scholarly journals Theory – Practice Gap: Challenges Experienced by Nursing Students at the Satellite Campus of a Higher Education Institution in Namibia

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 21
Author(s):  
Hatupopi Saara Kertu ◽  
Vistolina Nuuyoma
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Students ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Satellite Campus ◽  
Background Theory ◽  
Total Care ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

Background: Theory practice gap is the discrepancies found between what students learn in the formal classroom setting and what they experience in the clinical settings.  Observations reveal that nursing as practised is task-centred and students rarely get involved in anything approaching the total care of individual patients, thus leading to theory-practice gap.Objectives: The study explored and described the challenges faced by Bachelor of Nursing (clinical) honours students when integrating theory into practice in the clinical settings.Method: The study, which was granted ethical clearances from two institutions, drew on an exploratory phenomenology methodology to gather data from ten nursing students registered at a satellite campus. The participants were purposively selected with data collected via focus group interviews. Thereafter, data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. The study data collection and analysis adhered to ethical principles and quality measures in order to ensure credibility, transferability, dependability and confirmability. Results: Nursing students experience challenges in integrating theory and practice. These challenges are grouped into four themes; theory verses practice, limited resources in clinical settings, discriminatory attitudes and communication barriers.Conclusion:  Nursing students appreciated accompaniment and supervision by nurse educators. However, the accompaniment’s impact on learning may be undermined through the students’ limited exposure to clinical cases. Therefore, long-term strategies are recommended for effective integration of theory with practice.

Theory-Practice Gap: The Experiences of Nigerian Nursing Students

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Titilayo Dorothy Odetola ◽  
Olusola Oluwasola ◽  
Christoph Pimmer ◽  
Oluwafemi Dipeolu ◽  
Samson Oluwayemi Akande ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Developing Country ◽  
The Body ◽  
Clinical Staff ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

The “disconnect” between the body of knowledge acquired in classroom settings and the application of this knowledge in clinical practice is one of the main reasons for professional fear, anxiety and feelings of incompetence among freshly graduated nurses. While the phenomenon of the theory-to-practice gap has been researched quite extensively in high-income country settings much less is known about nursing students’ experiences in a developing country context. To rectify this shortcoming, the qualitative study investigated the experiences of nursing students in their attempt to apply what they learn in classrooms in clinical learning contexts in seven sites in Nigeria. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data gained from eight focus group discussions (n = 80) with the students. The findings reveal a multifaceted theory-practice gap which plays out along four tensions: (1) procedural, i.e. the difference between practices from education institutions and the ones enacted in clinical wards – and contradictions that emerge even within one clinical setting; (2) political, i.e. conflicts that arise between students and clinical staff, especially personnel with a lower qualification profile than the degree that students pursue; (3) material, i.e. the disconnect between contemporary instruments and equipment available in schools and the lack thereof in clinical settings; and (4) temporal, i.e. restricted opportunities for supervised practice owing to time constraints in clinical settings in which education tends to be undervalued. Many of these aspects are linked to and aggravated by infrastructural limitations, which are typical for the setting of a developing country. Nursing students need to be prepared regarding how to deal with the identified procedural, political, material and temporal tensions before and while being immersed in clinical practice, and, in so doing, they need to be supported by educationally better qualified clinical staff.

scholarly journals Solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Saifan ◽  
Briliya Devadas ◽  
Fares Daradkeh ◽  
Hadya Abdel-Fattah ◽  
Mohannad Aljabery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Theoretical Knowledge ◽  
Academic Field ◽  
College Staff ◽  
Clinical Culture ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

