Latest News News See All News /about/news/all-news.page ncsbn news [x-request-id] = [9f4b1b594d0f6447a5b2cea1d4de7eac] [referer] = [https://ncsbn.org/current.htm] [x-forwarded-for] = [10.1.98.9] [accept] = [*/*] [via] = [1.1 google] [x-real-ip] = [35.191.134.48] [x-forwarded-scheme] = [https] [x-original-forwarded-for] = [216.73.216.118,34.144.206.224] [x-cloud-trace-context] = [60e44ff53dc64c3cb389c247f0783038/15168279981871867581] [host] = [lsds] [connection] = [close] [x-scheme] = [https] [accept-encoding] = [gzip, br, zstd, deflate] [user-agent] = [Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)] about/news 4 en_US mlftd0ce /default/main/NCSBN true ncsbn/News manual 2026-03-24 14:08:11 /default/main/NCSBN/STAGING 2026-03-23 14:52:41 en_US templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/ncsbn-launches-2026-nursing-workforce-survey.xml templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/ncsbn-launches-2026-nursing-workforce-survey.xml /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default mlftd0ce 2026-03-23 14:52:41 mlftd0ce mlftd0ce templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/ncsbn-launches-2026-nursing-workforce-survey.xml mlftd0ce 2026-03-24 14:48:00 /default/main/NCSBN News Release mlftd0ce mlftd0ce 1774370218989 2026-03-24 14:08:11 /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default/templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/ncsbn-launches-2026-nursing-workforce-survey.xml ncsbn-launches-2026-nursing-workforce-survey mlftd0ce mlftd0ce 1 NCSBN Launches 2026 Nursing Workforce Survey News Release 2026-03-24 14:48:00 /sites/ncsbn/news/news-releases.page /templatedata/ncsbn/Vertical-Navigation/data/news.xml <p>Continuing its lineage of groundbreaking research NCSBN and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers will launch the 2026 National Nursing Workforce Survey on March 25, 2026. The survey will run through September 2026.</p> /images/2026-workforce-news.png yes yes <p>CHICAGO &ndash; Continuing its lineage of groundbreaking research, NCSBN and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers will launch the <a href="https://www.ncsbn.org/research/recent-research/workforce.page">2026 National Nursing Workforce Survey</a> on March 25, 2026. The survey will run through September 2026.</p> <p>NCSBN&rsquo;s last study in 2024 revealed that the U.S. nursing workforce showed some signs of recovery post the COVID-19 pandemic, but long-term stability remained uncertain. The study found that 39.9% of RNs and 41.3% of LPN/VNs reported an intent to leave the workforce or retire within the next five years. Of the nurses who reported an intent to leave within the next five years, the reasons they are leaving aside from retirement include:</p> <ul> <li>Approximately 41.5% selected stress and burnout as the root cause.</li> <li>Following stress and burnout, other top reasons include workload, understaffing and inadequate salary.</li> </ul> <p>&ldquo;Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nursing workforce has exhibited significant volatility, initially marred by heightened workplace burnout, increased workloads and an elevated intent to leave,&rdquo; notes NCSBN Research Director Brendan Martin, PhD. &ldquo;The 2024 survey results offered cautious glimmers of hope, as emotional exhaustion levels moderated and more experienced nurses returning to the workforce suggested greater stability. Now as we look to the 2026 survey cycle, it is critical to understand whether efforts to build on that momentum to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the American public have been successful.&rdquo;</p> <p>In the interest of providing data to researchers, policymakers, regulators, educators and hospital administrators to evaluate workforce needs, forecast future challenges and plan for the safe delivery of care, NCSBN and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers have conducted biennial nursing workforce studies since 2013. These studies are the largest, most comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of the entire nursing workforce being conducted.</p> <p>NCSBN Chief Officer of Policy, Research and Education Jim Cleghorn, MA, states, &ldquo;We are proud that NCSBN&rsquo;s study has become the preeminent source for nursing workforce research. We know how important these data are to those making critical decisions in the health care ecosystem. Our goal is always to do everything possible to ensure that regulators, policymakers, health care administrators and academic leaders are armed with evidence to maximize patient protection."</p> <p>Get more information about the <a href="https://www.ncsbn.org/research/recent-research/workforce.page">2026 National Nursing Workforce Survey</a>.