Theoretical Assertions

Benner (1984a) stated that there’s always more to any situation than theory predicts. The skilled practice of nursing exceeds the bounds of formal theory. Concrete experience facilitates learning about the exceptions and shades of meaning in a situation. The knowledge embedded in practice can lead to discovering and interpreting theory, precedes and extends theory, and synthesized and adapts theory in caring nursing practice. Some of the relationship statements included in Benner’s work follow:

·         “Discovering assumptions, expectations, and sets can uncover an unexamined area of practical knowledge that can then be systematically studied and extended or refuted” (Benner, 1984a,p.8)

·         Clinical knowledge is embedded in perceptions rather that precepts.

·         Perceptual awareness is central to good nursing judgment and… (for the expert) begins with vague hunches and global assessments that initially bypass critical analysis; conceptual clarity follows more often than in precedes” (Benner, 1984a, p.8)

·         Formal rules are limited and discretionary judgment is needed in actual clinical situations

·         Clinical knowledge develops over time and each clinician develops a personal repertoire of practice knowledge that can be shared in dialogue with other clinicians.

·         Expertise develops when the clinician tests and refines propositions, hypotheses, and principle based expectations in actual practice situations” (Benner, 1984a, p.3).