THE THEORY-PRACTICE GAP IN NURSING - A NEW DIMENSION

The existence of a theory-practice gap in nursing in the United Kingdo m has been an issue of concern for many years. However recent events h ave resulted in a new dimension of the theory-practice gap emerging. T his paper explores the origins af the contrasting values attributed to nurses and health care managers and identifies areas of conflict. It is argued that the theory-practice gap in nursing is being compounded by a more fundamental divergence of approaches to the delivery of heal th care and that this represents a major challenge to nurse educators. Nursing is at a crossroads in its development, and if it is to surviv e it must incorporate some elements of the new managerialism whilst de monstrating to managers the importance of recognizing professional val ues, The future of nursing can be secured, but it will involve partner ship and cooperation with the new managers.