Learning Objective #1: Understand the importance that patterns represent in qualitative research

Learning Objective #2: Identify common themes of narratives provided by nurses that teach, in contrast to nurses providing direct client care

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A long-standing dilemma for the profession of nursing is what occurs in clinical situations is not congruent with what theory and research state ought to happen. The theory-practice gap has been described as a ‘crisis in confidence in professional knowledge' (Schon, 1983). Employing Martha Rogers' (1970, 1990) Science of Unitary Human Beings theory, the purpose of this study was to assess pattern manifestation of nurse educators' and nurse clinicians' narratives regarding meaningful events in their career. The methodology employed critical incident analysis through audio recording the stories of six educators (representing theory) and six clinicians (representing practice). Data analysis produced the following unifying themes: Human Betterment, Mutual Respect, Collaboration, Conflict in Communication and Moments of Doubt. Unique themes of Moments of Fear and Spirituality were identified from the educators and clinicians respectively. Findings also supported reflection-on-action of critical incidents as an effective method to elicit assessment of pattern. Although integrality was present among the participants' stories, additional studies are needed to further explore praxis in the nursing profession.