Thomas Tockey, MSN, RN, NPD-BC

Tom Tockey is an accomplished nursing leader and educator with extensive experience in simulation-based learning, workforce development, and nursing transition-to-practice programs. A graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU) with both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN), Tom has dedicated his career to advancing nursing education and professional practice.

Tom spent significant time leading the development and launch of a large-scale nurse residency program that has supported hundreds of new graduate nurses, improving retention and competency outcomes. He has also worked extensively in high-fidelity simulation labs, honing expertise in instructional design, competency-based assessment, and immersive learning experiences for nursing students and practicing clinicians.

His expertise includes workforce planning, learning assessments, nursing onboarding and orientation, clinical competency assessment, and instructional design.

Tom currently serves in the Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice program within a college of nursing, where he contributes to preparing the next generation of advanced practice nurses through evidence-based education, simulation, and innovative instructional strategies

At the 2019 Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Annual Convention, Thomas Tockey presented a poster titled “A Standardized Check-In Process for New Grad Nurses.” This project outlined the development and implementation of a structured coaching framework designed to support the transition of newly licensed nurses into professional practice. The process incorporated scheduled, guided check-in sessions that emphasized reflection, skills reinforcement, and individualized professional development planning. By standardizing the approach, the initiative improved consistency in onboarding, promoted early identification of learning needs, and fostered stronger connections between new graduates and their preceptors, ultimately contributing to higher retention and engagement rates.