Defining Expertise in Cancer Nursing Practice

Abstract

Background: Thirty-five years ago, Benner defined an expert nurse as one who applies deep knowledge and experience across different contexts and clinical situations. Since that time, there has been little exploration of expertise in cancer nursing.

Objectives: To explore and describe characteristics of expert cancer nurses and to consider whether Benner's typology of an expert nurse remains relevant in today's complex oncology settings.

Methods: An exploratory, descriptive study using audio-recorded focus group methodology was undertaken. Audio-recordings were transcribed, and an inductive thematic analysis approach applied to the data. Nurses also documented key characteristics of expert practice on Post-it notes to illustrate dominant characteristics.

Results: Twenty-four registered nurses from a comprehensive cancer center in Australia took part in 1 of 3 focus groups. Seven key themes were identified: knowledge, leadership, adaptability, communication, motivation, patient-centered care, organization, and culture. Key word cloud characteristics included knowledge, compassion, motivation, experience, and communication.

Conclusions: Many of the expert characteristics identified in this study reflect traits common to other nursing specialty groups. Of particular relevance to cancer nurses was "adaptability," reflecting the complexity of contemporary cancer care and reaffirming Benner's definition of an expert nurse as one who can fluidly connect knowledge and experience to unfamiliar practice contexts.

Implications for practice: Understanding characteristics of expert cancer nurses may help inform and support professional practice advancement and guide future research about select characteristics of expert cancer nurses to patient- and system-level outcomes.