The occupational and environmental health nurse provides leadership in developing occupational safety and health policy within the organization and function in an upper management role

Question

The nurse has served as a consultant to both business and government and has designed and conducted significant research. At which American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) competency level in occupational and environmental health nursing is this nurse functioning?
A) Advanced beginner
B) Competent
C) Proficient
D) Expert

Answer 1

Ans: D
Feedback:
Benner identified five stages of competency in clinical nursing practice: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. Within each stage are levels of achievement that are expressed in measurable behavioral objectives. AAOHN has cross-referenced and stated behavioral objectives for the OHN in three of these stages: competent, proficient, and expert. The competent nurse is one who is confident and a master, with an ability to cope with specific situations. There is less of a need to rely on the judgment of peers and other professionals. The proficient nurse is one with the ability to perceive client situations on the basis of past experiences, with a focus on relevant aspects of the situation. The nurse is able to predict expected events in certain situations and recognize that protocols must be altered at times to meet the needs of the client. The expert nurse is one who has extensive experience with a broad knowledge base that enables the nurse to grasp a situation quickly and initiate action. The nurse has a sense of salience grounded in practice guiding actions and priorities.