Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) A Practice Exam 2025 - Free SANE Practice Questions and Study Guide

In Benner's model, clinical experience is identified as a crucial prerequisite for gaining expertise in nursing. This model emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in patient care, which allows nurses to develop their skills and judgment progressively through various stages of proficiency, from novice to expert.

Clinical experience provides nurses with an opportunity to engage in real-life scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge and learn from each interaction and case they encounter. Additionally, exposure to a diverse range of clinical situations enhances critical thinking and decision-making abilities, which are essential components of nursing expertise.

While advanced education, mentorship, and specialization can certainly contribute to a nurse's development, they are often effective when combined with substantial clinical experience. The progression through Benner's five stages of clinical competence—novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert—highlights how experience plays a foundational role in transforming theoretical knowledge into practical expertise.