Bridging training and practice gap: A mixed methods tracer study of bachelor of science in nursing graduates (2016–2020) at Kairuki University, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Background Tracer studies evaluate the effectiveness of university training by assessing how graduates perform in the job market. This study focused on Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) graduates, aiming to describe their training experiences, application of acquired competencies, and overall stakeholder perceptions to inform BScN curriculum improvement. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data concurrently from 2016–2020 BScN graduates (February-May 2023). Graduates and other stakeholders (including educators, employers, and policymakers) in this study were selected from private, public, and faith-based hospitals and universities, colleges, and the Ministry of Health. Quantitative data were gathered via online structured questionnaires adapted and modified from the American International Health Alliance and the Technical Vocational Education and Training tools. Qualitative data were collected through interviews and focus groups with graduates, employers, educators, and policymakers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.