Problems in integrating theory with practice in selected clinical nursing situations

Abstract

The current changes in health care systems challenges knowledgeable, mature and independent practitioners to be able to integrate theoretical content with practice. The study aims to investigate the problems of integrating theory with practice in selected clinical nursing situations. The study focused on the rendering of family planning services to clients which is a component of Community Nursing Science. The findings of the study reveal that there is a need for an integrated holistic curriculum which will address the needs of the community. It was concluded that a problem-based and community-based curriculum, safe and patient-friendly clinical environments, intersectoral collaboration between college and hospital management and student involvement in all processes of teaching and learning will improve the integration of theory and practice. There also appears to be a need for tutors to be more involved in clinical teaching, accompaniment and the continuous evaluation of students.