The name of Patricia Benner’s theory is “From Novice to Expert”. The theory explains how “practical knowledge produces new ideas in applied disciplines such as nursing and medicine” (Hill, 2010, p. 25). The nursing model offers useful ideas and sources from other theorists. It also follows the background of Patricia Benner. The theorist’s professional and educational background was critical towards the development of this model.
The theory supports the idea of experience and continued practice towards producing competent caregivers. Patricia Benner uses appropriate operational and theoretical terms to define the concepts in her theory. This approach makes the theory applicable in different nursing fields.
The theory talks about the phenomenon of problems. According to Benner, evidence-based ideas can result in new solutions to various nursing problems. The theory combines the major nursing concepts together in an attempt to promote the quality of healthcare. It promotes the best interactions between patients and their environments. The approach results in quality nursing practices. Such practices can produce the best nursing approaches in order to address the needs of different patients (Hill, 2010).
The author uses various concepts and stages to support her theory. Some of these concepts “include novice, proficient, expert, advanced beginner, and competent” (Gobet & Chassy, 2008, p. 130). Such concepts portray the major levels of nursing experience. The theory provides an accurate concept map that demonstrates the major paradigms and concepts of nursing. The approach develops a powerful theory that can empower different clinicians.
Some assumptions and propositions are evident in this theory. The theory assumes that every novice will experience a new professional growth. The author also describes the major concepts of nursing. Benner’s theory also “reflects clarity of the thought process” (Hill, 2010, p. 28). According to the theory, caregivers can embrace the power of critical thinking in order to achieve their nursing objectives. This approach makes this theory consistent and lucid. This approach encourages caregivers to embrace new concepts in an attempt to become professionals.
Patricia Benner’s theory also addresses the issues of structural consistency and clarity. The theory’s five levels explain how individuals can become competent health practitioners. The theorist offers unique logical congruence to explain how individuals can widen their concepts. This approach offers “a logical congruence of the theory’s internal structure” (Gobet & Chassy, 2008, p. 134). This approach encourages caregivers to use the theory effectively.
The scholar describes her theory using unique levels. These five levels are applicable in different settings because they encourage caregivers to identify new nursing skills. This practice can be critical towards guiding their decisions. This theory “can guide the phenomenon of nursing because it uses the four meta-paradigms and concepts of nursing” (Gobet & Chassy, 2008, p. 138). It also equips clinicians with new ideas that can improve their competencies.
This theory is applicable in different nursing practices because it promotes the competencies of different caregivers. It is also applicable in education and research because it focuses on continuous improvements of skills. The main limitation of the theory is that it might not produce positive results in different facilities. This is the case because nurses tend to have different expectations. The strength of this theory makes it applicable in many fields.
The reader finds this theory easy to understand and implement. In conclusion, this theory is applicable in every nursing practice. The “From Novice to Expert” theory encourages nurses to identify new competencies in order to support their patients (Hill, 2010). This theory will remain useful in the future. The theory can support the changing needs of different patients.
Reference List
Gobet, F., & Chassy, P. (2008). Towards an Alternative to Benner’s Theory of Expert Intuition in Nursing: A Discussion Paper. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 45(1), 129-139.
Hill, K. (2010). Improving Quality and Patient Safety by Retaining Nursing Expertise. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 15(3), 23-36.