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A New Era in Nursing Education: Clinical Judgment Assessments

In an innovative stride toward advancing nursing education, SM Nursing, an integral part of Blueprint Test Prep, has teamed up with ExamSoft by Turnitin. This partnership aims to launch a new suite of evaluative tools known as NursingVitals by ExamSoft (NVE). The initiative’s primary goal is to equip nursing programs with the means to comprehensively assess clinical judgment and identify essential learning gaps in students, thus preparing them adequately for the challenges of the NCLEX and the realities of clinical practice.

The development of these assessments is notably timely, as it addresses a recognized gap between nursing education and the practical demands of the healthcare environment. With the increasing complexities of patient care decisions faced by newly licensed nurses, there is a pressing need for educational frameworks that not only gauge knowledge but also the application of that knowledge in real clinical scenarios. This need has been further emphasized by the advent of the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) introduced in 2023, which underscores the importance of clinical judgment and decision-making in nursing assessments.

By providing innovative clinical judgment assessments throughout nursing education rather than solely at graduation, SM Nursing and ExamSoft are primed to revolutionize nursing training. Senior Director of Nursing Content at SM Nursing, Anna Miller, emphasized this shift, stating, "Preparing the next generation of nurses requires more than helping students memorize information or pass an exam. Educators need meaningful insight into how students are developing clinical judgment while there’s still time to address learning gaps."

Tailored Assessments Developed by Nurses

The NVE suite consists of entirely new content, crafted specifically by practicing nurses who possess both clinical and academic experience. Each assessment question has undergone rigorous review to ensure it is free from bias and sensitive to diverse nursing contexts. This attention to detail ensures that the assessments align with the distinct roles of registered nurses (RN) and practical nurses (PN).

The implementation of NVE assessments via ExamSoft empowers educational institutions to evaluate student progress across multiple stages of their education. This proactive approach provides nursing faculty with critical insights that enable them to make informed decisions about curriculum modifications and student support interventions throughout the course of the program instead of relying solely on end-of-program outcomes.

For the nursing students, these exams present invaluable opportunities to practice applying their knowledge to clinical scenarios. They will also have the chance to become familiar with NCLEX-style questions, aiding them in assessing their own progress as they advance through their nursing education.

Strengthening NCLEX Readiness

The collaboration between SM Nursing and ExamSoft exemplifies how technological innovation and clinical expertise can come together to support nursing education. Eric Connelly, Vice President for North America at Turnitin, articulated the core benefits of this partnership by saying, "Partnering with SM Nursing allows us to securely deliver original, standards-aligned benchmarking assessments to nursing programs. NursingVitals by ExamSoft combines the clinical expertise of the SM Nursing team with the robust security and reliability of the ExamSoft platform, offering nursing programs a credible and insightful tool for NCLEX readiness."

The launch of the new NVE suite is set for November 2026, signaling a crucial advancement in nursing education. As the field continues to face evolving challenges, this partnership offers a promising solution aimed at better preparing nursing students for the demands of their future careers. As education leaders prioritize clinical judgment in training, the NursingVitals suite positions itself as a vital resource for fostering a capable and ready workforce in the nursing sector.

To discover more about NursingVitals by ExamSoft, visit Turnitin's website.

About SM Nursing

SM Nursing is the team behind Sarah Michelle NP (SMNP) Reviews, which is a part of Blueprint Test Prep. With years of experience in developing content and resources for nursing preparation, SM Nursing focuses on creating high-quality assessments that uphold clinical standards and evidence-based practices.

About ExamSoft

ExamSoft by Turnitin specializes in providing digital assessment solutions designed to enhance learning in the digital age. The platform is trusted by over 2,400 educational institutions, helping them to administer millions of exams with precise reporting and insightful feedback to support student achievement.