Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

In Benner's Stages of Nursing Development, what is the first stage?

1. Competent

2. Proficient

3. Novice

4. Expert

The correct answer is: Novice

The first stage in Benner's Stages of Nursing Development is the novice stage. This stage is characterized by individuals who are just beginning to learn about the nursing profession. In this phase, they lack the experience necessary to make independent decisions and rely heavily on structured rules and guidelines for their practice. Novices are typically students or those new to the nursing field, and they approach clinical situations with a limited understanding of the complexities involved. In this development model, the novice progresses through subsequent stages—advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and ultimately, expert—each marked by increasing levels of knowledge, skills, and professional judgment. The progression highlights how nursing practice evolves from reliance on theoretical knowledge and established protocols to a more intuitive and adaptive approach as one gains experience.