NCSBN Simulation Guidelines for Prelicensure Nursing Programs

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) published the results of the largest, most comprehensive study to date concerning the use of simulation as a substitute for traditional clinical experience. Results of the study, which were published in 2014, demonstrated that high-quality simulation experiences could be substituted for up to 50% of traditional clinical hours across the prelicensure nursing curriculum. An expert panel convened by NCSBN evaluated the data gathered through this study, examined previous research and the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Standards of Best Practice: SimulationSM, and used their collective knowledge to develop national simulation guidelines for prelicensure nursing programs. This article presents those guidelines, evidence to support the use of simulation, and information for faculty and program directors on preparation and planning for using simulation successfully in their nursing programs.