One of my biggest concerns about being a clinical teacher is bridging the gap between theory and practice. Having worked in the clinical practice for 9 years, I know that if I become a clinical teacher, I have to review the ideal evidence-based practices as it is taught to the students. The actual practice has its differences with what is ideal and I believe that this would be one of my biggest concerns. Another concern is if I would be able to create effective learning opportunities for my students given the diversity of the students nowadays in terms of learning styles, coping mechanisms, and even generational gaps.
Hi Jex! I resonate with your concern regarding gap between theory and practice as most often, nurses want to do a short cut of doing things and would like to perform a skill rather than knowing the science in doing the skill. I admire your commitment in trying to bridge the gap between the two. We need educators like you who believes that there should be a solid theoretical foundation as well as evidenced-based application to effectively practice a nurse in any field of practice. Your reflection and commitment is a good investment as you explore the complexities of the teaching profession. The rest of your concerns is not faced by you in isolatedly. Actually, I am experiencing the same concerns like all educators are today. I agree that we should take into consideration diversity among students, value inclusivity and equality for all.