Dnp Interview Analysis

DNP Interview I had the pleasure of interviewing St Vincent’s Oncology Manager, Erin Fusco, RN, DNP. Erin used Patricia Benner’s Model in her professional role. Patricia Benner’s model explains the role of nurses from the novice to the expert (Davis, A., & Maisano, P., 2016). This model has 5 stages: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient and expert (Davis, A., & Maisano, P., 2016). It has been used in management and has been an important component in the retention of nurses (Davis, A., & Maisano, P., 2016). The conceptual framework used by Erin were Distress in ill patients (assessment tool) and Levels of Uncertainty. For all intents and purposes of this interview, Erin focused mainly on the theory of Levels of Uncertainty. When asked why she had chosen this theory, Erin explained that this model helped to guide her in managing nurses. Per Erin, “every nurse has a different stage of development, novice to expert, one is not able to lead well if you do not know the different stages and levels of understanding pertaining to that nurse” (personal communication, September 6, 2017). As an example, Erin states that she would take into consideration a nurse’s ability to manage cancer patients concerning death and dying when assigning patients. Her conversation with a novice nurse would be very different than talking to an expert nurse as it relates to the treatment/care of a cancer patient.
(2016). Patricia Benner: Novice to Expert -- A Concept Whose Time Has Come (Again). Oklahoma Nurse, 61(3), 13-15.
Parker, M. E., & Smith, M. C. (2015). Choosing, evaluating, and implementing nursing theories for practice. In M. C. Smith, & M. E. Parker, Nursing theories & nursing practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A.Davis Company. Retrieved from