An initial investigation of the applicability of the Dreyfus skill acquisition model to the professional development of nurse educators.

AIM: This investigation represents an attempt to design and validate a skill acquisition model for the nurse educator role.
BACKGROUND: The preparation and role development of nurse educators has become a significant focus for the profession.The NLN Nurse Educator Competencies and skill acquisition theory provide a basis for studying skill acquisition among nurse educators.
METHOD: A total of 339 nurse educators from North Carolina and West Virginia were surveyed using an instrument designed to assess skill among nurse educators.
RESULTS: The survey discriminated among five levels of skill (novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert). Participants reported a proficient level of total skill acquisition and a proficient level for each of the eight NLN Nurse Educator Competencies. Internal consistency for the survey tool was high at .977.
CONCLUSION: Results of this study add to the body of knowledge of skill acquisition, role development, and transition.The study provides a unique method to study skill acquisition.