A student’s journey: Examining the efficacy of the academic preparation of BSN students and readiness to enter practice

Abstract

Background: The nursing profession is under more pressure than ever to hire clinicians that exhibit critical thinking (CT) skills. A review of the literature has identified a divide between bedside clinicians and nursing faculty resulting in the separation of academic educators from current clinical practices [1]. New graduates enter the clinical setting inadequately prepared to meet the clinical needs and demands of today’s hospitalized patients [2]. Method: A generic qualitative approach sought to explore the lived experience of BSN graduate nurses transition into clinical practice and to gain insight into how successful the nursing profession is training nursing students to meet the clinical demands of today’s hospitalized patients. Results: The results identified four themes: clinical rotation; didactic content and academia; transition to practice; and simulation. Conclusion: A theory-practice gap continues to exist in nursing education.