Nursing students in New York can now complete one-third of their clinical education using simulation technology after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed bill S447C into law May 15.
The hope is that allowing this will expedite training and graduate nurses into the field more quickly amid the ongoing national nursing shortage. The simulations will be overseen by the New York State Education Department. Thirty-one states already have standards around employing simulation technology to train nurses.
"Training needed to become a highly skilled nurse in New York limits clinical placements in a hospital setting, and until students complete those placements, they cannot receive their nursing license and join the workforce," the press release states. "Instead of forcing eager students to wait for an open spot in a hospital, expanding simulated training will help clear the logjam, address the shortage, and ensure high quality care for millions of New Yorkers."
The bill will take effect Nov. 11, 2023.