INTEGRATING WHAT IS TAUGHT WITH WHAT IS PRACTICED IN THE NURSING CURRICULUM - A MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODEL

The discrepancy between nursing as it is taught in the classroom (theo ry) and nursing as it is experienced by students in the clinical setti ng (practice) has long been a source of concern to teachers, practitio ners and learners. This paper provides an overview of the literature o n the theory-practice gap, exploring some of the many reasons cited fo r its existence as well as suggested ways of bridging the gap. Drawing upon the findings, a comprehensive and multi-dimensional model design ed to integrate theory and practice of nursing is proposed for use by curriculum planners. Fundamental to the model is the notion of collabo ration between education and service staff at all stages of the curric ulum process. The model highlights eight key areas for the curriculum team to consider: the curriculum model to be used, sequencing of taugh t content and clinical practice, the content of the course, teaching m ethods to be used, assessment criteria, the role of tutors in the lear ning process, the contribution of service staff, and the influence of the hidden curriculum. It is argued that only through such a comprehen sive model can integration of theory and practice within the curriculu m be achieved. Adoption of the model, however, will require considerab le individual and organizational commitment.