Question

case study example where you can apply benners theory

Answer 1

Dr Patricia Benner introduced the concept that expert nurses develop skills and understanding of patient care over time through a sound educational base as well as a multitude of experiences. She proposed that one could gain knowledge and skills ("knowing how") without ever learning the theory ("knowing that").

five possible expertise levels: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert.

Case study

• A nurse, with over 15 years’ experience on the obstetrics floor, is attempting to teach a new mother how to breast feed her infant. First things is she does make sure the mother has privacy, that the room is warm and the lighting is dimmed. The mother is now relaxed and comforted
by her surroundings. The nurse proceeds to explain to the mother about how to hold her infant and get him to latch on to her breast. She shows the mother a pamphlet with pictures explaining how this is done. The mother is still a bit nervous, so the nurse reassures her that she can do
this, with explanations of how it benefits the baby. With this done, the mother is ready to try breast feeding for the first time.The nurse is careful to continue reassuring the new mother and to assist her only when it’s necessary.

The nurse notices that the baby still will not latch on to the breast and immediately intervenes before the mother gets discouraged. An explanation is given that different techniques can be used to hold the infant, so they are more comfortable
and can latch on better. When the mother places the infant, with instruction from
the nurse, into the football position the latch on is successful. Of course, the new mother is over joyed but asked the nurse what she will do if she is at home at cannot get the baby to eat. The nurse is fully prepared and is able to get the new mother phone numbers for local support groups in her area.

QUESTION TO CASE STUDY
Given the previous scenario,
what stage is the nurse in
Patricia Benner’s Novice to
Expert theory?

Answer--The answer is the nurse is in the expert practitioner. She
performs her education with ease even when the situation
changes. She performs instinctively and knows her patients
needs automatically. She was able to diffuse a potential
negative situation with her patient before the patient got
discouraged. The nurse was fully prepared to answer all
questions and provide outside resources (Nursing
Theories).