How to Help Your Recent Nursing School Graduates Gain Clinical Experience

Educating and preparing a nurse to practice is a challenging task, especially in today’s current environment. In recent years, nursing education has had to adjust for not only the current conditions of the healthcare system but also the pressing demand for nurses in the workforce. Due to these changes, nursing students are getting less clinical time in school causing many to lack valuable hands-on experience.

Nursing Education Today: The Theory-Practice Gap 

Nursing education comes in two forms, theory and practice. In many cases, nursing students and new nurses fall into the theory-practice gap. “There is evidence to suggest that nurses who are proficient in theory are able to write the best care plans, discuss pathophysiology, and treatment rational, however they struggle with hands-on practice.” As for the reasons causing this gap to occur they include a “lack of current clinical practice among nurse educators and a lack of opportunities for continuous education.

So, how do nursing students and new nurses bridge the theory-practice gap when it comes to clinical experience?

Strategies to Increase Clinical Experience

Ideally, you would like nurses to have clinical experience before they step onto your floor. With demand for nurses on the rise, it may be necessary to consider the alternatives to previous employment.

Volunteer Work

Nurses can gain valuable experience by volunteering their time at places such as community health centers. This volunteer time can significantly add to the number of hours a nurse provides direct patient care. While unpaid, volunteering does provide hands-on clinical experience.

Additional Education

Nursing students and new nurses who seek out continuing education with a focus on patient care demonstrate that invest in their careers. Those who are continually learning and growing in their professional capabilities can make a valuable addition to your nursing staff.

Need to Add to Your Nursing Staff?

When recruiting for nursing positions, you know the importance of finding candidates invested in directly improving patients’ lives and future health outcomes. However, when nurses lack clinical experience, it may be wise to review their educational history and evaluate their potential. If you are looking for nurses for your facility, organization or practice, contact the healthcare recruiting experts at National Recruiters today.

 

 

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