Clinical Practice and Canadian Nursing Faculty: Keeping a Foot in Both Worlds

Many benefits have been associated with nurse educator engagement in clinical practice (CP). However, nursing faculty CP has received minimal attention since the early 1990s and has rarely been discussed in Canada. Through interviews with twelve Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) faculty, this study used grounded theory to explore how Canadian BSN educators currently engage in CP. The core category identified was "Keeping a Foot in Both Worlds", which captures the tension that may be experienced by faculty who choose to engage as both clinical practitioners and teachers. Faculty in this dual role described themselves as uniquely positioned to integrate theory and practice and to connect the campus and clinical settings. This study also highlights the challenges BSN faculty face while maintaining a CP and underlines the positive impact this practice might have on teaching/learning. Recommendations include cultural and structural considerations for nurses in CP, education, and leadership.