Evaluating the Impact of Clinical Placements on Nursing Students' Readiness for Professional Practice: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: The gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in nursing education and practical skills required in clinical settings has become a significant concern, potentially undermining the preparedness of nursing graduates for professional practice. This discrepancy, often termed the theory-practice gap, can adversely affect healthcare delivery and contribute to the nursing shortage.

Methods: This review employed a scoping methodology to analyze literature from 1980 to 2023, focusing on the impact of clinical placements on nursing students' readiness for practice. A systematic search was conducted across databases including CINAHL, PubMed, and Embase, utilizing keywords related to clinical readiness, nursing education, and graduate competencies. Key studies were evaluated for their findings regarding the effectiveness of clinical placements in enhancing nursing students' practical skills and confidence.

Results: The review identified a range of factors influencing clinical readiness, including the quality of clinical placements, the support provided during training, and the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical experiences. While many studies reported improvements in clinical competencies and confidence levels among nursing graduates, significant variations were noted in the effectiveness of different placement models.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of clinical placements in preparing nursing students for professional practice. To enhance readiness, nursing programs must prioritize high-quality clinical experiences, implement supportive structures, and foster integration between theoretical and practical learning. Further research is needed to establish standardized measures for assessing clinical readiness among nursing students.