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9/3/23, 1:24 PM Sherpath - Attributes of Novice Versus Expert Nurse -

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Critical Thinking in Nursing / Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice

Attributes of Novice Versus Expert Nurse Clinical nursing expertise is central to quality patient care and is acquired through experience. The table below compares the attributes of a new nurse in a clinical situation (novice) versus those of a nurse with years of experience in the same clinical setting (expert) (Black, 2017).

Novice Nurses Expert Nurses

Lack knowledge gained from experience

Have a vast amount of past experiences that can be easily applied and recalled

Rely heavily on other sources, such as preceptors or other nurses

Have a large knowledge base, allowing for recognition of subtle changes in clinical scenarios

Strictly follow policies and procedures

Understand which rules are flexible and when it may be necessary to seek the “OK” from authority when a rule might need to be overlooked

Have limited self-confidence, which may affect nursing ability

Have less anxiety and more confidence in their clinical nursing skills

More focused on ability to perform skill correctly than patient’s actual

Understand the importance of rethinking a procedure if an alternative solution can be

9/3/23, 1:24 PM Sherpath - Attributes of Novice Versus Expert Nurse -

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