The Preparation-Practice Gap: An Integrative Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Clinical Practice Integration

Background:

• Novice nurses often exhibit knowledge and skill deficits upon entering clinical settings.
• This preparation-practice gap presents a significant challenge within the nursing profession.
• The extent and significance of this gap require thorough evaluation and synthesis of existing evidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and synthesize evidence on the existence, extent, and significance of the preparation-practice gap for novice nurses.
• To identify best practices for narrowing the gap between nursing education and clinical practice.
• To understand the implications of this gap for healthcare systems and patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An integrative literature review was conducted to systematically analyze relevant research.
• Fifty articles were included in the final review to ensure comprehensive evidence synthesis.
• The review focused on identifying themes related to the preparation-practice gap and its solutions.

Main Results:

• Evidence confirms the existence of a preparation-practice gap among novice nurses.
• This gap incurs significant costs for healthcare institutions.
• Effective strategies for closing the gap involve improvements in undergraduate nursing curricula and post-graduation support systems like nurse residency programs.

Conclusions:

• The preparation-practice gap is a persistent issue in nursing, necessitating targeted interventions.
• Closing the gap can lead to reduced nurse turnover and associated expenses.
• Improving nurse preparedness enhances novice nurse morale, decreases stress, and ultimately improves patient safety.