Which nursing level uses maxims for guidance whose meaning varies with the situation?

• A. Novice
• B. Proficient
• C. Advanced beginner
• D. Expert

Answer: (B)

This item is about how experience shapes the way a nurse uses guidelines. A proficient nurse has moved beyond strict, step-by-step rules and can see patterns in a situation. They rely on general maxims or guiding principles, but the meaning and application of those maxims shift with the context. This flexible, context-driven use of guidelines is what characterizes the proficient stage in Benner’s model, where decisions are informed by both experience and an ability to adapt principles to the specifics of the patient and setting.

Novices tend to follow rules rigidly, advanced beginners start to use guidelines but still need cues, competencies focus on planning and efficiency, and experts rely more on intuition from deep tacit knowledge. The idea of adapting maxims to fit the situation fits the proficient level best.