LIHUE — Kauai Community College’s nursing program has been awarded accreditation for eight years, the longest period possible, by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
“To receive reaffirmation of ACEN accreditation for the next eight years is a testament to the nursing faculty who are dedicated to their pursuit of providing a quality nursing program for our Kauai community,” said Tammie Napoleon, health education chair and nursing faculty.
Nursing faculty include Sharon Ehlers, Maria Fabro, Sandra Knighton, Tammie Napoleon, Charlene Ono, Kurt Rutter and Maureen Tabura.
“Congratulations on this outstanding achievement,” said Marsal Stoll, CEO of ACEN, adding that the ACEN Board of Commissioners commended the faculty for their “commitment to quality nursing education.”
The KCC nursing program accepts 24 students annually. Although the majority of the students are from Kauai, students from other islands also enroll, according to Tabura, lead coordinator for the accreditation self-study.
Second-year student and Nursing Club President Brittney Barreira was interviewed by ACEN as part of the accreditation process.
Her passion for nursing started with job experience at Hale Kupuna Heritage Home in Omao. She will earn an associate of science degree in nursing in May and plans to earn a bachelor of science degree in nursing while working on Oahu. She may focus on pediatrics, with plans to return to work on Kauai.
“You can go anywhere and work in a hospital, in clinics, in pediatrics, and even in informatics,” Barreira said.
“Our nursing program produces professionals who transition quickly to the professional world once they get their degree,” said Helen Cox, chancellor for KCC. “Our students continue to four-year degrees. Some even earn PhDs.”
Nursing faculty and staff chose the legendary Hokulea as the accreditation theme, noting the canoe made many trips across the globe facing challenges and coming up with solutions. “Hookahi ka ilau like ana,” which means, “Wield the paddles together. Work together,” became the team’s guide throughout the preparation and production of the accreditation self-study.
Accreditation reviewers commended faculty and staff for their depth of quality and expertise. Assistant Professor for Natural Sciences Terrence Bruns, who teaches general education courses that align with the nursing program, was among those recognized.
“Our faculty members bring a unique and talented set of skills to their classroom teaching, and they are totally committed to our students,” Cox said. “They are responsible for the distinction of this accreditation. I am grateful and honored to support them. They are outstanding educators.”