</p> <p><strong>About NCSBN</strong><br />Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBN&rsquo;s NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as the preeminent nursing examinations.&nbsp;</p> <p>NCSBN&rsquo;s membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are nine exam user members and 21 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories.&nbsp;</p> <p>The statements and opinions expressed are those of NCSBN and not individual members.</p> NCSBN Launches 2026 Nursing Workforce Survey The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing. FALSE yes en_US mflmx2is /default/main/NCSBN true ncsbn/News manual 2026-02-04 15:24:57 /default/main/NCSBN/STAGING 2026-02-04 14:42:18 en_US templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/tricouncil-for-nursing-urges-nurses-to-submit-comments-on-department-of-educations-professional-degree-designation-rule.xml.1770239837525_bak templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/tricouncil-for-nursing-urges-nurses-to-submit-comments-on-department-of-educations-professional-degree-designation-rule.xml.1770239837525_bak /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default mflmx2is 2026-02-04 14:42:18 mflmx2is mflmx2is templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/tricouncil-for-nursing-urges-nurses-to-submit-comments-on-department-of-educations-professional-degree-designation-rule.xml.1770239837525_bak mflmx2is 2026-02-04 14:41:00 /default/main/NCSBN News Update mflmx2is mflmx2is 2026-02-04 15:24:57 /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default/templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/tricouncil-for-nursing-urges-nurses-to-submit-comments-on-department-of-educations-professional-degree-designation-rule.xml.1770239837525_bak tri-council-for-nursing-urges-nurses-to-submit-comments-on-Department-of-educations-professional-degree-designation-rule mflmx2is mflmx2is 1 Tri-Council for Nursing Urges Nurses to Submit Comments on Department of Education's Professional Degree Designation Rule News Update 2026-02-04 14:41:00 /sites/ncsbn/news/news-details.page /templatedata/ncsbn/Vertical-Navigation/data/news.xml <p>The Tri-Council for Nursing calls on all nurses to submit public comments requesting the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) explicitly in the list of professional degrees before the March 2 deadline.</p> /images/news/2026-tricouncil-comments-720x480.png no yes <p>The U.S. Department of Education proposed rule related to the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act excludes nursing from the professional degree designation, a decision that contradicts workforce realities, federal policy and basic economics. The Tri-Council for Nursing calls on all nurses to submit public comments requesting the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) explicitly in the list of professional degrees before the March 2 deadline.</p> <p><a href="https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/3d8c2b58-0c32-4b54-adbd-efe8f931b2df/downloads/4470620d-7243-4d9e-be8a-87553280d545/2-4-2026-Tri-Council-DoE-Proposed-Rule-Stateme.pdf?ver=1770230867820" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the Tri-Council Statement</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/ED-2025-OPE-0944-0001" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Submit a Comment</a></p> Tri-Council for Nursing Urges Nurses to Submit Comments on Department of Education's Professional Degree Designation Rule The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing. NCSBN Organization FALSE yes SearchSection_News /images/news/tricouncil-ceos-720x480.png en_US mflmx13k /default/main/NCSBN true ncsbn/News manual 2026-01-27 11:34:44 /default/main/NCSBN/STAGING 2026-01-26 07:52:18 en_US templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/2026-ncsbn-environmental-scan-evidence-in-action-now-available.xml templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/2026-ncsbn-environmental-scan-evidence-in-action-now-available.xml /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default mflmx13k 2026-01-26 07:52:18 mflmx13k mflmx13k templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/2026-ncsbn-environmental-scan-evidence-in-action-now-available.xml mflmx13k 2026-01-26 08:00:00 /default/main/NCSBN News Update mflmx13k mflmx13k 1769534053987 2026-01-27 11:34:44 /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default/templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2026/2026-ncsbn-environmental-scan-evidence-in-action-now-available.xml 2026-ncsbn-environmental-scan mflmx13k mflmx13k 1 2026 NCSBN Environmental Scan: Evidence in Action Now Available News Update 2026-01-26 08:00:00 /sites/ncsbn/news/news-details.page /templatedata/ncsbn/Vertical-Navigation/data/news.xml <p>NCSBN's 2026 Environmental Scan is now available for free in the Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR).