Preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX Using a Virtual Simulation

Virtual clinical simulation is a digital innovation that augments clinical reasoning and clinical judgment, narrowing the theory-practice gap, preparing new graduates for the Next Generation NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), and mitigating the demand for clinical placement and clinical faculty.

The purpose of this article is to describe an educational innovation employing a virtual clinical simulation using the tenets of Tanner's Clinical Judgment Model and a National League for Nursing Advancing Care Excellence for Seniors unfolding case.

A virtual clinical simulation successfully served to replace direct care clinical for 86 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in a foundation nursing course, augmenting the students' ability to transfer and apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.

This virtual clinical simulation served as a viable platform for teaching clinical reasoning and clinical judgment, mitigating the education-practice gap for new graduate registered nurses. [.