A nursing program utilizes nurse preceptors in some of its clinical experiences. These nurses are considered proficient in their clinical area. According to Benner's stages of nursing expertise, these nurses would belong to which stage?

Question

1. Stage II
2. Stage III
3. Stage IV
4. Stage V

Answer 1

3. Stage IV

Rationale:
Stage IV is a proficiency stage. The person has 3 to 5 years of experience and has a holistic understanding of the client, which improves decision making and focuses on long-term goals. Stage II is the advanced beginner, who demonstrates marginally acceptable performance. Stage III is the competency stage; the nurse at this stage has 2 or 3 years of experience and demonstrates organizational and planning abilities. The nurse at Stage V is considered an expert. Performance is fluid, flexible, and highly proficient. The expert nurse no longer requires rules, guidelines, or maxims to connect an understanding of the situation to appropriate action. This person has highly intuitive and analytic abilities in new situations.