[Accreditation processes for nurses: a historical briefing]

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Accreditation
• Professional Development

Context:

• The historical evolution of nurse accreditation in critical care is a complex process.
• Accreditation standards vary globally, impacting nursing education and practice.
• Key international bodies and national systems influence accreditation processes.

Purpose:

• To trace the historical development and milestones of nurses' accreditation in critical care.
• To analyze the different categories and approaches to nursing accreditation worldwide.
• To identify key countries and timelines for the establishment of nursing accreditation.

Summary:

• A literature review of LILACS and MEDLINE identified 16 publications on critical care nurses' accreditation.
• The USA employs CCNE, NLNAC, NCLEX, and professional associations for evaluating institutions and nurses.
• Accreditation is also significant in Spain, Canada, South Africa, and Australia, with origins in the mid-20th century.

Impact:

• Understanding historical accreditation trends informs current and future nursing standards.
• Highlights the developed world's focus on professional certification and accreditation in nursing.
• Provides a global perspective on the establishment and evolution of nursing accreditation frameworks.