Reflection on Learning

Knowledge Gaps 3

Knowledge Gaps

Name

Institution

A knowledge gap is a difference that relates to technical know-how and skills. It arises when there is a great difference between what the hospital requires and the capabilities of the nurses or staff. To identify knowledge gaps in nursing practices, first the health care institution should sate its objectives and the hospital needs. These can include, ‘what changes do the healthcare facility needs to make?’ ‘What skills are required in the nursing practices?’ Secondly you should determine the essential skill that is you should be aware of the current technology and new methods used in nursing practices (Coll et al., 2018). Thirdly, the healthcare should assess where they are in terms of the performance trend and the competency-based assessments for the nurses.

The next step is to find out the gaps, that is, healthcare identifies what is missing and the type of skills needed to empower on the nurses. Finally, arrange to bridge the gaps after getting all information. This includes utilizing internal resources and hiring more qualified nurses. You can also use some strategies to overcome the knowledge gaps such as establishing programs that will give training to nurses to ensure competent skills among themselves (Moyer & Graebe, 2018). Also, the healthcare can come up with policies and interventions that will help nurses stick to practices that will improve its operations. The nurses’ work environment can be improved in order to overcome the knowledge gaps in the nursing practice (Shoghi et al., 2019).

Being a leader in a healthcare, I would maximize other’s potential by interacting with them freely to learn the skills that I do not know from them. To lead evidence-based practice at my workplace, I would come up with patient-centered objectives and understand the healthcare resources.

References.

Coll, L., Ameztegui, A., Collet, C., Löf, M., Mason, B., Pach, M., ... & Ponette, Q. (2018). Knowledge gaps about mixed forests: What do European forest managers want to know and what answers can science provide?. Forest Ecology and Management, 407, 106-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.10.055

Moyer, A., & Graebe, J. (2018). Identifying the underlying educational needs that contribute to the professional practice gap. The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 49(2), 52-54. doi: 10.3928/00220124-20180116-02.

Shoghi, M., Sajadi, M., Oskuie, F., Dehnad, A., & Borimnejad, L. (2019). Strategies for bridging the theory-practice gap from the perspective of nursing experts. Heliyon, 5(9), 10- 16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02503