Effect of NGN-Style Case Studies on Nursing Students' Anxiety and Self-Confidence With Clinical Decision-Making.

Background: The Next Generation National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) uses the Clinical Judgment Measurement Model in unfolding case studies to assess graduate nurses' clinical judgment.

Purpose: This study explored the impact of Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)-style case studies on baccalaureate nursing students' self-confidence and anxiety with clinical decision-making.

Methods: Seventy-six second-year baccalaureate nursing students participated in this 1-group convergent mixed-methods study. Students completed 7 NGN-style case studies during a Nursing Essentials course. Data were collected at the beginning and end of the semester.

Results: Anxiety with clinical decision-making significantly decreased, and self-confidence with clinical decision-making significantly increased from pretest to posttest. Five qualitative themes derived from open-ended responses: realistic application of theory to practice, critical thinking, feedback, collaboration, and NCLEX preparation.

Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that formative NGN-style case studies are well received by students and result in positive outcomes. Further research is needed to more fully understand the effects of NGN-style case studies.