Resource Center

Background and literature review on the regulation of prelicensure distance education programs; regulatory issues; recommendations for BONs; visual model and timeline for adopting the recommendations.

Join the NCSBN Exams ADA Team to learn more information about the details of the ADA process. 

The NCLEX examination test plan provides a concise summary of the content and scope of the examination. The test plan also serves as a guide for both examination development and candidate preparation. 

R. Louise McManus Award

Myra Broadway, JD, MS, RN, Executive Director, Maine Board of 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.

This annual publication provides national and state summary data of member boards’ licensure activities, as well as data on candidate performance on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN Examinations.

Exceptional Contribution Award

Ann L. O'Sullivan, PhD, FAAN, CRNP Board Member, Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing

The Exceptional Contribution Award is granted for significant contribution by a member who is not a president or executive officer.

Regulatory Achievement Award

Nevada State Board of Nursing 

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.

Meritorious Service Award

Gloria Damgaard, MS, RN, FRE, Executive Secretary, South Dakota Board of Nursing

The Meritorious Service Award is granted to a member for significant contributions to the mission and vision of NCSBN.

Regulators have been discussing the issue of allowing simulation to replace clinical time for years and are looking for evidence to guide their decision making. In anticipation of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing National Simulation Study results, a descriptive survey was conducted to document the current regulatory environment on simulation and serve as a benchmark for future regulatory comparisons. This article reports the results of the survey. 

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between registered nurse (RN)-to-population ratio and population health indices. A cross-sectional secondary analysis of existing national data was conducted, using counties as the unit of analysis. Data based on 1,929,414 RNs in 33 states in 2012 were obtained from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's Nursys® database, and county health data were obtained from 2,016 counties from the 2012 County Health Rankings database. Regression analysis indicated that the RN-to-population ratio along with nurse education (percentage of RNs with a BSN or higher degree) and experience (number of years since graduation) was significantly associated with the self-rated health (percentage of adults reporting fair or poor health), mammography screening rates, and teenage birth rates. The associations were all positive: Greater numbers of nurses per capita were associated with better population health indices. These results are consistent with the Nurse Dose concept and support the need for enhanced recognition and policy changes regarding the contribution of nurses to the health of the population. Implications for nursing regulation include the need for sustained and coordinated efforts to support the health of the population through the recruitment and maintenance of a well educated and experienced nursing workforce.

Little is known about the extent and types of errors and near misses (ENMs) made by nursing students. In nursing schools, the norm has been a culture of blame in which a student, a faculty member, or both are held accountable for ENMs regardless of the source. However, evidence suggests that a failure to track and trend ENMs and learn from them actually increases the likelihood of more ENMs. To help student nurses become competent nurses, educators need systems and structures that allow trending and analysis of ENMs. Key first steps include creating a mechanism for schools to use in reporting nursingstudent ENMs and creating a transparent and blame-free culture. In addition, it will be critical to establish a national database to reflect the occurrence and types of ENMs. The database will provide a baseline of information that will guide faculty members in designing interventions to reduce ENMs. This article describes the issues and challenges encountered in creating an occurrence reporting tool, testing the tool, and establishing a national database for tracking and trending ENMs encountered by nursing students. In addition, this article presents an adaptation of the tested occurrence reporting tool that schools can use while a national database is established.

As science advances, new competencies must be integrated into nursing practice to ensure the provision of safe, responsible, and accountable care. This article utilizes a model for integrating a new complex competency into nursing practice, using genomics as the exemplar competency. Nurses working at 23 Magnet® Recognition Program hospitals participated in a 1-year new competency integration effort. The aim of the study was to evaluate nursing workforce attitudes, receptivity, confidence, competency, knowledge, and practices regarding genomics. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. Respondents were 7,798 licensed registered nurses. The majority (89%) said it was very or somewhat important for nurses to become more educated in the genetics of common diseases. Overall, the respondents felt genomics was important, but a genomic nursing competency deficit affecting all nurses regardless of academic preparation or role was observed. The study findings provide essential information to help guide the integration of a new competency into nursing practice.