Benner’s theory identified how nurses’ skills development and related opportunities occur based on experience. The theory describes a gradual transition from one stage to the next and deconstructs what competencies a nurse possess (Nur Guven, 2019). Benner identified five categories, from novice to expert, and each stage cannot be achieved without the previous one. As nurses develop, their perception of each situation changes, and clinical expertise skills develop accordingly.
For me, Benner’s theory seems to be most important because it allows me to visualize the path I want to take. I am currently pursuing one level of education, but my goal is not to remain an advanced beginner but to become an expert someday. Benner’s theory imbues me to understand that only experience and building assessment and nursing skills allow me to add value to society (Nur Guven, 2019). I value my capacity for empathy and sensory work, but it is not enough to provide highly skilled care. Benner’s gradualism theory has helped me accept the inevitability and critical need for consistency of steps and adherence to a strict order. I now realize that whatever knowledge I have, I need more practice and involvement in caregiving.
Benner’s theory guides me, demonstrating how my abilities will gradually become my calling card. I think this vision of the nursing profession helps me to treat every challenge more calmly and look for the positives. Aspects of the job are such that without negative experiences, one cannot learn how to bring only positive results to one’s patients (Nur Guven, 2019). Gradual but steady improvement is the goal I have formed after analyzing my activities from the Benners theory perspective.
Nur Guven, O. (2019). The development of nurses’ individualized care perceptions and practices: Benner’s novice to expert model perspective. International Journal of Caring Sciences, 12(2), 1279-1285. Web.
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