Harris Selected as Item Writer for Nursing Examination

Stanley Harris More than 25 years ago, Stanley Harris, assistant professor of Nursing at SC State University, had a dream of one day writing for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), an examination for the licensing of nurses in the United States. Recently, Harris’ dream became reality when he was selected as an item writer by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

As item writer, Harris was responsible for writing comprehensive test questions for NCLEX, which is designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities essential to the safe and effective practice of nursing at the entry-level.

Prior to this much anticipated opportunity, Harris found himself applying to become an item writer for the past six years, having to update his application every two years. Two months after being selected, Harris was required to attend a four-day seminar in Chicago, Ill. where each member of his team was given a template and required to write five exam questions per day. Additionally, each question had to be referenced via books and periodicals provided by NCSBN. Harris exceeded the amount of required questions, and produced a total of 45 questions by the end of the seminar. “Being surrounded by peers and finally realizing a dream come true was amazing,” exclaimed Harris. “I would always say I wanted to write questions for the nursing licensure exam, even when I was in school taking it myself, but to finally have this opportunity is a great blessing.”

“Once I told my students about what it entails to be an item writer, they were very excited. They said it was a good feeling to have their professor serve on such a prestigious committee,” says Harris.

In January 2008, Harris arrived at SC State University, and within five months was named Professor of the Year by his peers. Harris has taught nursing courses at several educational institutions to include: Kaylim Career Center in Atlanta, Ga.; Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga.; Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University in Atlanta, Ga.; Gordon College in Barnesville, Ga.; Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga. and Clayton State University in Morrow, Ga.

Harris earned his practical nursing diploma from Baldwin Vocational School of Practical Nursing in Milledgeville, Ga. He later went on to obtain his bachelor’s degree in nursing from Albany State University in Albany, Ga. and his master’s degree in nursing from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Ga.

In December 2010, he will obtain his Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix in Glendale, Ariz.

Harris holds professional nursing licenses in the states of Georgia, South Carolina and New York. He is also a certified advance and basic cardiac life support instructor for the American Heart Association.