Patricia Benner

Theory name:

Novice to Expert Model

Theory type:

Developmental Theory

Key Concept:

Describes how nurses progress in learning (e.g. novice-expert) how to practice nursing while integrating caring

Focus:

Clinical competence development

How she viewed the person:

Whole, creative being that defines oneself while in the course of living life

How she views health:

Not just the lack of illness, but a “lived human experience”

How she viewed environment:

“Situation” is preferred; refers to social context and meaning of different circumstances

How she viewed nursing:

Healing by establishing connections with and caring for patients

Examples:

Nursing students going from a classroom setting to a clinical rotation. They’re considered “Novice”

Theoretical Influences

Nursing theorist Virginia Henderson

Caring

• Caring is primary to nursing because it:

  • Sets up what matters, What is stressful, What options are available

  • Creates an enabling condition of care and concern

  • Sets up the possibility of giving and getting help