A novice RN is caring for a patient who is saying that something is wrong. Vital signs are normal and there are no new specific findings. The novice RN calls another, more experienced RN who briefly talks with the patient, calls the health care provider, and initiates a transfer to the ICU. Which statement is most likely true of the more experienced RN?
A) The experienced RN is an advanced beginner with better assessment skills than the novice nurse.
B) The experienced RN is proficient in assessment and the use of hospital protocol.
C) The experienced RN is an expert nurse with intuitive judgment that the experienced nurse cannot quite explain.
D) The experienced RN is arrogant, foolish, and likely to get in trouble for her assertive behavior.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expert RN is able to connect the understanding of a situation with an appropriate action. The expert RN has an intuitive grasp of each situation and zeroes in on the accurate region of the problem without wasteful consideration of alternative actions. The strength of inference by the expert RN is based on the extent of the RN's knowledge and experience. The RN with limited experience and with developing knowledge may rely on the proven and look to others for validation of decisions. Practice at this stage demonstrates the highest level of critical thinking in that the expert RN knows holistically what to do without consciously thinking through the process of critical thinking.

A Novice RN Is Caring for a Patient Who Is