A nurse, who has been practicing for 4 years, demonstrates competence,

QUESTION

A nurse, who has been practicing for 4 years, demonstrates competence, speed, and flexibility when performing clinical skills. According to Benner, the nurse is practicing at which developmental stage?

a. Advanced beginner
b. Competency
c. Proficiency
d. Expert

ANSWER:

ANS: C
The proficiency stage occurs 3 to 5 years into practice. Nurses in this stage are self-confident about their clinical skills and perform them with competence, speed, and flexibility. The proficient nurse sees the clinical situation as a whole, has well-developed psychosocial skills, and knows from experience what needs to be modified in response to a given situation.