Research summary article on theorist Patricia Benner - Essay Example

RESEARCH SUMMARY ARTICLE ON THEORIST PATRICIA BENNER Vicky Brown School: UCLA Research summary article on theorist Patricia Benner IntroductionFor a very long time, the debate on theory-practice gap has gone on in the field of nursing. Whereas some argue that it is important to make nursing practice a direct manifestation of what is learnt in theory (Barnum, 1998), there are other others like Patricia Benner who have opined that theory and practice can be treated independently. Search though literature produces very little results on what the outcome have been about people who attempted to practice nursing devoid of theory and those who practiced nursing purely based on theory.

This notwithstanding, one core fact that cannot be disputed that in most jurisdictions, a person is expected to produce a form of attestation that shows mastery over theory by passing a given examination before accreditation can be given to practice. The question that comes to mind in such an instance therefore is whether Benner held a convincing position with her theory in the primary research titled “from novice to expert”.SynopsisIn the article by Benner, the researcher emphasized on the relationship between theory and practice and noted that it is possible for expert nurses to develop the skills and understanding needed to undertake critical patient care even when knowledge on theory is minimal.

From this assertion, the researcher was able to identify five major levels of nursing proficiency, all of which were largely based on the outcome of practical nursing experience. These stages were novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. In what may be stated to be a perspective opinion, Benner noted that a lot of emphasis can be taken away from theory to practice because practical knowledge comes through research and that theory is only manifested as a characterization of practice.

By implication, the researcher opined that theory is not sufficient to bring effective practice but through field practice, a person is able to get the fundamental “know how” of clinical experience.Conclusion Based on the synopsis that has been given about the primary research by Benner, an immediate conclusion that can be given is that most parts of the world have not embraced her theory because without theoretical competence, it is very difficult for a person to be accredited to practice as a nurse.

From a personal position, it would be said that as much as it will be agreed that a person can gain more experience whiles practicing nursing, the need for period updating of one’s theoretical knowhow cannot be underestimated. This is because the health sector is one that is highly technical and can be very dangerous if the right person-centered communication and theory are not used in practice (Patel, 2014).ReferencesBarnum, Barbara (1998). Nursing Theory: Analysis, Application, Evaluation.

Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-7817-1104-3.Benner P. (1982). From novice to expert. The American Journal of Nursing, 82(3). 402-407. Available online at http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/pub/therapy-services/3%20-%20Benner%20-%20Novice%20to%20Expert-1.pdfPatel D. (2014). Helping measure patient-centered care. Retrieved September 13, 2014 from http://www.health.org.uk/public/cms/75/76/313/4697/Helping%20measure%20person-centred%20care.pdf?realName=lnet6X.pdf