Organizing and Presenting: Program Outcome Data‪.‬

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the challenging process of collecting, organizing, and presenting outcome data for systematic program evaluation. Critical thinking is used as an example of outcome criteria. The article indicates how a baccalaureate and master's program benefited from the development of a systematic, creative method of data collection, analysis, and reporting. SINCE 1990, ACCREDITING BODIES HAVE FOCUSED ON PROGRAM AND EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES. With the change to outcome evaluation, the focus of nursing education programs has shifted from behaviors to desired student traits at the end of programs. This shift has resulted in a detailed process of system evaluation that leads to an important question: What do we do with the outcome data that have been collected? * Nurse educators across the United States work with outcome data required for accreditation as well as ongoing program improvement. Systematic evaluation is done on all aspects of programs. The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) identifies specific elements required for evaluation (1):