</p> /images/ncsbn/25-JNRescan-720x480.png no yes <p>NCSBN's 2026 Environmental Scan is now available for free in the Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR). The Environmental Scan provides a comprehensive overview of the health care landscape with a specific focus on nursing and regulation, helping them to strategically plan for the year ahead. In addition to nursing regulators, the Environmental Scan is also valuable to educators, employers, researchers and policymakers.</p> <p><a href="https://www.journalofnursingregulation.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2155-8256%2826%2900004-9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the Environmental Scan</a></p> 2026 NCSBN Environmental Scan: Evidence in Action Now Available The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to provide an organization through which boards of nursing act and counsel together on matters of common interest and concern affecting the public health, safety and welfare, including the development of licensing examinations in nursing. NCSBN Organization FALSE yes SearchSection_News /images/ncsbn/25-JNRescan-720x480.png en_US mflmwtl1 /default/main/NCSBN true ncsbn/News manual 2025-11-10 09:54:56 /default/main/NCSBN/STAGING 2025-11-10 09:54:22 en_US templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2025/the-necessity-of-innovation-protecting-the-public-through-progress.xml templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2025/the-necessity-of-innovation-protecting-the-public-through-progress.xml /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default mflmwtl1 2025-11-10 09:54:22 mflmwtl1 mflmwtl1 templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2025/the-necessity-of-innovation-protecting-the-public-through-progress.xml mflmwtl1 2025-11-10 09:47:00 /default/main/NCSBN Feature mflmwtl1 mflmwtl1 2025-11-10 09:54:56 /default/main/NCSBN/WORKAREA/default/templatedata/ncsbn/News/data/2025/the-necessity-of-innovation-protecting-the-public-through-progress.xml the-necessity-of-innovation-protecting-the-public-through-progress mflmwtl1 mflmwtl1 1 The Necessity of Innovation: Protecting the Public Through Progress Feature 2025-11-10 09:47:00 /sites/ncsbn/about/news.page /templatedata/ncsbn/Vertical-Navigation/data/about-ncsbn.xml <p>Innovation is a necessity. NCSBN is exploring technology to improve how candidates take the NCLEX both inside and outside of traditional test centers.</p> /images/news/nclexarticle720480.png no yes <p><img src="/images/news/NCLEXonline-supporting-img-vertical.png" width="250" height="444" style="border-width: 0px; margin: 15px; float: right;" alt="" />Innovation in nursing regulation is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Nursing has become increasingly complex, patients are more acutely ill, health care is delivered in new ways and nursing roles continue to evolve. Nursing regulation needs to continue to advance to protect the public and the trust in nursing.</p> <p>"We cannot stand still in the face of rapid change," says Phil Dickison, PhD, RN, National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) CEO. "When we launched the Next Generation NCLEX&reg; two years ago, it was because we saw the need to find an even more precise way to measure the clinical judgment of nursing candidates."</p> <p>That innovation strengthened public safety, helping newly licensed nurses enter the workforce better prepared for real-world patient care. Better-prepared nurses mean better patient outcomes.</p> <p>With concerns about potential workforce shortages, maintaining a steady pipeline of new, qualified nurses also requires innovative thinking. NCSBN is exploring technology that will improve how candidates take the NCLEX both within and outside of traditional test centers.</p> <h3>Learning From Crisis</h3> <p>When testing centers closed during the pandemic, aspiring nurses faced delays in joining a workforce that desperately needed them. The health care system, already strained by the crisis, was cut off from an influx of new nurses.</p> <p>"The lockdowns taught us a stark lesson. We cannot rely solely on physical test centers," says Dickison. "NCSBN worked around the clock for three months to get test centers classified as critical infrastructure and reopened. That cannot happen again."</p> <p>As a result, NCSBN began developing technology so candidates can take the NCLEX online, making it less dependent on physical locations that could be disrupted by natural disasters, pandemics or other crises.