Implementing INACSL standardized simulation to improve NCLEX scores

Abstract

The current nursing shortage further worsens every time a new nurse fails the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) exam. Simulation education presents a possible solution to better prepare nursing students for licensure and professional practice. This project aims to demonstrate how nursing schools can improve NCLEX-RN first attempt pass rates by adhering to INACSL simulation standards and improving clinical judgment. Seminal research by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) found no statistical difference when nursing schools substituted 50% of bedside clinical time with simulation experiences. The International Nursing Association of Clinical and Simulation Learning (INACSL) created standards of simulation which were adhered to for the previous study. While no specific causal research proves INACSL standards-based simulation training improves NCLEX-RN pass rates, adjacent literature demonstrates simulation learning engages students and improves clinical judgment. The first methodology step in this project proposal establishes a foundation of understanding amongst all nursing education faculty regarding the nine INACSL standards for simulation by conducting a brief webinar. Further training focuses on a tiered approach for educators, explicitly teaching clinical, skills, and simulation. This next tier of faculty would attend a one-day Gateway Debriefing Workshop which briefly trains enhanced simulation debriefing skills. The highest level of simulation-specific instructors will complete a five-day Healthcare Simulation Essentials Course that provides intensive training in simulation theory and debriefing skills for simulation educators. The Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare (DASH) tools facilitate the evaluation of project influenced changes and enhance debriefing excellence by utilizing the DASH rater tool. The results of this project proposal are pending execution. Outcomes expected include increased DASH rater evaluations of simulation faculty and improved NCLEX-RN first attempt pass rates up to 100%. Conclusions derived from investigations of this project proposal support INACSL simulation standards adherence enhances simulation outcomes and leads to improved NCLEX-RN first attempt pass rates.