ACDN Accreditation
The Aotearoa College of Diabetes Nurses (ACDN) of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is dedicated to the provision of excellent standards of care and education for people in New Zealand living with diabetes.
The goal of the Accreditation Programme is to provide a framework by which nurses working within the area of diabetes can be recognised for having attained knowledge and skills, as defined by the National Diabetes Nurses Knowledge and Skills Framework (2018) within their area of practice and have demonstrated continued maintenance and development of knowledge and skills through a systematic and regular review process.
Accreditation closing dates
Accreditation applications are invited twice yearly from June (closing date early August) and January (closing date early March).
Download closing dates for 2025 - 2026 here
Guideline to accreditation
All information pertaining to both initial accreditation and maintenance accreditation can be found in the Guideline to Accreditation (Updated August 2020).
Please note that applications must be sent via courier and received at NZNO National Office by 12.00pm (midday) on the closing date to:
ACDN Accreditation Programme Coordinator
New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Level 3, Findex House
57 Willis Street
Wellington 6011
Assessments of applications are undertaken by one registered Accreditation Assessor who does not work closely with the candidate. Advice of the outcome is provided within 12 weeks of the closing date.
Review of unsuccessful applications is subject to a written appeal lodged within 30 days of receipt of the notification of outcome.
Please read the Accreditation Handbook in addition to the quality of evidence document for a detailed explanation of each form and what is required.
Download the Guideline to Accreditation
Download the Quality of evidence document
National Diabetes Nursing Knowledge and Skills Framework
Download the NDNKSF here
Application Packs
INITIAL ACCREDITATION
Nurses who are eligible to seek recognition as an accredited diabetes nurse must meet the ACDN Accreditation Programme requirements outlined in the ACDN Accreditation Handbook.
Download the Initial accreditation application pack
MAINTENANCE ACCREDITATION
Accreditation is granted for a three year period. To retain accreditation status diabetes nurses must meet the requirements of the ACDN Maintenance Accreditation Programme outlines in the ACDN accreditation handbook.
Download the Maintenance accreditation application pack
LAPSED ACCREDITATION
If Accreditation status has lapsed, a new initial accreditation application must be submitted following the requirements for the ACDN accreditation programme.
Accreditation enquiries
Please direct any inquiries to the Accreditation Coordinator, Bryan Gibbison via the form or email bryan.gibbison@aotearoadiabetescollective.org.nz
The information on this ACDN site is aimed at Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners working in the field of diabetes in New Zealand and members of NZNO. As such, members of the public accessing this website who are not qualified health professionals, should be aware that any information contained here is not meant to replace your relationship with your healthcare provider(s) – please seek assistance from an appropriately qualified medical professional should you have any concerns regarding diabetes or any other health issue.