Discussion: Nursing Theories over Time

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Nursing theories are theories that are concerned mostly in understanding and knowing what nursing is, the roles and responsibilities of nurses, and what influences them to do it. These theories provide a distinct factor for nursing to be distinguished from other healthcare disciplines. Delivery of care is mostly grounded on these theories which are considered to be uniquely different from medicine.
There are numerous theorists along with their individual contributions in the field of nursing. Among these theorists, I relate best with Patricia Benner. Patricia Benner is known to have developed the concept of “From Novice to Expert”. This particular concept expands the idea of nurses developing their skills and capabilities over time by combining a solid educational background and personal experiences. Through this, a better understanding of patient care can also be developed. I relate better with her since we have the same belief and mindset that nurses can obtain knowledge and learn new skills by “knowing how”. I believe that having a strong educational foundation is crucial in understanding the true meaning of nursing and how to deliver patient care in the most effective way possible. Patricia Benner is a theorist who emphasizes more on the extension of knowledge through education in conjunction with clinical experience (nursing-theory.org, n.d.).
Benner proposed a theory identifying the five levels of nursing experience. These levels range from being a novice to being an expert. The levels include novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. These levels of skills demonstrate the changes in skilled performance. The different levels show the changes from ha...