Nursing Practice and Skill Acquisition Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering Patricia Benner's stages of skill acquisition, ANA Standards of Practice, Core Ethical Principles, Standards of Professional Performance, and Nursing Roles.

Patricia Benner's Theory

A landmark nursing theory introduced in the 1984 book 'From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice' that outlines five stages of skill acquisition and clinical development.

Novice

The first stage of skill acquisition where a beginner or new graduate nurse has no clinical experience in specific situations and relies heavily on step-by-step rules and guidelines to perform tasks.

Advanced Beginner

The second stage of skill acquisition where a nurse has gained some experience, can recognize recurring patterns in care, and applies rules with greater understanding, but still requires supervision for complex situations.

Competent

The third stage of skill acquisition, typically achieved with 2 to 3 years of experience, where a nurse can prioritize care, manage a full patient load efficiently, and make deliberate decisions based on prior patterns.

Proficient

The fourth stage of skill acquisition, reached after 3+ years of experience, where a nurse sees the big picture, anticipates problems, assesses situations holistically, and makes intuitive decisions based on experience.

Expert

The highest stage of skill acquisition where a nurse demonstrates an intuitive, fluid approach to patient care, handles complex and ambiguous situations without relying on guidelines, and serves as a mentor and leader.

ANA Standards of Nursing Practice

A framework within the ANA Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice document divided into Standards of Practice and Standards of Professional Performance to ensure safe, effective, and ethical nursing care.

Assessment

The first Standard of Practice where the nurse collects comprehensive subjective and objective data pertinent to the patient's health status, preferences, and goals.

Subjective Data

Assessment information that consists of self-reported details directly stated by the patient to the nurse.

Objective Data

Factual assessment information collected by the nurse through physical findings, observation, vital signs, lab results, readings, or smells.

Diagnosis (Nursing Diagnosis)

The second Standard of Practice where the nurse analyzes assessment data to identify a patient's actual or potential reaction to a medical diagnosis, often utilizing NANDA standards.

Outcomes Identification

The third Standard of Practice where the nurse identifies individualized, measurable, and realistic expected goals aimed at promoting optimal patient health and wellness.

Patient Goal

The specific outcome or health objective that the patient wants to achieve.

Nursing Goal

The outcome or objective that the nursing staff wants to observe in the patient.

Planning

The fourth Standard of Practice where the nurse develops an individualized plan of care specifying the nursing interventions required to achieve expected outcomes.

Implementation

The fifth Standard of Practice where the nurse executes the plan of care by delivering nursing interventions, treatments, medications, advocacy, and patient education.

Evaluation

The sixth Standard of Practice where the nurse assesses whether expected outcomes were achieved and determines if modifications to the nursing diagnosis or care plan are necessary.

Autonomy (Patient Ethical Principle)

The core ethical principle of respecting a patient's right to make decisions regarding their own healthcare.

Beneficence

The core ethical principle of acting in the best interest of the patient to promote their well-being.

Non-maleficence

The core ethical principle of doing no harm to patients, ensuring safety, and preventing injury.

Justice

The core ethical principle of treating all patients fairly and equitably while ensuring equal access to care.

Veracity

The core ethical principle of being truthful and transparent with patients, families, and colleagues without sugar-coating or offering false hope.

Fidelity

The core ethical principle of being loyal, trustworthy, and keeping promises made to patients.

Advocacy (Standard of Professional Performance)

The professional standard where a registered nurse protects patient rights, witnesses consent, and ensures patients understand their healthcare.

Continuing Education

Professional knowledge acquisition that a nurse seeks on their own initiative to maintain current nursing practice.

In-Service

Employer-mandated or job-provided training designed to educate nurses on new items, procedures, or equipment.

Resource Stewardship

The standard requiring nurses to utilize resources safely, effectively, and in a fiscally responsible manner to avoid waste.

Nurse Autonomy (Role)

The nurse's freedom and authority to make independent decisions regarding patient care and nursing interventions within their scope of practice using clinical judgment and evidence-based practice.

Nurse Accountability

The responsibility of nurses for their actions, clinical decisions, and care outcomes, backed by oversight from professional licensing boards and their healthcare institution.

Caregiver Role

The professional capacity in which nurses deliver direct physical, emotional, and psychological support, manage patient symptoms, and assist with activities of daily living (ADLs).