A mother asks the nurse if her 5-year-old can visit his twin brother in the PICU after cardiac surgery

Question

The nurse denies the request because hospital policy states that children younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to visit the PICU but suggests that the mother visit with the child in the visitor's lounge and talk to him about what is happening with his brother. This illustrates which of Benner's stages of nursing proficiency?
a.
Novice
b.
Advanced beginner
c.
Competent practitioner
d.
Proficient practitioner

Answer 1

ANS: B

A
Nurses at the novice stage would deny the request on the basis of the established rules.
B
Nurses at the advanced beginner stage base their decisions on theory and principles but have difficulty viewing many nursing actions as equally important. The nurse would still likely deny the request but, knowing the needs of the mother and child, suggest an alternative means of visiting.
C
Nurses at the competent practitioner stage have feelings of mastery and can examine the needs of everyone in the situation before making decisions.
D
Nurses at the proficient practitioner stage see patient situations holistically and easily recognize priorities of care.