Resource Center

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.
2015 | Research Item

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing transition to practice study: Implications for educators
NCSBN's Transition to Practice (TTP) study: implications for educators.
2015 | Research Item

In Focus Summer 2015
- Technology Solutions: Keeping Up with the Pace of Change
- A Global Perspective: Nursing Regulation in Singapore
- 2015 Testing Volume for Licensure/Registration in Canada
- Pre-legislative Steps for States Considering Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Legislation
- "New Nurses: Your License to Practice" Video Now Available
- News & Notes: 2015 Annual Meeting Edition
2015 | Magazines

2016 NCLEX-RN Basic Test Plan
The basic NCLEX-RN test plan includes an overview of the content categories along with details about the administration of the exam.
2015 | Publications

2014 RN Practice Analysis: Linking the NCLEX-RN Examination to Practice - U.S. and Canada (Vol. 62)
A practice analysis study aims to investigate the applicability of the 2013 NCLEX-RN Test Plan. This periodic performance of practice analyses (i.e., job analysis) studies assists NCSBN in evaluating the validity of the test plan that guides content distribution of the licensure examination. Because changes can occur in registered nurse (RN) practice, practice analyses are conducted on a three-year cycle. This publication analyzes both the U.S. and Canadian nurse testing populations.
2015 | Exams Research

Leader To Leader Spring 2015
- NCSBN CEO Kathy Apple reflects on 14 years of leadership
- Ask NCSBN: Q&A about the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
- APRN Distance Learning Education Committee update
- Nurses in Nonclinical Roles
- NCSBN’s Transition to Practice (TTP) Study in nonhospital settings
- NCSBN holds its first ever Distance Learning Virtual Conference
2015 | Magazines

In Focus Spring 2015
- NCSBN CEO Kathy Apple Reflects on "a Journey of a Million Miles"
- The 2015 Midyear Meeting: A First-time Attendee’s Perspective
- Rescue on Mount Hood
- A Global Perspective: Nursing Regulation in Bermuda
- Montana Passes NLC Legislation
2015 | Magazines

Practice Analysis: Uses in Testing Industry and Legal Defensibility
This webinar offers insight into the practice analysis and test plan development process used to create the NCLEX. The information discussed in this webinar can be used to assist nursing regulatory bodies with further understanding test content and purpose.
2015 | Recorded Webinar

2015 Award Recipient - Rula Harb
R. Louise McManus Award
Rula Harb, MS, RN, Executive Director, Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
The R. Louise McManus Award is the most prestigious award. Individuals nominated for this award shall have made sustained and significant contributions through the highest commitment and dedication to the mission and vision of NCSBN.
2015 | Video

2015 Award Recipient - Elizabeth Lund
Meritorious Service Award
Elizabeth Lund, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Tennessee State Board of Nursing
The Meritorious Service Award is granted to a member for significant contributions to the mission and vision of NCSBN.
2015 | Video

2015 Award Recipient - Deborah Haagenson
Elaine Ellibee Award
Deborah Haagenson, RN, President, Minnesota Board of Nursing
The Elaine Ellibee Award is granted to a member who has served as a board president within the past two years and who has made significant contributions to NCSBN.
2015 | Video

2015 Award Recipient - Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Regulatory Achievement Award
Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
The Regulatory Achievement Award recognizes the member board or associate member that has made an identifiable, significant contribution to the mission and vision of NCSBN in promoting public policy related to the safe and effective practice of nursing in the interest of public welfare.
2015 | Video