PATRICIA BENNER AND CHRISTINE A. TANNER'S COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this review article is to analyse Patricia Benner's ‘Novice to Expert’ approach and Christine A. Tanner's ‘Clinical Judgment Model’, which are cornerstones of nursing literature, from a comparative perspective. The study aims to reveal the theoretical implications of both theories on the development of clinical competence and clinical intuition processes in nursing.

Methods: The analysis focuses on Benner's experience-based skill acquisition stages and Tanner's cognitive architecture, which centres on context, background, and reflective thinking (reflection-in-action) processes. In particular, the decisive role of ‘non-analytical direct comprehension’ processes (clinical intuition), which go beyond technical rationality, on professional autonomy and patient safety is examined.

Conclusion: As a result of the evaluations conducted, it is observed that Benner's ontological approaches and Tanner's phenomenologically based clinical reasoning model form a complementary synergy. Both theorists demonstrate that nursing practice is not merely a technical application based on standard protocols, but rather involves ethical sensitivity, situational awareness, and a high level of reflective practice (praxis). This theoretical synthesis serves as a guide for structuring clinical decision-making skills in nursing education and enhancing clinical competence in complex clinical situations.