Bridging the Theory-Practice Gap: Employers' Recommendations for Nursing Programs.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Professional Competence

Background:

• A knowledge gap exists concerning educators' and employers' expectations for new graduate nurses (NGNs).
• Evaluating the competence of NGNs requires further understanding of stakeholder perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore employers' views on the strengths of nursing programs in preparing students for competent practice.
• To identify areas for improvement in nursing education for new graduate nurses.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study design.
• Involved nurse orientation leaders and nurse preceptors as participants.

Main Results:

• Key themes identified: "We Expect Them to Know the Basics," "Nursing Schools Do a Pretty Good Job," and "Teach Them to Understand the Nurse's Role."
• Subthemes highlighted the need to "Expose Students to the Reality of Nursing," "Focus on Communication Skills," "Teach Students to See the Big Picture," and develop "Strategies for Practice Readiness."

Conclusions:

• Nurse educators can enhance graduate preparedness by integrating knowledge and experience.
• Simulating actual nursing practice in education can better equip graduates for complex healthcare environments.