SURVEYOR
accreditation nerds unite
Just call us Accreditation Nerds The enthusiasm of accreditation nerds was revealed at ACHCU Academy this March. The five content tracks of the program—hospital clinical/administrative, hospital facilities, hospice, home health, and pharmacy—gave us five categories for a game we called “Not Immediate Jeopardy.” We planned to encourage Academy registrants to play our game with accreditation nerd t-shirts. We learned quickly that the game was fun, but the t-shirts were treasure! Individuals tasked to help their organizations achieve and maintain ACHC accreditation are deeply invested . They take enormous pride in that effort and in their knowledge of accreditation requirements. The demand for t-shirts outstripped the supply! Academy presents a unique opportunity to gather with other members of the ACHC “nerd nation” to learn and exchange ideas. “ In -person” takes on a double meaning: Connection is one of the best parts of the annual event and as Academy grows, more and more healthcare nerds are “in the know!”
Embracing Inclusion: ACHC Accreditation Nerds
There are math nerds and science nerds, film nerds and Shakespeare nerds, gaming nerds, music nerds; the list goes on. There are subgenres within categories: What is a civil war reenactor but a history enthusiast with a niche focus? In other words, a nerd.
Nursing Nerd
Nerds are highly engaged in a specialized area of knowledge. And with that working definition, many now adopt for themselves what was once a negative label. The evolution of “nerd” from an insult to a badge of honor is the result of an important change—a mindset shift from a perspective of exclusivity to one that embraces inclusion .
Rather than being received as a criticism calling out an “uncool” interest, today’s nerds are proud of their passions, open to others who share them, and totally fine with those who don’t. Recognize someone’s intensity of focus by saying, “you’re a nerd!” and you’ll likely be met with enthusiastic agreement and an invitation for you to learn more.
After nursing school I started on a surgical floor, later moving to a surgical ICU. I thrived in those high-intensity environments, but when my hospital faced closure, a PRN nurse I worked with suggested I give home health (HH) a try. At the time, I had my doubts—HH was often seen as where nurses went when they couldn’t “hang” in the hospital. But from my very first day 30 years ago, I was hooked. Home health opened my eyes to a different kind of patient care, one that went beyond the hospital’s clinical focus. Success demanded more than just hands-on skills—it required a keen understanding of regulations and standards, which I found incredibly compelling. When OASIS was introduced to home health in 1999, I jumped at the chance to volunteer and lead its implementation at my agency. That experience ignited a passion for quality and regulatory work, and I transitioned into a role as a regional quality coordinator. While in that position, my company made the decision to shift from state oversight to pursue ACHC accreditation. I found the transition process absolutely fascinating—digging into the details, aligning policies, and ensuring compliance was right up my alley. That experience inspired me to take a leap and apply for a surveyor position 16 years ago, and I can honestly say it’s been the
ACHCU ACADEMY CLASS OF 2025
most rewarding role of my career. The constant evolution of rules and regulations keeps me on my toes, and I thrive on staying ahead of the curve in this ever- changing field. I definitely live and breathe accreditation.
Accreditation nerd pride on display as many attendees wore their shirts on the last day of the conference.
4 | Volume 2025 | No. 1
achc.org | (855) 937-2242 | 5
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