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Review literature regarding issues or concerns within your selected nurse practitioner specialty. Select a theory or theoretical model which is relevant to your nurse practitioner specialty and would offer a meaningful context for evidence-based practice surrounding the issue or concern which you identified. In a PowerPoint Presentation, address the following. Introduction to the presentation Identify and describe a theory or theoretical model, and explain its relevance to your nurse practitioner specialty. Describe an issue or concern that is related to your nurse practitioner specialty, and explain its impact on health care outcomes Explain how the theory or theoretical model can be used as a framework to guide evidence-based practice to address the issue or concern, and discuss the unique insight or perspective offered through the application of this theory or theoretical model. Conclusion to the presentation References

Paper For Above instruction

The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in modern healthcare is continually evolving, emphasizing the importance of incorporating nursing theories into evidence-based practices (EBP). Selecting an appropriate theoretical model facilitates a structured approach to translating nursing knowledge into clinical application, ultimately improving patient outcomes. This paper explores the application of Benner’s Novice to Expert theory within the context of nurse practitioners managing patients with chronic illnesses, highlighting how this framework guides EBP to address prevalent issues in healthcare delivery.

Introduction

Nursing theories serve as foundational guides that facilitate understanding, decision-making, and implementation of best practices in clinical settings. Among various models, Patricia Benner’s Novice to Expert theory offers a developmental perspective on nursing competence (Benner, 1984). This theory delineates five levels of proficiency—novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert—reflecting a nurse's growing experiential knowledge and clinical judgment. Its suitability for nurse practitioner (NP) practice, especially in managing complex, chronic illnesses, stems from its focus on experiential learning and skill acquisition, fostering more personalized and effective patient care.

Relevant Issue in Nurse Practitioner Specialty

A prominent concern in nurse practitioner practice, particularly in primary care, involves managing patients with multifaceted chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The complexity of these conditions necessitates tailored, evidence-based interventions that adapt as the patient’s clinical status evolves. Mismanagement or delayed recognition of complications can lead to poor health outcomes, including hospitalizations and decreased quality of life (American Diabetes Association, 2020). These issues underscore the need for NPs to develop advanced clinical judgment and decision-making skills—a process that aligns with Benner’s stages of proficiency.

Application of the Theory as a Framework in Evidence-Based Practice

Benner’s Novice to Expert theory provides a comprehensive framework to enhance EBP among nurse practitioners working with chronic disease populations. It emphasizes experiential learning and reflective practice, essential components for translating research evidence into individualized patient care strategies (Benner, 1984). For instance, as NPs progress from advanced beginners to competent practitioners, they gain richer clinical insights that enable more precise diagnostics and tailored interventions. Grounding EBP in this developmental framework encourages continuous education and mentorship, promoting a culture of ongoing learning and quality improvement.

Furthermore, the theory helps identify specific educational and support needs at each proficiency stage, facilitating targeted interventions to advance clinical competency (Benner & Wrubel, 1989). The model offers a unique perspective by recognizing that clinical expertise evolves through experience, not merely formal education. Consequently, integrating this theory into NP practice fosters a mindset of lifelong learning, critical reflection, and adaptive expertise—crucial for effectively managing complex, chronic conditions and implementing evidence-based approaches.

Conclusion

Employing Benner’s Novice to Expert theory as a guiding framework enables nurse practitioners to systematically develop clinical judgment and proficiency, essential for delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. In managing chronic illnesses, the model supports continual professional development, fostering personalized treatment plans rooted in the latest research. Ultimately, integrating this theory enhances clinical outcomes, elevates patient safety, and advances the nursing discipline’s commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

References

  • American Diabetes Association. (2020). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2020. Diabetes Care, 43(Supplement 1), S1–S212.
  • Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice Hall.
  • Benner, P., & Wrubel, J. (1989). The Primacy of Caring: Stress and Coping in Health and Illness. Addison-Wesley.
  • Goel, V., & Sharma, S. (2022). Transforming Nursing Practice through Theoretical Models. Journal of Nursing Education and Practice, 12(4), 45–53.
  • Kurth, M. J., & Melnyk, B. M. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing and Healthcare. Sigma Theta Tau International.
  • McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2019). Theoretical Foundations of Nursing. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Newman, M. A. (2014). Health as expanding consciousness: Theories of nursing. Pearson.
  • Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2020). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice. Wolters Kluwer.
  • Sheldon, L. (2017). Advancing Nurse Practitioner Practice with Theoretical Models. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 73(2), 224–232.