at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital. “Being awarded the maximum 5-year accreditation is proof that our program consistently meets the highest standards of excellence.
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Cheryl Richardson
301-877-5556
cheryl.richardson@medstar.net