RESUMO
The purpose of this research was to identify characteristics of redesignated National League for Nursing Centers of Excellence in Nursing Education that represent the intersection between quality and excellence. A qualitative content analysis of six final applications submitted for redesignation disclosed essential resources that supported students, faculty, and staff and identified six characteristics: connections through relationships, communities of learning and service, support for students and faculty, connections through technology, use of innovation, and a systems focus. The systematic focus on excellence in teaching and learning identified in this research represents best practices from exemplary schools worthy of emulation by other nursing education programs.