Abstract Background The theoretical knowledge of nursing underpins the practice, while the practice environment determines the circumstances within which the theoretical knowledge is applied. The biggest challenge facing nursing as an academic field is the theory-practice gap, which is a universal issue in nursing. This study aimed to raise solutions to close the gap between theory and practice in nursing education through the eyes of nursing students in UAE. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was followed; whereby 25 Emirati nursing students were interviewed. Results Two main themes are discussed in this study: ‘Clinical Culture Creation’ and ‘Curriculum Content Reformation’. The students suggested to decreased the loud and stress on their clinical educators. They also suggested creating synchronization between what is taught in classrooms and labs and what is offered in the clinical training. Moreover, some of the students expected to have more benefit if they get their clinical training in health institutions owned by their college. On the other side, many of the participants suggested to move from the integration system to the block system. Another interesting suggestion includes having the same college staff to teach the theory and the clinical. The final suggestion includes decreasing the paper work during clinical training. Conclusions This study explored the solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE. The study has implications for nursing education and practice within the UAE and is imperative for graduating workplace ready professional nurses within the country.

Students’ Perception on taught Theories and Clinical Practice in Nursing Education Training

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Julien Feti Kisiata ◽  
Hatice Şen
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Clinical Teaching ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Learning Environment ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Rich Data ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

Theory and practice are two important components of nursing education. When knowledge acquired in theory translates into practice, effective learning takes place in nursing education. However, research shows that there is a gap between theory and practice. This study was conducted to find out if there is a connection between theories taught in the classroom and the practice of nursing. Qualitative phenomenological design and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data in this study. Four main themes were identified in the study: "Nursing education, theory-practice gap in nursing education if any, reasons for the theory-practice gap in nursing education and suggestions for bridging the theory-practice gap in nursing education ". Twelve out of sixteen students, or seventy-five percent, explained that there was no balance between theory and practice in nursing education. This imbalance explains the notion of a gap between theory and practice in nursing education. Students showed the complexity of the theoretical teaching environment compared to the clinical learning environment. Indeed, these environments have an impact on the learning experience of nursing students. To bridge this gap, many students suggested balancing theory and practice, supporting them more with clinical teaching, and the desirability of solving the language barrier issue between students, theory teachers and others clinical professors. As a result of this study on the gap between theory and practice in nursing education, the qualitative design used in this paper provided new and rich data on the quality of education, the reasons and the solution regarding the Gaps in theory and practice in nursing education at the University of the Near East in North Cyprus. The results of this study would contribute to the revision of the nursing education program of this university. This is the first study in the Republic of Northern Cyprus to examine the gap between theory and practice.

scholarly journals Suggestions to close the gap in nursing education: Nursing students' perspectives

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Saifan ◽  
Haneen Abu Safieh ◽  
Ruba Milbes ◽  
Rawan Shibly
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Qualitative Design ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Practice Gaps ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The nursing profession is composed of two main parts: the theoretical part, which reflects the knowledge that is received in the classroom; and the practical part, which focuses on improving students’ skills in the clinical area. The literature shows that there is a disconnect between these two parts.</p><p><strong>Objectives:</strong> This study aimed to identify suggestions and interventions to explore students’ perceptions about the theory-practice gap in nursing education.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> An explorative qualitative design with individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 30 nursing students (in the second, third and fourth year of their BSc program) who took at least two clinical courses.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> The students raised several ideas and suggestions to close the theory-practice gap in nursing education grouped under five major themes: open channels between theory and practice teachers; students need to be supported more; increasing competency of clinical instructors; using different methods of education; and preparing and improving the clinical laboratories.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The qualitative design used in this study provided deep and rich novel data about the theory-practice gaps in nursing education in Jordan. This subject was broached for the first time in Jordan. The information from this study could be useful for undergraduate students, nursing schools, nursing teachers and other healthcare stakeholders in Jordan.</p>

scholarly journals Guided reflection as a tool to deal with the theory– practice gap in critical care nursing students

2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hester Cathrina De Swardt ◽  
Heleen S. Du Toit ◽  
Anneli Botha
Keyword(s):  
Critical Care ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Critical Analysis ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Critical Care Nursing ◽  
Contextual Design ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Practical Experiences ◽  
Theory Practice Gap ◽  
Care Nursing

