A Survey on Perception of Theory-Practice Gap among Nursing Students

Abstract

A great combination of excellent theoretical learning session and effective practical learning experience can help close the theory-practice gap in nursing profession. It would certainly be helpful in fostering improvement in nursing education system within the organisation. The aim of this study is to determine the nursing students’ perceptions towards practical learning, preferred learning strategies and theory practice gap in a selected private nursing college. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive designed and enrolled 120 participants in a selected private nursing college. The instrument had four sections, and the respondents answered 46 items with dichotomous and Likert scales. The data collected were input to SPSS software and analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. The results showed that more than 80% had a positive perception towards practical learning where orientation was done prior to their placement and were supervised. No association between gender and year of study in practical learning was found. However, an association was found between gender and theory- practice gap. An association was also found between year in the nursing course and in theory-practice gap. Although the participants expressed positive perception towards their practical learning aspects, changes in the education system, especially in areas highlighted, are still needed. The nursing students relatively raised their concerns regarding insufficient provision of clinical instructors as they were not supervised at all times. In view of bridging the theory-practice gap, immediate attention should be given to the resolution of this matter as it can result in theory-practice gap in nursing education.