In Benner's model, which level comes after Advanced Beginner?

• A. Proficient
• B. Expert
• C. Novice
• D. Competent

Answer: (D)

Benner's model describes how nurses develop from novice to expert through five levels: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. After advancing from the advanced beginner stage, the next level is competent. At this stage, a nurse has enough hands-on experience (often a couple of years in a specific area) to plan and coordinate care, organize tasks, and set priorities with a focus on long-range goals. They can anticipate potential problems and adjust plans accordingly, moving beyond following basic rules to applying a deeper, more organized understanding of patient care. This readiness to plan and manage care across a broader horizon distinguishes the competent level from the earlier advanced beginner and sets the stage for the more holistic perception of the proficient nurse and the intuition of the expert.