The evolving role of nurses in modern healthcare demands the mastery of advanced skills, particularly physical examination skills, which are essential to clinical competence and patient safety. Despite their importance, acquiring and retaining these skills remains a major challenge in nursing education. High-quality, hands-on clinical experience is crucial for developing such competencies; however, increasing student enrollment, limited educator availability, and restricted clinical placements hinder effective skill development. These limitations contribute to a disconnect between theoretical instruction and practical application, impacting students’ ability to recognize critical patient indicators and perform essential caregiving tasks. This study underscores the urgent need to address these educational barriers by enhancing clinical training opportunities, refining teaching strategies, and ensuring sufficient support for both educators and students. Bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and clinical proficiency is vital for producing competent nurses capable of delivering safe, effective care in diverse healthcare settings