Applying Benner's Model to Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Self-Ratings of Role Competence

BACKGROUND: Cross-sectional survey research elicited self-perceptions of role competence from practicing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and new PMHNP graduates. OBJECTIVES: Examine relationships between PMHNP perceptions of competence, prior basic-level nursing experience, and years of PMHNP practice. STUDY DESIGN: Self-ratings of competence were elicited by a questionnaire designed from Benner's model. The relationship between prior nursing experience and perceptions of competence was examined by chi-square analysis. Changes in PMHNP competence rankings over years of practice were examined with Kruskal—Wallis and Mann—Whitney procedures. RESULTS: Self-perceptions of competence increased in seven role dimensions as PMHNPs progressed through years of practice (p < .000). Gains in perceptions of competence occurred between career entry and 3 to 5 years of practice in all but one role dimension. Prior nursing experience did not significantly increase perceptions of competence among PMHNP graduates. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceptions of competence progressively and significantly increased over years of PMHNP practice among participants in this study.