NUR 2500 MIDTERM- COMPREHENSIVE Q&A REVIEW
GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
1. What are the stages of Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory of Nursing
Proficiency?
The five stages are:
Novice → Advanced Beginner → Competent → Proficient → Expert.
2. What characterizes the Novice nurse in Benner’s theory?
A novice nurse has no clinical experience and relies heavily on rules and step-by-
step instructions.
Elaboration:
Often new to the profession or new to a specific clinical setting.
Requires clear guidance and cannot yet make independent judgments.
Performance is rigid and task-oriented.
“Tell me what to do and I will follow it” best describes this stage.
3. What characterizes the Advanced Beginner nurse?
An advanced beginner demonstrates marginally acceptable performance and
begins to apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
Elaboration:
Has some on-the-job experience and begins to recognize recurring clinical
situations.
Still needs support with priority setting.
,Skills and efficiency continue to grow but may be inconsistent.
4. What characterizes the Competent nurse?
A competent nurse has 2–3 years of experience in a similar setting and
demonstrates organized, efficient, confident practice.
Elaboration:
Can prioritize, plan, and manage patient care more effectively.
Distinguishes relevant vs. irrelevant clinical information.
Plans care deliberately and completes tasks in a timely manner without relying on
external cues.
5. What characterizes the Proficient nurse?
A proficient nurse views clinical situations as a whole and uses intuition based on
deep experience.
Elaboration:
Recognizes patterns and changes before they become obvious.
Sees long-term goals and implications.
Quickly identifies what aspects of a situation require urgent attention.
6. What characterizes the Expert nurse?
An expert nurse has an intuitive grasp of situations and acts fluidly and flexibly
based on deep understanding.
Elaboration:
,Zeroes in on the real problem immediately without wasting time.
Highly skilled critical thinker and problem solver.
Can respond effectively even to unfamiliar situations through refined analytical
ability.
7. What does autonomy mean in nursing?
Autonomy is the ability to make independent clinical decisions and practice safely
while being accountable.
Elaboration:
Includes asking questions, evaluating interventions, and taking initiative in patient
care.
8. What are the professional roles and responsibilities of a nurse?
Autonomy/Accountability, Caregiver, Advocate, Educator, Communicator, and
Manager.
9. What professionals fall within the nursing scope of practice?
CNA, LPN, RN, APRN (CNS, NP, CNM, CRNA), Nurse Educator, Nurse
Administrator, Nurse Researcher.
10. What are the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice?
Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, and
Evaluation.
, 11. What were Florence Nightingale’s major contributions to nursing?
She established the first nursing philosophy, founded the first nursing training
program, pioneered epidemiology, improved battlefield sanitation, and shaped
modern nursing practice.
12. What were Mary Ann Ball’s primary contributions?
She improved nutrition, sanitation, and medical standards during the Civil War,
helping reduce disease and mortality—principles still used today.
13. Who was Mary Brewster and why is she significant?
She was the first Black woman to graduate from a nursing program and co-founded
the Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, advocating for equality and
professionalism in nursing.
14. What did Harriet Tubman contribute to nursing?
She provided holistic care to individuals traveling the Underground Railroad,
emphasizing compassion and service.
15. What did Dorothea Lynde Dix accomplish?
GUIDE WITH COMPLETE SOLUTION!!
1. What are the stages of Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory of Nursing
Proficiency?
The five stages are:
Novice → Advanced Beginner → Competent → Proficient → Expert.
2. What characterizes the Novice nurse in Benner’s theory?
A novice nurse has no clinical experience and relies heavily on rules and step-by-
step instructions.
Elaboration:
Often new to the profession or new to a specific clinical setting.
Requires clear guidance and cannot yet make independent judgments.
Performance is rigid and task-oriented.
“Tell me what to do and I will follow it” best describes this stage.
3. What characterizes the Advanced Beginner nurse?
An advanced beginner demonstrates marginally acceptable performance and
begins to apply theoretical knowledge to practice.
Elaboration:
Has some on-the-job experience and begins to recognize recurring clinical
situations.
Still needs support with priority setting.
,Skills and efficiency continue to grow but may be inconsistent.
4. What characterizes the Competent nurse?
A competent nurse has 2–3 years of experience in a similar setting and
demonstrates organized, efficient, confident practice.
Elaboration:
Can prioritize, plan, and manage patient care more effectively.
Distinguishes relevant vs. irrelevant clinical information.
Plans care deliberately and completes tasks in a timely manner without relying on
external cues.
5. What characterizes the Proficient nurse?
A proficient nurse views clinical situations as a whole and uses intuition based on
deep experience.
Elaboration:
Recognizes patterns and changes before they become obvious.
Sees long-term goals and implications.
Quickly identifies what aspects of a situation require urgent attention.
6. What characterizes the Expert nurse?
An expert nurse has an intuitive grasp of situations and acts fluidly and flexibly
based on deep understanding.
Elaboration:
,Zeroes in on the real problem immediately without wasting time.
Highly skilled critical thinker and problem solver.
Can respond effectively even to unfamiliar situations through refined analytical
ability.
7. What does autonomy mean in nursing?
Autonomy is the ability to make independent clinical decisions and practice safely
while being accountable.
Elaboration:
Includes asking questions, evaluating interventions, and taking initiative in patient
care.
8. What are the professional roles and responsibilities of a nurse?
Autonomy/Accountability, Caregiver, Advocate, Educator, Communicator, and
Manager.
9. What professionals fall within the nursing scope of practice?
CNA, LPN, RN, APRN (CNS, NP, CNM, CRNA), Nurse Educator, Nurse
Administrator, Nurse Researcher.
10. What are the ANA Standards of Nursing Practice?
Assessment, Diagnosis, Outcomes Identification, Planning, Implementation, and
Evaluation.
, 11. What were Florence Nightingale’s major contributions to nursing?
She established the first nursing philosophy, founded the first nursing training
program, pioneered epidemiology, improved battlefield sanitation, and shaped
modern nursing practice.
12. What were Mary Ann Ball’s primary contributions?
She improved nutrition, sanitation, and medical standards during the Civil War,
helping reduce disease and mortality—principles still used today.
13. Who was Mary Brewster and why is she significant?
She was the first Black woman to graduate from a nursing program and co-founded
the Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, advocating for equality and
professionalism in nursing.
14. What did Harriet Tubman contribute to nursing?
She provided holistic care to individuals traveling the Underground Railroad,
emphasizing compassion and service.
15. What did Dorothea Lynde Dix accomplish?
