Patricia Benner's Stages of Clinical Competence

Patricia Benner's Theory

Stages of Clinical Competence

• The stages of clinical competence, in order, are: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert.

Level of Proficiency

• A nurse who demonstrates marginally acceptable performance and is guided by rules and task completion is at the advanced beginner level of proficiency.

Knowing How and Knowing That

• The main difference between knowing how and knowing that is that "knowing how" refers to practical knowledge and "knowing that" refers to theoretical knowledge.

Domains of Nursing

• The 7 domains of nursing, according to Benner's theory, are: helping role, teaching-coaching function, diagnostic function, managing and coordinating patient care, therapeutic interventions, and influencing professional practice.

Metaparadigms of Nursing

• The 4 metaparadigms of nursing, according to Benner's theory, are: person, health, nursing, and environment.

Concept of a Person

• According to Benner's theory, the concept of a person is comprised of: biological, psychological, and social-cultural dimensions.

Definition of Health

• Benner defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.

Levels of Proficiency

• A nurse at the competent level of proficiency is able to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively.
• A nurse at the expert level of proficiency is able to recognize patterns and anticipate outcomes, and is highly skilled and intuitive in their practice.
• A nurse at the advanced beginner level of proficiency is able to demonstrate marginally acceptable performance and is guided by rules and task completion.

Experience and Proficiency

• The key difference between a nurse with 2-3 years of experience and a nurse with 3-5 years of experience is that the latter is more likely to have developed a sense of confidence and intuition in their practice.

Focus of Benner's Theory

• The main focus of Benner's Theory in relation to health is on the development of clinical competence and the attainment of expertise in nursing practice.

Definition of Illness

• Benner defines illness as a state of disease or dysfunction that requires medical attention.