Please reply to this discussion with one reference.

The theory-practice gap is something that nurses encounter as they enter practice. A way that graduate education is working to bridge this gap is through middle-range theories and the doctor of nursing practice degree (Butts & Rich, 2017). Middle range theories and doctorate level nursing practice are attempting to cover the components missing from theory but used in everyday nursing practice. Since doctorate level nurses are very familiar with theory and have clinical expertise to understand the missing parts from theory needed for practice (Butts & Rich, 2017). Doctorate prepared nurses are also able to assist other nurses with this gap in knowledge to improve their practice (Butts & Rich, 2017).

I believe that the gap between theory and clinical practice is there and that it is the duty of practicing nurse clinicians to help bridge this gap. In a study by the International Journal of Caring Sciences, it was found one way to help close this gap was by the use of nursing clinical instructors (Akram, Mohamad, & Akram, 2018). These clinical instructors help students in clinical rotations understand the differences between theory and everyday practice (Akram, Mohamad, & Akram, 2018). It is important while nurses are in a student role to differentiate between theory that exists in a perfect world and actual real-world practice. Another important aspect is to ensure that these clinical instructors create an environment conducive to learning and stay up-to-date with the latest in policy and healthcare trends (Akram, Mohamad, & Akram, 2018).

Understanding theory and the impact it has on the nursing discipline is imperative in advancing nursing practice. Theory gives the basis for nursing practice and for nurses to be able to have a solid basis of practice they should understand theory (Butts & Rich, 2017). Nursing theory also helps nurses understand their assumptions, develop critical thinking skills and improve the ability to analyze complex situations (Ahtisham, & Jacoline, 2015). I believe that although many of the theories we study were formed in the past, they still have relevance to nursing practice today and help nurses advance their practice and develop the skills needed to thrive in the nursing profession.