The International Nursing Association of Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years. Several strategies have been implemented during this time to meet the needs of members as well as to expand membership. In 2010, the organization’s membership has risen to over 900 members. INACSL is striving to develop and grow members and champions in the international and practice arenas. Luncheons, specifically designed to determine and meet the needs of these special interest groups, have been held during annual conferences. The organization continues to endeavor to enhance the resources for these groups and for all members.

Other services and resources have been developed or revised to meet the needs of INACSL’s membership. INACSL has:

- Entered into an affiliation with SSH. The two organizations now provide a discounted membership rate for members who have memberships in both organizations.
- Revised and enhanced the website, in an effort to make information more easily available.
- Begun to develop a simulation scenario repository.
- Enhanced the availability of and access to its peer-reviewed on-line journal, Clinical Simulation in Nursing. It is now available for reference in the CINAHL database, and is growing in the number and quality of submissions.

In order to be more in line with current trends, the Board of Directors revised INACSL’s mission statement and strategic plan. At the request of the membership, the INACSL Board has developed standards for nursing simulation.

The standards for nursing simulation that have been developed are related to the following areas:

- Definition of terms
- Facilitator and facilitation methods
- Focus of simulation
- Professional integrity
- Evaluation of achievement
- Debriefing

The revised mission statement and standards will be presented to the membership during the annual conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in June 2010. The organization is planning to hold its most well attended conference ever this year in Las Vegas with 820 people registered to attend and registration was closed.

Colleen Meakim
Director, Learning Resource Center
Villanova University College of Nursing
Villanova, PA 19085
610-519-7955
BSN Representative for INACSL

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