Bridging the Theory Practice Gap through Clinical Simulations in a Nursing Under-Graduate Degree Program in Australia

Abstract

The literature is inundated with articles discussing the theory practice
gap but is less forthcoming about how to tackle this problem in the university
classroom setting. This is an area which presents a recurring dilemma for nursing
students and lecturers alike, as the theory at times seems to be distant from the
clinical skills that a nurse requires for practice. Simulation is a flexible teaching
method that can be adapted to meet both the program requirements and students'
learning needs. A simulated environment ensures that the students learn in a safe
environment that enables them to repetitively practice until competence is
attained. We used simulation as a bridge to link the classroom (theoretical
learning) and the clinical workplace (practice learning). The simulation task
encouraged the use of critical reasoning and self-reflection, and provided students
with opportunities to practice nursing in a controlled learning environment. The
feedback we received highlighted enhanced levels of student understanding
achieved through the clinical simulations, with indications of improved student
preparation for clinical fieldwork.