National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

Definition

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance and oversight for nursing regulatory bodies in the United States. It develops and administers licensure exams such as the NCLEX to ensure nursing competency.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The NCSBN develops the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams, which are mandatory for nursing licensure in the U.S.
2. It ensures uniformity and standardization in nursing practice across state jurisdictions.
3. The NCSBN offers resources and guidelines for safe medication administration, critical in pharmacology education.
4. It collaborates with state boards to implement evidence-based regulations that enhance patient safety.
5. Continuing education requirements for nurses are often influenced by the standards set by NCSBN.

Review Questions

• What role does the NCSBN play in ensuring nursing competency?
• How does the NCSBN contribute to safe drug administration practices?
• Why are the NCLEX exams developed by the NCSBN crucial for nursing licensure?

Related terms

NCLEX-RN: A standardized exam developed by the NCSBN for licensing registered nurses.

State Board of Nursing: Regulatory body responsible for overseeing nursing practice within a specific state.

Continuing Education: Ongoing learning required for nurses to maintain their license, often guided by standards from organizations like NCSBN.