Author

Myra E. Fitts

Abstract

The level of self-confidence attained in a particular role affects the ability to perform in that role. Self- confidence is not innate but is developed through the interactions and experiences one has. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of self-confidence related to knowledge and skills of nurse clinicians practicing in the expanded role. Benner’s (1984) framework. From Novice to Expert, provided the direction and structure for this descriptive study. Three hundred thirty- three nurse clinicians licensed to practice primarily in four southeastern states participated in this study. Data were collected using the Thibodeau/Hawkins Self-Assessment Scale and were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The question that guided this research was what is the level of self-confidence related to knowledge and skills of nurse clinicians practicing in the expanded role? Data analysis revealed that the overall average of nurse clinician responses was 4.83 on a 6-point scale. Nurse clinicians practicing in the expanded role were very confident when assessing their knowledge and skills. Additional findings of interest included a significant positive correlation between level of self-confidence and level of education and no significant correlation between level of self-confidence and length of practice. Findings of this study further establish that the confidence of nurse clinicians in the expanded role is at the role mastery level. Nurse clinicians assess their knowledge and skills as highly proficient. Implications for nursing derived from this study involved the need for continued use of Benner's framework by nurse clinician educators and mentors, as well as by novice clinicians. Further, nurse clinicians need an ongoing self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses related to knowledge and skills as they achieve role mastery. Recommendations for future research include replicating the study using another procedure of data collection and altering answer choices on the Self- Assessment Scale, continuing to test Benner's theory of role acquisition to determine levels of proficiency in student and novice clinicians, and implementing a qualitative study to describe the lived experience of skill mastery.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1991

Publication Number

27924581

First Advisor

Mary Patricia Curtis

Document Type

Thesis

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Included in

Nursing Commons

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