Nursing is a diverse and dynamic profession that requires knowledge from a variety of different disciplines. Because nursing is ever-changing it is impossible to provide a single definition of the profession. Both Carper and Benner delve into the intricacies of nursing and what is required to be a competent nurse. Their theories are unique from one another; however, many similarities do exist between them. It is important to note that both theories require a foundation of critical thinking.
Before exploring the differences between the two theories, it is important to note their similarities. Both Carper and Benner explore the knowledge necessary to be a skilled and successful nurse. Carper goes on to explain that it is important for one to …show more content…
Most notably is the way they present their material. Carper explains that there are four patterns of knowing (empirics, esthetics, personal knowledge, and ethics). In order to achieve mastery of nursing, one must develop all four patterns of knowing since they correlate so greatly (Carper, 1978). In contrast, Benner presents that the acquisition of knowledge is done so in stages (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert). Through time, nurses gain experiences and are able to refine theory and improve on their practice (Benner, 1982). As stated above, both theorists investigate the knowledge required to be an expert nurse. How they present the material is slightly different, but they ultimately conclude that an understanding of the acquisition of knowledge is imperative in being a successful …show more content…
These ways of knowing are personal knowledge and ethics. Personal knowledge is important in building a therapeutic relationship, and the most difficult to learn about and teach (maybe the reason why Benner does not try to incorporate it into her five stages). A nurse must know his or her self in order to be able to know a patient. Through this, a nurse no longer views a patient as an object but rather as a human (Carper, 1978). Without a doubt, if one cannot help his or her self, it is impossible to help others. It is important for nurses to reach a state of being where they are true to themselves. The therapeutic relationship is broken when a nurse is unable to know oneself. Benner’s theory explains a lot about the acquisition of empirical and esthetic knowledge through experiences. However, one cannot simply gain personal knowledge through clinical experiences. The attainment of personal knowledge is different for every individual. Whether it is through therapy, meditation, or being around people, personal knowledge is gained through a variety of
Before exploring the differences between the two theories, it is important to note their similarities. Both Carper and Benner explore the knowledge necessary to be a skilled and successful nurse. Carper goes on to explain that it is important for one to …show more content…
Most notably is the way they present their material. Carper explains that there are four patterns of knowing (empirics, esthetics, personal knowledge, and ethics). In order to achieve mastery of nursing, one must develop all four patterns of knowing since they correlate so greatly (Carper, 1978). In contrast, Benner presents that the acquisition of knowledge is done so in stages (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert). Through time, nurses gain experiences and are able to refine theory and improve on their practice (Benner, 1982). As stated above, both theorists investigate the knowledge required to be an expert nurse. How they present the material is slightly different, but they ultimately conclude that an understanding of the acquisition of knowledge is imperative in being a successful …show more content…
These ways of knowing are personal knowledge and ethics. Personal knowledge is important in building a therapeutic relationship, and the most difficult to learn about and teach (maybe the reason why Benner does not try to incorporate it into her five stages). A nurse must know his or her self in order to be able to know a patient. Through this, a nurse no longer views a patient as an object but rather as a human (Carper, 1978). Without a doubt, if one cannot help his or her self, it is impossible to help others. It is important for nurses to reach a state of being where they are true to themselves. The therapeutic relationship is broken when a nurse is unable to know oneself. Benner’s theory explains a lot about the acquisition of empirical and esthetic knowledge through experiences. However, one cannot simply gain personal knowledge through clinical experiences. The attainment of personal knowledge is different for every individual. Whether it is through therapy, meditation, or being around people, personal knowledge is gained through a variety of