SIGNIFICANCE OF THE THEORY

It was in the year 1984 when Dr. Patricia Benner published her theory “From Novice to Expert”. Her theory withstood the test of time because until this modern age of nursing its application is still invaluable. The significance of her theory had a great impact on the structure of Nursing practice, administration, education and research. Patricia Benner’s framework proposes that a nurse could gain knowledge and skills over time from a combination of a strong educational foundation and personal experiences. An example of this, a newly hired staff nurse who had to pass through a series of procedures like general orientation, training and initial competency assessment upon joining a healthcare institution. Lack of experience and discretionary judgment started as novice, just equipped by basic knowledge and concept learned from nursing school but no skills at all. As time progressed, with constant practice, facilities continuing educational programs and competency applications consistently, the nurse gained in-depth clinical experience and advances in the ladder of competence.

Administrators utilizes Benner's Theory by understanding the capabilities of nursing staff and their level of experiences as well as using it as a tool to promote nursing preceptorship, to support novice in direct patient care, assisting newly hired nurses for assimilation and socialization into their context of practice and generally guide competency in practice. Benner recommends that leadership assess their own level of expertise to determine whether more clinical knowledge is needed to perform an assigned task (Hill, 2011). In current practice, administrators utilize Benner's concept to create strategies to facilitate the transition of experienced nurses as preceptors who are capable to support, promote quality learning experiences and objectively evaluate preceptees in their acquisition of knowledge and skills, to effectively assumed their individual nursing tasks. This theory also serves as guide for promotion and reward system for nursing development and advancement.

Nursing as a profession based on theory and philosophy is continuously evolving and utilization of Benner’s theory to nursing Research had influence the development of evidence based practices and further advancement of Nursing Profession.