Staff Spotlight: Candice Rome

Dr. Candice Rome, DNP,RN, CNE, is the newest Associate Director of Accreditation Services at the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), onboarding in July 2026.

Dr. Rome began volunteering with the ACEN in 2015 as a peer evaluator. She is a National League for Nursing Leadership Institute LEAD Program alumni and has been a Certified Nurse Educator since 2021.

Dr. Rome holds an Associate Degree of Science in Nursing from Cleveland Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Winston-Salem State University, a Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in nursing education, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice, both from Gardner-Webb University. She has taught in practical, associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral nursing programs at various schools of nursing. Dr. Rome’s primary teaching responsibilities have included maternal-child nursing, leadership, education, human flourishing and health promotion, and research. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Rome has served as Chair for both Graduate and Undergraduate programs and earned tenure and rank of professor.

Other professional activities have included serving as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for Wolters Kluwer, Kaplan instructor, American Heart Association BLS instructor, various publications and textbook reviews, and several podium and poster presentations. Dr. Rome’s focus has been NCLEX preparation, writing effective NCLEX-style questions, and advancements in nursing education. She is passionate about leading and serving on local and international mission teams.

More about Dr. Rome

What is one thing you're looking forward to accomplishing in your new role?

I am excited to contribute to advancing quality nursing education globally with ACEN and working with nursing programs in pursuit of initial and continued accreditation. I am also looking forward to partnering with nursing education programs to support excellence in accreditation and continuous quality improvement.

What do you do to address work-life balance, and how do you relieve stress?  

To maintain a work-life balance, I am intentional with my time and priorities. Staying organized, planning ahead, and focusing on what is most important helps prevent becoming overwhelmed with work responsibilities. I set dedicated time for family daily and for self-care to maintain balance.

To relieve stress, I like to exercise, go for walks outdoors, and spend time outdoors with family.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The first career I desired as a child was to be a florist. My grandmother had the most beautiful flowers that she and I would cut and arrange together. By age 9, I was set on being a labor and delivery nurse.

If you could instantly become an expert on one topic, what would it be?

I would become an expert on teenage daughters. My girls will soon be in this age group, and I know the expertise would be invaluable!

What are 2-3 things your coworkers don't know about you?

My favorite hobby is going to West Virginia with family and friends to ride UTVs on trails.

I could eat dessert for all meals.

I completed a Spartan Race with my husband a few years ago. 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Associate Director!