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Producing the magnum opus: the acquisition and exercise of nephrology nursing expertise

Using grounded theory methodology this study examined the acquisition and exercise of nephrology nursing expertise, seeking to answer the following questions: what constitutes expertise and how it develops in nephrology nursing; and whether expert nephrology nurses practice differently from non-expert nephrology nurses and, if so, how. Sampling consisted of 6 non-expert and 11 expert nurses from a renal unit in New South Wales, and data were obtained from participant observation of the nurses and subsequent interviews. A substantive theory was generated utilising an orchestral metaphor to explain the skills-acquisitive/exercise process. Findings revealed a three stage skills-acquisitive process: non-expert, experienced non-expert and expert. Each stage was typified by four characteristics that altered during the acquisitive process: knowledge, experience, skills and focus. The findings also identified features of the skill-acquisitive/exercise process either not reported or left implicit in previous studies, including the centrality of recognition of expertise; blurring the boundaries to expert practice; and the role of motivation, enjoyment and commitment to the acquisition of / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/234169
Date January 2001
CreatorsBonner, Ann J., University of Western Sydney, College of Social and Health Sciences, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
SourceTHESIS_CSHS_NFC_Bonner_A.xml

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