Critical care nursing students experience inconsistencies between the theoretical content they have learnt and what is expected from them in practice, which retards the learning process. This has been described as the theory–practice gap. There seems to be no single solution to address the integration of theory and practice. In an attempt to bridge this gap, a study was done to establish the influence of guided reflection on critical care nursing students in dealing with their theoretical and practical experiences. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was followed. An instrument for guided reflection was designed which was used during semi-structured interviews during the data collection process. Field notes and narrative descriptions were also used as means to collect data. Themes that emerged from the data included a description of incidents experienced, critical analysis of knowledge, critical analysis of feelings and changed perspective experienced. Theory–practice integration occurred to an extent in some of the categories; conversely, the inability to apply theory to practice evoked responses such as feelings of guilt and incompetence. Guided reflection appeared to have assisted the participants in clarifying theoretical and practical experiences, and in reaching a changed perspective by understanding the link between theory and practice. Guided reflection ought to be incorporated in the education of nurses from their basic training in theory and practice so that student nurses will be aware of their own competencies in order to provide optimal patient care.OpsommingKritiekesorgverpleegstudente ervaar teenstrydighede ten opsigte van dit wat hul geleer word en wat van hul in die praktyk verwag word wat weer die leerproses vertraag. Dit word as die teorie–praktykgaping beskryf. Daar blyk geen enkelvoudige oplossing te wees vir die integrasie van teorie en praktyk nie. In ’n poging om die gaping te oorbrug, is ’n studie oor die invloed van begeleide refleksie op kritiekesorgverpleegkundige studente se teoretiese en praktiese ervaringe gedoen. ’n Kwalitatiewe, verkennende, beskrywende en kontekstuele navorsingsontwerp is gevolg. ‘n Instrument vir begeleide refleksie is ontwerp wat gebruik is tydens semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude in die data-insamelingsproses. Veldnotas en narratiewe beskrywings was ook middele ten einde data in te samel. Tema’s wat uit die data na vore gekom het was ‘n beskrywing van ervaringe, kritiese analise van data, kritiese analise van gevoelens en ‘n veranderde perspektief met betrekking tot ervaringe. Teorie–praktyk integrasie het tot ‘n mate in sommige kategorieë plaasgevind het. Daarinteen het die onvermoë om die teorie in die praktyk toe te pas response tot gevolg gehad, soos skuldgevoelens en gevoelens van onbevoegdheid. Dit wil voorkom asof begeleide refleksie die deelnemers gehelp het om duidelikheid en ’n veranderde perspektief ten opsigte van hul teoretiese en praktiese ervaringe te verkry. Begeleide refleksie behoort reeds vanaf basiese opleiding in verpleegkundiges se teoretiese en praktiese opleiding geïnkorporeer te word sodat verpleegkundiges bewus sal wees van hulle eie vaardighede om sodoende optimale pasiëntsorg te kan lewer.

scholarly journals Experiences of Student Nurses on the Use of the Two-Week Block System at the Satellite Campus of a Higher Education Institution in Namibia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 222
Author(s):  
Gelasius Panduleni Shatimwene ◽  
Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala ◽  
Esther Kamenye
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Student Nurses ◽  
Education Institution ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Higher Education Institution ◽  
Teaching System ◽  
Block System ◽  
Satellite Campus

