Question

Explain Benner's theory of novice to expert and the importance of understanding various levels of nursing

Answer 1

BENNER THEORY OF NOVICE TO EXPERT

• ACCORDING TO Dr Patricia Benner , expert nurses develop skills and understanding of patient care over time through a sound educational base as well as a multitude of experiences.

• one could gain knowledge and skills ("knowing how") without ever learning the theory ("knowing that").

• development of knowledge HELP IN extension of practical knowledge (know how) through research and the characterization and understanding of the "know how" of clinical experience.

• experience is a prerequisite for becoming an expert.

IT HAS 5 STAGES

• EXPERT -INTUTIATIVE GRASP OF SITUATION
• PROFICIENT -PERCIEVE SITUATION AS WHOLE
• COMPETANT - UNDERSTAND ACTION OF GOAL IN LONG TERM
• BEGINNER -CAN RECOGNISE RECURRENT SITUAION
• NOVICE - FRESHER IN FIELD

Novice

• Beginner with no experience
• no previous experience with the situation at hand.
• no discreationary judgement
• help in performing general tasks
• Rule-governed behavior is limited and inflexible
• Ex. “Tell me what I need to do and I’ll do it.”

Advanced Beginner

• Demonstrates acceptable performance
• focus is on the rules and guidelines
• recognize recurring meaningful components
• needs assistance and support in the clinical area
• Principles, based on experiences, begin to be formulated to guide actions

Competent

• Typically a nurse with 2-3 years experience on the job
• prioritize tasks at hand by utilizing past experiences.
• More aware of long-term goals
• lacks the multi-tasking talents and flexibility of proficient leaders
• Gains perspective from planning own actions based on conscious, abstract, and analytical thinking and helps to achieve greater efficiency and organization

Proficient

• Perceives and understands s
• ituations as whole parts
• More holistic understanding improves decision-making
• Learns from experiences what to expect in certain situations and how to modify plans

Expert

• No longer relies on principles, rules, or guidelines to connect situations and determine actions
• confidence and an intuitive grasp of complex patient situations
• Much more background of experience
• Performance is now fluid, flexible, and highly-proficient