,NR 103 Final Exam | Transition to Nursing
(2026) Q&A | Chamberlain
1. Which of the following best defines the nursing profession?
A) A job that provides direct care to patients in hospitals only
B) A profession that integrates science, compassion, and critical thinking
to promote health
C) A career that requires a license but no ongoing education
D) A role limited to following physician orders
Correct Answer: A profession that integrates science, compassion, and
critical thinking to promote health
Rationale: Nursing combines evidence-based science, compassion, and
critical thinking in various settings. It is a profession characterized by a
unique body of knowledge and commitment to patient advocacy. Ongoing
education is required to maintain licensure and competency.
2. Which historical figure is known as the founder of modern nursing and
established the first nursing school?
A) Clara Barton
B) Mary Mahoney
C) Florence Nightingale
D) Lillian Wald
Correct Answer: Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is credited with professionalizing nursing
through her work in the Crimean War and establishing the Nightingale
Training School for Nurses. Her emphasis on sanitation, statistics, and
formal training revolutionized nursing practice.
,3. 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.
4. What is the most significant challenge reported by new graduate nurses
during their transition into practice?
A) Time management
B) Mastering clinical skills
C) Building professional relationships
D) Navigating institutional policies
Correct Answer: Time management
Rationale: New graduates often find managing multiple tasks and
prioritizing care a daunting challenge during their transition. Time
management is frequently cited as the most significant challenge, as new
nurses must learn to organize and prioritize competing demands.
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. Mentors provide
valuable feedback and help new nurses navigate the clinical environment.
6. 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, described by Kramer, is the cognitive
dissonance between what was taught in nursing school (the ideal) and
what is experienced in the workplace (the real). This is a normal part of
the transition from student to professional nurse.
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
(2026) Q&A | Chamberlain
1. Which of the following best defines the nursing profession?
A) A job that provides direct care to patients in hospitals only
B) A profession that integrates science, compassion, and critical thinking
to promote health
C) A career that requires a license but no ongoing education
D) A role limited to following physician orders
Correct Answer: A profession that integrates science, compassion, and
critical thinking to promote health
Rationale: Nursing combines evidence-based science, compassion, and
critical thinking in various settings. It is a profession characterized by a
unique body of knowledge and commitment to patient advocacy. Ongoing
education is required to maintain licensure and competency.
2. Which historical figure is known as the founder of modern nursing and
established the first nursing school?
A) Clara Barton
B) Mary Mahoney
C) Florence Nightingale
D) Lillian Wald
Correct Answer: Florence Nightingale
Rationale: Florence Nightingale is credited with professionalizing nursing
through her work in the Crimean War and establishing the Nightingale
Training School for Nurses. Her emphasis on sanitation, statistics, and
formal training revolutionized nursing practice.
,3. 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.
4. What is the most significant challenge reported by new graduate nurses
during their transition into practice?
A) Time management
B) Mastering clinical skills
C) Building professional relationships
D) Navigating institutional policies
Correct Answer: Time management
Rationale: New graduates often find managing multiple tasks and
prioritizing care a daunting challenge during their transition. Time
management is frequently cited as the most significant challenge, as new
nurses must learn to organize and prioritize competing demands.
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. Mentors provide
valuable feedback and help new nurses navigate the clinical environment.
6. 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, described by Kramer, is the cognitive
dissonance between what was taught in nursing school (the ideal) and
what is experienced in the workplace (the real). This is a normal part of
the transition from student to professional nurse.
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
