A Global Issue in Nursing Students’ Clinical Learning: The Theory–Practice Gap

Abstract

Problem statement: For many years, there has been a problem with regard to the theory–practice gap in nursing students’ clinical education, as indicated in many studies. Purpose: A description of nursing students’ views on the theory–practice gap in clinical learning.Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted to describe nursing students’ (n = 21) views of the theory–practice gap in clinical learning. Semi-structured and interactive interviews were used to collect data. All interviews were recorded and transcribed, then analysed using qualitative content analysis and MAXQDA 2010.Findings: From the transcripts, a remarkable number of primary themes, main themes and sub-themes emerged. The main themes consisted of elements related to ‘society and culture’, ‘promotion of theoretical knowledge and clinical skills’, ‘student-related factors’, ‘instructor-related factors’, ‘staff-related factors’, ‘clinical situations’ and ‘learning styles’.Conclusion: In order to reduce the theory–practice gap, various methods are proposed: priority of theoretical over practical courses, curriculum revision, applicability to cases according to theoretical materials already learned, and searching for an innovative curriculum to reconcile students’ theoretical and practical educational content. In addition, nursing education administrators should cooperate with the faculty and staff by adopting interactive and participatory solutions.