Challenges for Boards of Nursing with Multiple New Nursing Program Applications

This article discusses the dramatic increase in the number of nursing schools in the state of Nevada and the challenges faced by their board of nursing (BON) to approve these new programs. Although these nursing programs began opening to alleviate the nursing shortage, they are now opening in the face of faculty shortages, clinical placement shortages, and a severe downturn in the economy causing state budget deficits and cuts. Nevada mandates national nursing accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accrediting Council or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, which the BON believes enhances and strengthens the quality of Nevada's nursing programs. The article includes the strategies used, the lessons learned, and recommendations on how other BONs can ensure the quality of nursing programs and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.