Introduction
There is much existing discussion of the theory-practice gap in nursing. This refers to the disconnect between the knowledge nurses gain in the classroom and the real-world application of that knowledge. I believe this gap is widening as nursing education evolves slower than the rapidly changing healthcare landscape. However, others argue that the gap has always existed and is simply being brought to light by increased scrutiny (Safazadeh et al., 2018). Therefore, I cannot deny that the theory-practice gap in nursing is a real phenomenon. However, it is important to remember that it is not unique to nursing. The key is to balance academic learning and real-world experience (Safazadeh et al., 2018). By nurturing both sides of the equation, we can help ensure that nurses are fully prepared to meet the challenges of their profession head-on.
Explanations and Examples
There are several gaps between theory and practice in the nursing profession. This phenomenon is portrayed in the nursing field, where the demands of the job can often be at odds with the idealized version of care taught in nursing school. There are many reasons for this discrepancy, but some of the most common include a lack of time, insufficient resources, and unrealistic expectations (Greenway et al., 2019). One of the most significant theory-practice gaps in nursing is the time nurses spend with their patients. In an ideal world, nurses would be able to spend as much time as necessary with each patient, providing personalized care and attention. However, the reality is that nurses often have to care for multiple patients at once, making it difficult to provide the level of care they would like. As a result, nurses may find themselves resorting to shortcuts or making decisions based on what is expedient rather than what is best for the patient.
Another common theory-practice gap in nursing relates to resources. There may be a lack of resources or support available to put theoretical knowledge into practice. While the theory-practice gap can present challenges, several ways exist to overcome it. Nursing schools typically teach students about the different resources available to them, such as medication, therapy, and support groups (Saifan et al., 2021). For example, nurses can seek out opportunities for continued education, create action plans for putting theoretical knowledge into practice, or develop partnerships with other healthcare professionals. However, these resources may be scarce or completely unavailable in many real-world settings. This can leave nurses frustrated and helpless when trying to care for their patients.
Conclusion
In recent years, there has been increasing discussion of the theory-practice gap in nursing such as the expectations of the nurses. Several factors can contribute to this gap. For example, nurses may not have adequate time to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, or they may not feel confident in their ability to do so (Saifan et al., 2021). This theory-practice gap that is common in nursing relates to the expectations of the nurses and patients. Nursing school typically portrays a high-paying, stable, and satisfying career. However, the reality is that nursing can be a very demanding job that is often underpaid and undervalued (Greenway et al., 2019). This discrepancy can lead to feelings of disillusionment and even burnout among nurses. While there will always be a certain amount of theory-practice gap in nursing, nurses must be aware of it and take steps to minimize it. By understanding the reasons for the gap and taking steps to address them, nurses can help ensure that they provide the best possible care for their patients. By addressing the theory-practice gap, nurses can help to improve patient care and outcomes.
References
Greenway, K., Butt, G., & Walthall, H. (2019). What is a theory-practice gap? An exploration of the concept. Nurse education in practice, pp. 34, 1–6. Web.
Safazadeh, S., Irajpour, A., Alimohammadi, N., & Haghani, F. (2018). Qualitative research explores the reasons for the theory-practice gap in emergency nursing education. Journal of education and health promotion, p. 7. Web.
Saifan, A., Devadas, B., Daradkeh, F., Abdel-Fattah, H., Aljabery, M., & Michael, L. M. (2021). A qualitative study is a solution to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE. BMC Medical Education, 21(1), 1-11. Web.