A nurse manager is removing a nurse who is suspected of being chemically impaired from the facility.
Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse manager?

Choice A rationale

Using general rules to guide decision-making is characteristic of a "competent" nurse, according to Benner's stages. Competent nurses are able to apply abstract principles to concrete situations, but their decision-making is often deliberate and rule-bound, lacking the fluid, intuitive understanding of an expert. This stage involves more conscious analysis rather than immediate recognition.

Choice B rationale

Demonstrating analytic abilities in new situations is typical of an "advanced beginner" or "competent" nurse. While experts do possess strong analytical skills, their approach in new situations often transcends pure analysis, integrating a vast array of past experiences and an intuitive grasp that allows for more rapid and nuanced problem-solving than simply breaking down a problem.

Choice C rationale

Preferring being told appropriate actions to take is more characteristic of a "novice" nurse. Novices rely heavily on rules and instructions, lacking the experience to critically evaluate situations and determine appropriate actions independently. Their knowledge is abstract and context-free, requiring explicit guidelines for performance and decision-making in clinical practice.

Choice D rationale

An expert nurse possesses an intuitive grasp of situations and a deep understanding, which allows them to fluidly and accurately assess complex clinical scenarios without conscious deliberation. This expertise is developed through extensive experience, leading to a rich background of knowledge and patterns that enable immediate, holistic perception of problems and solutions, often beyond what rules can dictate.

Choice A rationale

Maintaining professional competence by reading current nursing research directly supports accountability. Nurses are accountable for providing safe, effective, and up-to-date care. Staying current with evidence ensures that practice is aligned with the latest knowledge, thereby fulfilling the ethical and professional obligation to be responsible for one's actions and patient outcomes.

Choice B rationale

Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain well-being under stress. While competence can contribute to a sense of control and potentially reduce stress, maintaining competence through research primarily relates to the quality and safety of practice rather than the psychological capacity to cope with professional challenges.

Choice C rationale

Autonomy is the right to self-determination and independent decision-making in practice. While competence is foundational for autonomous practice, reading research itself is a means to achieve and demonstrate competence, not the principle of autonomy itself. Autonomy empowers the nurse to make informed decisions, which are based on competence.

Choice D rationale

Assessment is a distinct step in the nursing process involving data collection and evaluation. While current research informs effective assessment techniques and criteria, maintaining professional competence through reading research is a broader concept that applies to all aspects of nursing practice, not solely the assessment phase.