Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam

According to Benner, which level comes after 'competent' in the progression of nursing expertise?

1. Novice

2. Proficient

3. Advanced Beginner

4. Expert

The correct answer is: Proficient

In the context of Benner's model of nursing expertise, the level that follows 'competent' is 'proficient.' This model outlines five levels of nursing competence: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. As nurses progress from competent to proficient, they begin to see situations holistically rather than in terms of the specific tasks that they have been trained to complete. At the proficient level, nurses have gained experience that allows them to quickly recognize patterns and nuances in patient care that may not have been apparent at the competent level. They demonstrate a deeper understanding of the patient’s needs and can prioritize care more effectively. This advancement signifies a shift from focusing primarily on tasks to understanding the broader context of patient care, which is crucial in delivering high-quality healthcare. As a nurse moves from the proficient stage to the expert stage, they develop an intuitive grasp of complex situations and can respond swiftly, often without needing to rely on rules or guidelines. Thus, understanding the progression from competent to proficient is essential in recognizing how a nurse develops their skills and judgment over time in the nursing profession.