Novice to Expert Development

Dreyfus & Dreyfus (1980) model of skill acquisition in which learners move: FROM TO  reliance on abstract principles as paradigm  use of past concrete experiences as paradigm  learner’s perception of situations as multiple equally  learner’s perception of situations as a whole in which relevant parts only certain parts are relevant  “detached observer”  “involved participant” Benner, p. 13, 1984

Novice to Expert Development in Nursing Practice (Benner’s research based on Dreyfus & Dreyfus model) LEVEL OF CHARACTERISTICS DEVELOPMENT Novice  NO experience of situations in which expected to perform...can take in little of the situation which is too new and too strange  Governed by context-free rules (in order to enter situations to gain experience)…little understanding of contextual meaning of textbook concepts  Extremely limited & inflexible  Require support in clinical practice from someone at least at “competent” level  MOST NEW GRADS ARE HERE Advanced  Limited experience of situations in which expected to perform Beginner  Recognizes overall, global characteristics of situations that can ONLY be identified through prior experience  Require support in clinical practice from someone at least at “competent” level Competent  On job with same or similar situations 2-3 years  A plan for work/care establishes only a perspective…not rigid rules to follow…but is most organized & efficient with conscious, deliberate planning  Recognizes contextual aspects of situations  Has a feeling of mastery & ability to manage  Still lack speed & flexibility characteristic of the next level NOTE: A significant difference in expertise occurs between these levels…skills are transformed at the proficient and expert levels…adhering to formal rules/models may actually deteriorate performance. Proficient  3-5 years experience in same/ similar situations  Perceives situations as a contextual whole and recognizes most significant aspects of a situation  Knows from experience typical events to expect in given situations…has a “web of perspectives” from which to operate  Considers fewer options & hones in on accurate regions of problems  Performs with flexibility Expert  5-10 years in same/similar situations…enormous background of experience  Operates from a deep understanding of total situation as a contextual whole without relying on rules, guidelines, maxims  Intuitive grasp of situations; rapidly zeroes in on accurate regions of problems without wasting time/energy considering large range of options.  Performs with great flexibility Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. Menlo Park, CA: Addison Wesley. Excerpts from pp. 20-39.

JG/jg Novice to Expert Sum 01/02