ESSENTIALS OF NURSING LEADERSHIP &
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly licensed nurse observes that many unit practices are
based on habit rather than written standards. As charge nurse
for the shift, they must decide how to address a recurring
unsafe routine that contradicts evidence-based standards.
Which action best reflects professional leadership?
Options
A. Ignore the routine because it’s been accepted by staff for
years.
B. Privately tell one experienced nurse your concerns and ask
them to stop the practice.
C. Bring the concern to the unit manager and propose reviewing
unit practice vs. written standards.
,D. Post a general email to the unit criticizing the routine and
demanding immediate change.
Correct Answer
C
Rationale — Correct
Bringing the concern to the unit manager and proposing a
formal review aligns with professional accountability, uses
appropriate chain of command, and supports systems-level
correction to align practice with standards and patient safety. It
leverages organizational processes rather than relying on
informal influence. This approach promotes sustainable change
and interdisciplinary buy-in.
Rationales — Incorrect
A. Ignoring the routine jeopardizes patient safety and violates
professional responsibility.
B. Telling one colleague privately may not correct unit culture or
address system causes; it risks secrecy and inconsistency.
D. Publicly criticizing staff by email is unprofessional, damages
morale, and bypasses collaborative problem solving.
Teaching Point
Use formal review and leadership channels to correct unsafe,
non-standard routines.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A staff nurse preparing orientation content must choose topics
that best foster professional identity formation for new
graduates. Which topic most directly builds professional
socialization and a sense of nursing as a profession?
Options
A. How to document using the electronic health record.
B. Overview of the nursing code of ethics and professional
standards.
C. How to perform a head-to-toe assessment.
D. Location and use of unit supply carts.
Correct Answer
B
Rationale — Correct
Teaching the nursing code of ethics and professional standards
directly fosters professional identity, ethical accountability, and
decision-making consistent with professions’ defining
characteristics. It helps new graduates internalize values,
responsibilities, and the profession’s societal role.
Rationales — Incorrect
A. EHR skills are essential but emphasize technical competence
, rather than professional identity.
C. Clinical skills support practice but do not by themselves
promote professional socialization.
D. Supply logistics are operational orientation, not identity
formation.
Teaching Point
Professional identity forms through shared values, ethics, and
standards, not just technical skills.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A nurse hears a colleague suggest performing a procedure
beyond the colleague’s legal scope because “we’ve always done
it.” The nurse must decide how to act to uphold professional
standards and protect patients. Which response best reflects
professional accountability?
Options
A. Agree and assist—patient care takes priority over rules.
B. Refuse to participate and report the incident to the
appropriate authority.
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly licensed nurse observes that many unit practices are
based on habit rather than written standards. As charge nurse
for the shift, they must decide how to address a recurring
unsafe routine that contradicts evidence-based standards.
Which action best reflects professional leadership?
Options
A. Ignore the routine because it’s been accepted by staff for
years.
B. Privately tell one experienced nurse your concerns and ask
them to stop the practice.
C. Bring the concern to the unit manager and propose reviewing
unit practice vs. written standards.
,D. Post a general email to the unit criticizing the routine and
demanding immediate change.
Correct Answer
C
Rationale — Correct
Bringing the concern to the unit manager and proposing a
formal review aligns with professional accountability, uses
appropriate chain of command, and supports systems-level
correction to align practice with standards and patient safety. It
leverages organizational processes rather than relying on
informal influence. This approach promotes sustainable change
and interdisciplinary buy-in.
Rationales — Incorrect
A. Ignoring the routine jeopardizes patient safety and violates
professional responsibility.
B. Telling one colleague privately may not correct unit culture or
address system causes; it risks secrecy and inconsistency.
D. Publicly criticizing staff by email is unprofessional, damages
morale, and bypasses collaborative problem solving.
Teaching Point
Use formal review and leadership channels to correct unsafe,
non-standard routines.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A staff nurse preparing orientation content must choose topics
that best foster professional identity formation for new
graduates. Which topic most directly builds professional
socialization and a sense of nursing as a profession?
Options
A. How to document using the electronic health record.
B. Overview of the nursing code of ethics and professional
standards.
C. How to perform a head-to-toe assessment.
D. Location and use of unit supply carts.
Correct Answer
B
Rationale — Correct
Teaching the nursing code of ethics and professional standards
directly fosters professional identity, ethical accountability, and
decision-making consistent with professions’ defining
characteristics. It helps new graduates internalize values,
responsibilities, and the profession’s societal role.
Rationales — Incorrect
A. EHR skills are essential but emphasize technical competence
, rather than professional identity.
C. Clinical skills support practice but do not by themselves
promote professional socialization.
D. Supply logistics are operational orientation, not identity
formation.
Teaching Point
Professional identity forms through shared values, ethics, and
standards, not just technical skills.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A nurse hears a colleague suggest performing a procedure
beyond the colleague’s legal scope because “we’ve always done
it.” The nurse must decide how to act to uphold professional
standards and protect patients. Which response best reflects
professional accountability?
Options
A. Agree and assist—patient care takes priority over rules.
B. Refuse to participate and report the incident to the
appropriate authority.
