• A nursing exemplar is a reflective narrative, told in the first person, that illustrates the nurse’s practice. It describes, in detail, one specific situation that
includes the nurse’s thoughts, feelings, intentions, critical thinking, and decision-making processes. The use of exemplars as part of the promotional process
is tied to Benner’s theoretical framework and is a way to help distinguish a nurse’s progression from novice to expert.
• An exemplar should engage the reader to feel connected to the story, as though they were there witnessing it unfold. It gives the nurse the opportunity to
meaningfully reflect on one’s practice and leadership experiences. If you are having difficulty making a choice, consider the following:
• How you impacted the patient and/or family and your professional growth in the process
• Role of the multidisciplinary team
• Complexity of the situation
• Relationship-based care principles
• Your professional growth from novice to expert according to Patricia Benner ( https://nursing-theory.org/nursing-theorists/Patricia-Benner.php)
Clinical Exemplar: Describe one specific clinical event or situation within the past 12 months in which you played a key role that illustrates how you
demonstrated clinical proficiency as expected of a Clinical Nurse III. Strong themes include but are not limited to:
• Changes in patient status
• Escalation of Care
