Responses to Work Complexity: The Novice to Expert Effect

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in how advanced beginners, competent, and expert nurses prioritize and reprioritize patient care. This qualitative study had a purposive sample of 23 nurses on cardiac/ telemetry units at five hospitals. Four themes emerged from the data: cognitive strategies, communication, integration of roles, and response to the work environment. As the nurses progressed in expertise, they were better able to organize, more effectively deal with interruptions, anticipate patient needs, integrate varied nursing roles into their work, and communicate effectively. The significance of this study is the identification of factors that affect the nurse’s ability to work productively in today’s care environment. It increases understanding of the graduate nurses’ perception and response to the complexity and work of nursing. An understanding of these factors provides the basis for further research to understand and promote transition of nurses from advanced beginner to expert.