Aim The aim of this study is to explore factors contributing to the theory‐practice gap in nursing education in the United Arab Emirates. Background The gap between what is taught in nursing classrooms and what is practised in clinical settings creates challenges for nursing students, practitioners, managers and educators. This has important implications for the United Arab Emirates and other developing countries as their healthcare systems require a permanent nursing taskforce that is well supplied with ready to practice graduates. Methods A qualitative descriptive approach was used, whereby 25 senior student nurses were interviewed about their perceptions of the theory‐practice gap. Results The major theme that emerged in this study was the ‘tripod of clinical practice’, with three subthemes: prepared students, aware and supportive preceptors and qualified clinical faculty. The other theme that emerged was ‘real life outside the simulated lab’, with two subthemes: various and unfamiliar psychomotor skills and communication with real patients. Conclusion The tripod of clinical practice must be achieved for quality clinical practice. Further, attention should be directed to development of skills (e.g., communicating with real patients) that are difficult to acquire while dealing with simulated patients. Implications for Nursing Management Nursing students need longer immersion in simulated clinical settings, coupled with experienced clinical faculty and supportive, aware and prepared preceptors.

Introduction Clinical supervision is a crucial aspect of developing nursing students' knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes. The characteristics of clinical instructors have a significant role in the progress and transition of students into their future professional roles. Objective The study aimed to examine the behaviors of effective clinical instructors as perceived by nursing students and faculty members in the UAE. Methods The study followed a cross-sectional quantitative research design to explore nursing students' and faculty members' perceptions of clinical instructors' effective behaviors that facilitate students' clinical practice. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 147 nursing students and 17 faculty members who completed an online version of the study survey at four nursing programs in the UAE. Results Students rated personality ( M = 4.96, SD = 1.91) and teaching ability ( M = 4.94, SD = 1.96) as the highest behaviors for effective clinical instructor. They perceived effective clinical instructor to be organized ( M = 5.19, SD = 1.88), shows self-confidence ( M = 5.16, SD = 1.84), able to answer questions ( M = 5.16, SD = 1.90), emphasizes what is crucial to learn ( M = 5.11, SD = 1.81), and takes responsibility for his/her actions ( M = 5.11, SD = 1.90). While faculty members perceived effective clinical instructor to encourage a climate of mutual respect ( M = 5.56, SD = 1.27), be approachable ( M = 5.47, SD = 1.32), demonstrates clinical skill and judgment ( M = 5.53, SD = 1.46), takes responsibility for his/her actions ( M = 5.53, SD = 1.37), and be a good role model ( M = 5.47, SD = 1.32). Conclusion Understanding clinical instructors' effective behaviors and supporting them during students' clinical experiences inspire a productive teaching-learning environment that is crucial to improve students' motivation, expand their learning opportunities and improve their hands-on skills.