Gap between college education and clinical practice: Experience of newly graduated nurses

Abstract

Aims: To examine the experience of new nurses working in the neurology ward and the differences between their training and hospital practice.

Design: Qualitative.

Methods: The interviews were conducted from 15 July-28 August 2017, in a quiet and comfortable meeting room at the hospital. Data were collected through interviews with 12 newly graduated nurses working at a neurology ward.

Results: The results yielded four themes: "ineffective learning of nervous system theory in college," "difference between learning theory and practical application," "difficulty in nursing intervention for various clinical symptoms" and "need for teaching method based on actual cases."

Conclusion: The findings can be used for the development of effective nursing education programmes to reduce the gap between theory and practice.

Keywords: clinical practice; college education; neurology ward; newly graduated nurse; qualitative research.