Patricia Benner is an American nursing theorist and educator, best known for her work on the development of nursing expertise. She introduced the Novice to Expert model, which outlines five stages of skill acquisition in nursing: novice, advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. This framework helps nurses understand their growth and development in clinical practice. Benner earned her Ph.D. in 1982 and has contributed significantly to nursing education and practice. Her research emphasizes the importance of experience and context in learning, advocating for a more holistic approach to nursing that considers both technical skills and patient care.