Question
espond to John and Peter’s post. One reference on each.
Answer
Discussion Board Response
Response to John’s Post
In response to John`s discussion, the qualifications that he gives warrant him the positions of competencies moving to the potential stage, according to Benner`s level of proficiency. John has had an experience working in the ICU for a few years.His experience combined with the knowledge he acquired in the medical school qualifies him to possess the skills similar to those stated according to Benner. These skills include ability to demonstrate efficiency, coordination, and confidence in his action. Based on the policies of the proficiency standards, both the public and patients should have confidence in the competency of registered nurse (Benner,1984). John possesses qualities that portray competence; he delivers care in an appropriate, organized manner and always prioritizes his work.
John`s two to three years’ experience working in the ICU qualifies him to move to the proficiency stage. According to Benner, nurses who have served in the same capacity for two to three years merits to serve in the proficiency stage. However, a nurse may not categorize himself/herself as competent in a department simply by virtue of having working for a certain duration in that department.
References
Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert: Excellence and power in clinical nursing practice. New York: Menlo Park: Addison-Wesley.
Response to Peter’s Post
In response to Peter`s discussion, one can base his argument on Benner`s concept of nursing education as anchored on the Dreyfus Model. On this basis, it is correct that he qualifies to be in the competency level. He has worked as a geriatric nurse for twenty-two years. However, the fact that during the many years of practice he has gained experience that enables him to understand the business as a whole may also be said to qualify him to be in the proficiency stage. For instance, other nurses had to seek his opinion on certain issues, and this shows that he has mastered the skills in that particular field.
Nevertheless, Peter underestimated the requirements as per Benner’s framework. Consequently he rated himself at a lower stage. Peter is on the fourth level, the proficient stage. My experience is almost similar to Peter’s. Having worked in a particular department for over three years, and handling patients suffering from a related disease though presenting different symptoms based on their body composition, I disagree with Benner`s method of classification (Benner, 2001). This is because despite my experience, I still face new challenges which limit the mastery of ways to handle a given condition. Hence it would be wrong to classify me as competent based on the years I have worked in a certain department. I would prefer a situation where classification is based primarily on my skills in handling different situations.
References
Benner, P. (2001). From Novice to Expert and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. New York: Menlo Park: Addison-Wesley.
