Bringing Next Generation NCLEX-RN Case Studies to Life through Simulation: Enhancing Prelicensure Nursing Students’ Clinical Judgment

Background The National Council of State Boards of Nursing incorporated the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) as an evidence-based framework for evaluating clinical judgment. Nursing faculty are utilizing the NCJMM to prepare students for the Next Generation NCLEX-RN (NGN). This article describes the development and implementation of an innovative NGN case study simulation. Methods During prebriefing, students reviewed learning objectives and patient information. Students answered NGN case study questions during simulation. Debriefing allowed for reflection and feedback. Results Faculty stated that the NGN case study simulation allowed them to view clinical judgment in action. Students self-reported their feelings on the simulation using the Simulation Effectiveness Tool – Modified. Students (N = 97) strongly agreed that they felt prebriefing was beneficial (93.8%), simulation empowered decision-making (74.2%), and debriefing improved clinical judgment (96.9%). Student comments shared themes of deeper understanding of course content and improved application of knowledge. Conclusion The use of a novel NGN case study simulation can positively impact students’ abilities to apply clinical judgment to patient care and make connections between classroom and clinical content.