Clinical Training is intended to prepare nursing students for future nursing practice in both private and public facilities. As do many nursing training institutions globally, this Higher Education Institution (HEI) uses the two-week block system as a teaching system. However, despite the two-week block system, it would appear that, due to the increased number of nursing students, the aligning of practical exposure with theoretical instruction is becoming difficult in balancing theory and practice for both student and academics. Such alignment requires institutions of higher learning to establish which teaching systems are likely to promote the correlation between theory and practice. The experiences of students may be used to identify positive learning environment for students. This study aimed to explore and understand the personal experiences of student nurses studying at Higher Education Institution HEI in Namibia in relation to the use of the two-week block system. The objectives of the study included exploring and describing the experiences of student nurses regarding the two-week block system at the HEI with a view to ascertaining the negative impact, if any, of such a teaching system on their studies. A study employed a qualitative approach which comprised an explorative and descriptive research design, using purposive sampling. The research population in the study consisted of first to fourth year, undergraduate nursing students who were studying at a satellite campus of a HEI in Namibia. The requisite data was collected from four focus group discussions which were each conducted with six to seven participants. The transcribed interviews and narratives from the research notes were then organised into main themes and sub-themes. Three main themes and nine sub-themes were identified. The findings of the study indicated that two-week block system was associated with challenges as was evidenced by the following themes that had emerged from the study, namely, different experiences of the two-week block system, various effects of the two-week block system and recommendations to School of Nursing (SoN).The study recommended that the HEI extend the two-week block system to a one-month block system in order to give the students sufficient time in which to put the theory they have learnt into practice.

scholarly journals Reflecting on the contemporary relevance of the forgotten management pioneers: A creative auto/biography

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 205979911986328
Author(s):  
Hester Nienaber
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Base Change ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Organisational Performance ◽  
Relevant Today ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap ◽  
And Control

Management theory and practice are characterised by the ‘theory–practice gap’. A way of addressing this divide is to engage in reflective practice, in this instance, a creative auto/biography. This different way of presenting an old issue demonstrates how the original teachings of the management pioneers remain relevant today. The central issues are the purpose of the organisation and the role of both leadership and employees in unlocking human competence in pursuit of organisational performance. The concepts ‘autonomy’ and ‘control’ transpired as crucial, which could easily be misunderstood or misapplied. This personal reflection presents evidence on which to base change, enhancing the well-being of employees, societies and the profit of organisations. This article contributes to knowledge by making inaccessible knowledge, accessible and inclusive, and the expectation that the meaning emanating from this reflection will result in the management audience to reconsider management, advancing management science and benefitting society at large.

The Interplay between Theory and Practice in HRD

2016 ◽  
pp. 47-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew W. Gosney
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Careful Evaluation ◽  
Compelling Reason ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap ◽  
Modern Era

While few would argue that a tension exists between HRD theoreticians and practitioners, few models explain why such tension exists. Leveraging Gosney's Model of Modern Era Theory & Practice Generation in HRD (Gosney, 2014; Gosney & Hughes, 2015), a careful evaluation of current HRD context and informing philosophy reveals compelling reason for the theory-practice gap. In reviewing both the current historical context, capitalism, and the predominant informing philosophy, pragmatism, both theoreticians and practitioners are better equipped to understand and ameliorate the divide. The chapter concludes with specific recommendations to the discipline, including a more robust exploration by theoreticians of pragmatism as an informing philosophy in HRD and the adoption of critical thinking as a core competency in practitioners.

scholarly journals The clinical seminar as a learning methodology: an evaluation of nursing students' views

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-447 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Granero-Molina ◽  
Cayetano Fernández-Sola ◽  
Castro-Sánchez Adelaida María ◽  
Francisca Rosa Jiménez-López ◽  
Gabriel Aguilera-Manrique ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Teaching Method ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
First Year ◽  
First Year Students ◽  
Clinical Practicum ◽  
Practice Gap ◽  
Theory Practice Gap

OBJECTIVE: To explore students' assessments of the clinical seminar as a complementary teaching method to the clinical practicum experience. METHODS: This was a qualitative study based on the hermeneutic phenomenology of Gadamer. Twenty-three open-ended interviews were conducted from among the 132 first-year students who attended an initial clinical practicum. We performed a qualitative analysis of the data using ATLAS.ti software. RESULTS: The students agreed that the clinical seminar gave them the opportunity to learn about procedures, nursing care and interpersonal relationships. They also found it very helpful when they encountered challenging stressful situations as they performed their practice, and believed it allowed them to make a connection between the theory in the classroom and the clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: These seminars can contribute to reducing levels of stress during clinical practice. They can also help students obtain significant learning from their fellows and reduce the theory-practice gap.

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