Nurse Educator Stories: Insights on the 2024 Next-Gen NCLEX Results

The release of the 2024 Next-Gen NCLEX (NGN) results has sparked conversations across nursing education. To gain deeper insight into the story these numbers may tell, UbiSim had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Robison, EdD, RN, MSN, CNE, CHSE-A, a highly accomplished nurse educator and former Air Force officer. With 22 years of military experience and 16 years in higher education, Liz is an authority on simulation-based learning and NCLEX trends. She currently serves as Co-Chair on the OADN Simulation Committee and is a past Secretary-Treasurer of the INACSL Board of Directors.

The Impact of the Next-Gen NCLEX on Pass Rates

One of the biggest takeaways from the 2024 NGN results is the significant increase in pass rates, particularly for associate degree and diploma nursing programs. "I sort of expected 2024 to show a significant jump," Liz explained. "We did see that, and some of the things I attribute it to include faculty continuing to focus on NGN prep-style activities. This cohort of students has been immersed in those methods from the beginning."

She also pointed to the increasing use of structured NCLEX preparation products such as UWorld, ATI, and HESI. "Programs are now incorporating NCLEX prep products as an active part of the curriculum," she said. "For example, UWorld helped University of Michigan-Flint move from 88% to 100% pass rates. These kinds of tools are making a tangible difference."

The Role of Simulation in Preparing Nursing Students

Liz strongly believes that simulation, both virtual and in-person, has played a crucial role in improving test scores. "I’m a big believer in simulation," she stated. "A lot of programs tested it during COVID and realized they liked it. Simulation mirrors the NCLEX experience and enhances clinical judgment, which is the core focus of the Next-Gen NCLEX."

She further emphasized that shifting away from traditional lecture-based teaching has improved student outcomes. "Interactive activities—not just PowerPoints—are essential. More engagement leads to better clinical judgment, and that’s what we’re seeing reflected in the numbers."

Challenges in Retention and Faculty Experience

While the pass rates are improving, Liz expressed concerns about retention rates and faculty turnover. "What we don’t see in the numbers is retention," she said. "Are students staying in nursing programs? Many states don’t freely report this data, so we’re missing a key piece of the story."

A major challenge in nursing education is the high turnover rate among nurse educators, often due to financial constraints. "We are an aging educator workforce. Many younger faculty struggle because they can’t afford to stay in education," Liz observed. "Some are working two jobs just to make ends meet. Until we see better pay for nurse educators, we’re going to continue struggling with retention."

The Future of Nursing Education

Looking ahead, Liz anticipates the 2025 NGN results will likely stabilize. "If we have one year of stabilization, then we know we’ve hit that apex. What we need to ask next is: What do we do now?"

She also highlighted the importance of transition-to-practice programs in ensuring new nurses stay in the workforce. "We’ve seen residency programs achieving 90% retention rates. If new nurses receive strong mentorship and support in their first year, they’re more likely to stay in the profession. That’s a major win."

Final Thoughts

Liz’s deep dive into the NCLEX data underscores the progress nursing education has made while also revealing areas for improvement. "Numbers start the story, but they don’t say everything," she said. "That’s where analysis and real-world insights come in to fill the gaps."

Her expertise, coupled with a passion for data-driven decision-making, offers a compelling perspective on how nursing education is evolving. As institutions continue refining their teaching methodologies, leveraging simulation, and addressing faculty challenges, the hope is that the improvements seen in 2024 will be sustained in years to come.

Nurse Educator Stories are part of UbiSim's mission to N.U.R.S.E.—Nurture, Uplift, and Retain Skilled Educators in 2025. Through this year-long initiative, UbiSim plans to bring much-needed attention and advocacy to the critical role of nurse educators, empowering them with innovative solutions like VR simulation and fostering a community of support to address the challenges they face.