Graduate Nurses' Perception of the Effect of Simulation on Reducing the Theory-Practice Gap

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Practice Integration
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Graduate nurses in high-acuity areas often struggle to integrate theoretical knowledge into clinical practice, a phenomenon known as the theory-practice gap.
• This gap can pose risks to patient safety and lead to adverse outcomes.
• Existing literature primarily focuses on the theory-practice gap and simulation benefits from a faculty viewpoint.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the theory-practice gap from the unique perspective of graduate nurses' lived experiences.
• To assess graduate nurses' perceptions of simulation as a strategy to mitigate the theory-practice gap in prelicensure nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, guided by cognitive constructivism.
• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 graduate nurses possessing two years or less of clinical experience.
• The study focused on understanding their lived experiences transitioning into independent clinical practice.

Main Results:

• All interviewed graduate nurses reported experiencing the theory-practice gap during their transition to independent practice, with varying degrees of severity.
• Participants identified specific program elements that aided in reducing transitional challenges.
• A critical finding indicated that graduate nurses believe high-fidelity simulation with scenario-based learning in prelicensure programs can effectively reduce the theory-practice gap.

Conclusions:

• The theory-practice gap is a significant challenge for newly graduated nurses entering high-acuity clinical settings.
• Graduate nurses perceive high-fidelity simulation as a valuable tool to enhance the integration of theory and practice.
• Implementing simulation-based strategies in prelicensure nursing education is recommended to better prepare graduates for clinical practice and improve patient safety.