Background The theoretical knowledge of nursing underpins the practice, while the practice environment determines the circumstances within which the theoretical knowledge is applied. The biggest challenge facing nursing as an academic field is the theory-practice gap, which is a universal issue in nursing. This study aimed to raise solutions to close the gap between theory and practice in nursing education through the eyes of nursing students in UAE. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was followed; whereby 25 Emirati nursing students were interviewed. Results Two main themes are discussed in this study: ‘Clinical Culture Creation’ and ‘Curriculum Content Reformation’. The students suggested to decreased the loud and stress on their clinical educators. They also suggested creating synchronization between what is taught in classrooms and labs and what is offered in the clinical training. Moreover, some of the students expected to have more benefit if they get their clinical training in health institutions owned by their college. On the other side, many of the participants suggested to move from the integration system to the block system. Another interesting suggestion includes having the same college staff to teach the theory and the clinical. The final suggestion includes decreasing the paper work during clinical training. Conclusions This study explored the solutions to bridge the theory-practice gap in nursing education in the UAE. The study has implications for nursing education and practice within the UAE and is imperative for graduating workplace ready professional nurses within the country.
Aim The aim of this study is to explore factors contributing to the theory‐practice gap in nursing education in the United Arab Emirates. Background The gap between what is taught in nursing classrooms and what is practised in clinical settings creates challenges for nursing students, practitioners, managers and educators. This has important implications for the United Arab Emirates and other developing countries as their healthcare systems require a permanent nursing taskforce that is well supplied with ready to practice graduates. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used, whereby 25 senior student nurses were interviewed about their perceptions of the theory‐practice gap. Results The major theme that emerged in this study was the ‘tripod of clinical practice’, with three subthemes: prepared students, aware and supportive preceptors and qualified clinical faculty. The other theme that emerged was ‘real life outside the simulated lab’, with two subthemes: various and unfamiliar psychomotor skills and communication with real patients. Conclusion The tripod of clinical practice must be achieved for quality clinical practice. Further, attention should be directed to development of skills (e.g., communicating with real patients) that are difficult to acquire while dealing with simulated patients. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing students need longer immersion in simulated clinical settings, coupled with experienced clinical faculty and supportive, aware and prepared preceptors.
The purpose of this study is to investigate factors surrounding low Emirati student recruitment and retention within a nursing programme in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. A sequential explanatory mixed methods research design was used to collect data from 140 Emirati students at different levels of the nursing program. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and related document analyses were used to collect information for this study. Quantitative analysis revealed that overall participants perceived the Emirati society as holding a positive image of nursing, though a majority of them indicated that nursing as a profession, would be a third or last choice of career for them. Inferential analysis on the reasons to choose or not choose nursing, revealed an opportunity to work as part of the team; and as a stepping stone to other professions as significant reasons, versus perceived program difficulty level, and perceived unpleasant tasks. Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted: 1) personal interest; 2) parental support; 3) awareness of the profession; 4) perceived barriers; 5) potential benefits, and 6) policies at the local and national levels. The study has several implications for nursing education and policy in the United Arab Emirates and the region. أبوظبي. إمارة في التمريض برنامج ضمن بهم واﻻحتفاظ اﻹماراتيين الطلبة عدد بقلة المحيطة العوامل دراسة هو الدراسة هذه من الغرض من البيانات لتجميع مختلطة طرق في متسلسل بحثي تصميم استخدام تم وقد
Healthcare Industry has taken a center-stage in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Which affected many countries globally to rethink and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure. The student nurses experienced various emotions during the pandemic period which may impact their attitude towards choosing nursing as their career choice. For that, this study aimed to determine the nursing students’ attitude towards the chosen nursing profession and its image during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, to investigate the impact factors that may affect the students’ attitude on choosing nursing as their career choice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A descriptive quantitative, cross-sectional design was used. A quantitative survey instrument was developed, piloted, factor analyzed, checked for reliability, validity and implemented. The survey was conducted in a nursing institution in the UAE and received 372 responses. In general, there seems to be a positive attitude towards choosing the nursing profession as a career choice and the nursing profession image. In conclusion, this study showed that the pandemic has not affected the nursing students negatively on the attitude towards their career-choice. The students’ families and the government of UAE have been very supportive during the pandemic.
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