Correct Answer: advanced beginner the answer to this question is "advanced beginner," according to patricia benner's novice to expert theory. let's explore why this is the case by understanding each stage of benner's model and focusing on the characteristics of the "advanced beginner" stage.
patricia benner's theory, developed in 1982, describes five levels of nursing experience: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. this model is used not only in nursing but also in other disciplines to describe the progression of skills development and decision-making capabilities.
**novice** stage practitioners have little to no experience in the situations in which they are expected to perform. their actions are heavily guided by rules and protocols, and they lack the discretionary judgment that comes with more experience.
**advanced beginner**, the next stage, describes someone who has had enough real-world experience to recognize recurrent, meaningful components of a situation. these practitioners have dealt with enough real cases to start noting patterns or to have these patterns pointed out by mentors. this stage is crucial because it marks the transition from strict reliance on abstract principles to the ability to recognize and formulate principles based on real-life scenarios. the advanced beginner can perform marginally acceptable practice and is beginning to form a deeper understanding and perspective beyond the rules-based approach of the novice.
at this stage, the recognition of these situational components does not automatically imply a robust understanding but indicates a growing awareness. advanced beginners are in the process of developing a knowledge base that relies on experiences. they start to understand that variations in situations affect the way basic principles are applied. they can perform adequately but may not be able to prioritize or handle the complexity of many layered decisions that more experienced practitioners manage.
**competent** practitioners, following the advanced beginner, have gained more experience and can handle their duties with a degree of confidence and efficiency that surpasses that of the advanced beginner. they can see their actions in terms of long-range goals or plans of which they are consciously aware.
**proficient** practitioners perceive and understand situations as whole parts, rather than in terms of chopped up pieces or aspects. proficient practitioners have a holistic understanding of the situation, which improves their decision-making and allows them to achieve greater fluidity and efficiency.
**expert** practitioners no longer rely on an analytic principle (like rules, guidelines, or maxims) to connect their understanding of a situation to an appropriate action. they have an intuitive grasp of each situation and can zero in on the accurate region of the problem without wasteful consideration of a large range of unfruitful, alternative diagnoses and solutions.
understanding benner's stages, especially the transition noted in the "advanced beginner" stage, helps in recognizing the growth and development in the decision-making process and practical involvement in one's field of practice. this theory highlights the importance of experience in developing skills and advancing in one's career or practice proficiency.
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