</p> <p>Offering two ways to take the exam builds resilience against future disruptions and addresses the culture shift to a remote world, allowing candidates more choice. Dickison notes, "People will still be able to use test centers if they choose and the NCLEX will be the same rigorous exam no matter where you take it."</p> <p>Taking the NCLEX online would also make it more accessible. Not every candidate lives near a test center. For some candidates, getting to an exam site means significant travel, time and expense. Being able to take the NCLEX online removes some of these barriers to entering the nursing profession. Expanding where candidates can take the exam means expanding the pool of qualified nurses ready to serve their communities.</p> <h3>Innovations in Security</h3> <p>As testing environments evolve, so must security measures. Some observers have speculated about what taking the NCLEX online would look like, but according to Dickison, those assumptions miss the mark.</p> <p>"With any innovation there is always skepticism, and that's good. But people shouldn't make assumptions based on what they know about remote exams today," he comments. "Those exams don't meet our standard for security and integrity, and that's why we are building something new, something unlike anything available today."</p> <p>NCSBN is developing technology to ensure identity verification and exam integrity, preventing candidates from receiving assistance during the exam. This enhanced security will not just be for candidates online, but it will also be used in the test centers.</p> <p>"We are looking for two things no matter where you take the exam, the same measurement ability and maintaining and exceeding security standards," Dickison remarks.</p> <h3>Quality Before Timeline</h3> <p>This exploration has understandably generated a lot of excitement online, with many speculating about a 2026 launch date. But NCSBN has not set a launch date</p> <p>"To be clear, NCLEX online will not be launching in 2026. We do not have a timeline, we have a quality line," Dickison said. "When what we are exploring exceeds our high standard for quality, security and integrity, then we will launch and not until we reach that point. Our commitment to public protection is non-negotiable."</p> <p>NCSBN plans to share additional information as it becomes available. As development continues, Dickison's message is direct: "Don't believe anything unless you hear it from us."</p> <p>When a launch date is set, NCSBN will provide substantial advance notice and detailed information, including a demonstration of the testing experience so stakeholders can see firsthand how different it is from conventional remote exams.</p> <p>"We will bring them along for the ride just like we did with the Next Generation NCLEX," Dickison states. "I think when people see what we are building, they will understand not only how amazing this innovation is, but also how vital."</p> <p>For updates and the most accurate information on the NCLEX, follow the official NCLEX social media and join the email list at <a href="https://www.nclex.com/stay-informed.page" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NCLEX.com</a>.</p> The Necessity of Innovation: Protecting the Public Through Progress Innovation is a necessity. NCSBN is exploring technology to improve how candidates take the NCLEX both inside and outside of traditional test centers. NCLEX, NCLEX Online NCLEX FALSE yes SearchSection_News

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News Release

NCSBN Launches 2026 Nursing Workforce Survey

Continuing its lineage of groundbreaking research NCSBN and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers will launch the 2026 National Nursing Workforce Survey on March 25, 2026. The survey will run through September 2026.

Posted 03/24/2026

Read More

News Update

Tri-Council for Nursing Urges Nurses to Submit Comments on Department of Education's Professional Degree Designation Rule

The Tri-Council for Nursing calls on all nurses to submit public comments requesting the inclusion of post-baccalaureate nursing degrees (MSN, DNP, PhD) explicitly in the list of professional degrees before the March 2 deadline.

Posted 02/04/2026

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News Update

2026 NCSBN Environmental Scan: Evidence in Action Now Available

NCSBN's 2026 Environmental Scan is now available for free in the Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR).

Posted 01/26/2026

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Feature

The Necessity of Innovation: Protecting the Public Through Progress

Innovation is a necessity. NCSBN is exploring technology to improve how candidates take the NCLEX both inside and outside of traditional test centers.

Posted 11/10/2025

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