,NR 103 Exam 2 | Transition to the Nursing Profession
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Chamberlain
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the transition
period for new graduate nurses?
A) Minimizing medication errors on the unit
B) Developing advanced nursing leadership skills
C) Integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice
D) Completing all assigned shifts without supervision
Correct Answer: Integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice
Rationale: The primary goal during the transition period is to ensure that
new graduates can effectively apply what they have learned in a practical,
clinical environment. This integration of theory and practice is the
foundation of professional growth. Minimizing errors and developing
leadership are important but secondary objectives.
2. A new graduate nurse is experiencing "reality shock." Which statement
best describes this phenomenon?
A) Excitement about finally being an independent nurse
B) Anger at nursing school for not teaching enough skills
C) The contrast between the idealized role of nursing and the actual
workplace demands
D) Physical fatigue from working 12-hour shifts
Correct Answer: The contrast between the idealized role of nursing and
the actual workplace demands
Rationale: Reality shock is the cognitive dissonance between what was
taught in nursing school (the ideal) and what is experienced in the
workplace (the real). This phenomenon, described by Kramer, is a normal
part of the transition from student to professional nurse.
,3. According to Benner's stages of nursing proficiency, a nurse who has
been in the same clinical position for 2 to 3 years and can anticipate
nursing care and establish long-range goals is at which level?
A) Novice
B) Advanced Beginner
C) Competent
D) Proficient
Correct Answer: Competent
Rationale: The Competent nurse typically has 2-3 years of experience
and is able to coordinate multiple complex care demands while thinking
long-term. This level involves conscious, deliberate planning and goal
setting.
4. According to Benner's model, which stage describes a nurse who can
rely on long-range goals and plans and has 2 to 3 years of experience?
A) Novice
B) Advanced Beginner
C) Competent
D) Proficient
Correct Answer: Competent
Rationale: The Competent stage (2-3 years) is characterized by the
ability to rely on long-range goals and plans. The nurse at this level can
anticipate nursing care and establish long-range goals.
5. Which behavior by a new nurse indicates a healthy transition to
professional practice?
A) Avoiding asking questions to appear confident
, B) Identifying a mentor on the unit
C) Working extra shifts to prove dedication
D) Comparing every action to how nursing school instructors did it
Correct Answer: Identifying a mentor on the unit
Rationale: Mentorship supports role transition, socialization, and clinical
judgment development. A healthy transition involves seeking guidance
and support, not avoiding questions or overworking.
6. A new nurse states, "I feel like an imposter waiting to be discovered."
This is characteristic of:
A) Reality shock
B) Lateral violence
C) Imposter phenomenon
D) Compassion fatigue
Correct Answer: Imposter phenomenon
Rationale: Imposter phenomenon involves an internalized fear of being
exposed as incompetent despite evidence of ability. It is common among
new graduates and professionals in high-stakes roles.
7. Which phase of reality shock is characterized by the new nurse feeling
overwhelmed and frustrated by the discrepancy between school teachings
and actual practice?
A) Honeymoon phase
B) Shock phase
C) Recovery phase
D) Resolution phase
(2026) Actual Q&A PDF | Chamberlain
1. Which of the following best describes the primary goal of the transition
period for new graduate nurses?
A) Minimizing medication errors on the unit
B) Developing advanced nursing leadership skills
C) Integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice
D) Completing all assigned shifts without supervision
Correct Answer: Integrating theoretical knowledge with clinical practice
Rationale: The primary goal during the transition period is to ensure that
new graduates can effectively apply what they have learned in a practical,
clinical environment. This integration of theory and practice is the
foundation of professional growth. Minimizing errors and developing
leadership are important but secondary objectives.
2. A new graduate nurse is experiencing "reality shock." Which statement
best describes this phenomenon?
A) Excitement about finally being an independent nurse
B) Anger at nursing school for not teaching enough skills
C) The contrast between the idealized role of nursing and the actual
workplace demands
D) Physical fatigue from working 12-hour shifts
Correct Answer: The contrast between the idealized role of nursing and
the actual workplace demands
Rationale: Reality shock is the cognitive dissonance between what was
taught in nursing school (the ideal) and what is experienced in the
workplace (the real). This phenomenon, described by Kramer, is a normal
part of the transition from student to professional nurse.
,3. According to Benner's stages of nursing proficiency, a nurse who has
been in the same clinical position for 2 to 3 years and can anticipate
nursing care and establish long-range goals is at which level?
A) Novice
B) Advanced Beginner
C) Competent
D) Proficient
Correct Answer: Competent
Rationale: The Competent nurse typically has 2-3 years of experience
and is able to coordinate multiple complex care demands while thinking
long-term. This level involves conscious, deliberate planning and goal
setting.
4. According to Benner's model, which stage describes a nurse who can
rely on long-range goals and plans and has 2 to 3 years of experience?
A) Novice
B) Advanced Beginner
C) Competent
D) Proficient
Correct Answer: Competent
Rationale: The Competent stage (2-3 years) is characterized by the
ability to rely on long-range goals and plans. The nurse at this level can
anticipate nursing care and establish long-range goals.
5. Which behavior by a new nurse indicates a healthy transition to
professional practice?
A) Avoiding asking questions to appear confident
, B) Identifying a mentor on the unit
C) Working extra shifts to prove dedication
D) Comparing every action to how nursing school instructors did it
Correct Answer: Identifying a mentor on the unit
Rationale: Mentorship supports role transition, socialization, and clinical
judgment development. A healthy transition involves seeking guidance
and support, not avoiding questions or overworking.
6. A new nurse states, "I feel like an imposter waiting to be discovered."
This is characteristic of:
A) Reality shock
B) Lateral violence
C) Imposter phenomenon
D) Compassion fatigue
Correct Answer: Imposter phenomenon
Rationale: Imposter phenomenon involves an internalized fear of being
exposed as incompetent despite evidence of ability. It is common among
new graduates and professionals in high-stakes roles.
7. Which phase of reality shock is characterized by the new nurse feeling
overwhelmed and frustrated by the discrepancy between school teachings
and actual practice?
A) Honeymoon phase
B) Shock phase
C) Recovery phase
D) Resolution phase
