,D455 Professional Nursing Role
Transition Exam Prep — Comprehensive
Review + Practice MCQs — Western
Governors University 2025/2026
1. A newly licensed nurse is in the "honeymoon phase" of reality shock. Which statement best reflects this
phase?
A. "This job is perfect. I can finally do things my own way."
B. "I feel so overwhelmed by the workload."
C. "I'm starting to see the flaws in how things are done here."
D. "I'm beginning to understand the unit's culture better."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The honeymoon phase of reality shock is characterized by initial excitement, idealistic views, and
enthusiasm about the new role. The nurse may express statements reflecting optimism and idealized
expectations. The shock phase follows, bringing disillusionment and frustration .
2. A graduate nurse of one year states: "I've never been so upset in my life! The staff tells me we have to cut
corners to get the work done!" Which phase of reality shock is this graduate experiencing?
A. Honeymoon
B. Shock and Rejection
C. Recovery
D. Resolution
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The shock and rejection phase occurs when the new nurse notices discrepancies between the
idealistic view of nursing and the reality of practice. This often leads to feelings of frustration, disillusionment,
and anger .
3. According to Kramer's theory of reality shock, which phase occurs when the new nurse begins to recover,
establish relationships, and develop resilience?
A. Honeymoon
B. Shock
C. Recovery
D. Resolution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The recovery phase is characterized by the nurse beginning to recover and adapt, establishing
relationships, controlling anxiety, and developing resilience and competence. The resolution phase represents
full integration and comfort in the new role .
4. According to Bridges' Transition Model, which phase involves disengagement, disidentification, and
disorientation?
A. Endings
B. Neutral Zone
C. Making a Beginning
D. Integration
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The "Endings" phase involves letting go of the old role and identity. It is characterized by
disengagement from previous habits, disidentification from the student role, and disorientation as the nurse
begins the transition. The Neutral Zone is a period of surrender and renewal .
5. A nurse in the Neutral Zone of Bridges' Transition Model would most likely demonstrate which behavior?
A. Mastery of clinical skills
B. Surrender and renewal
C. Disengagement and disorientation
D. Full integration of new identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Neutral Zone involves letting go of old roles and values, recharging, and redirecting toward new
goals. It is characterized by surrender and renewal. Disengagement is in the Endings phase, and integration is
in Making a Beginning .
6. What is a major purpose of a nurse residency or transition-to-practice program?
A. To replace initial nursing licensure
B. To eliminate the need for continuing education
C. To support newly licensed nurses as they develop competence and confidence
D. To allow new graduates to practice outside their legal scope
Transition Exam Prep — Comprehensive
Review + Practice MCQs — Western
Governors University 2025/2026
1. A newly licensed nurse is in the "honeymoon phase" of reality shock. Which statement best reflects this
phase?
A. "This job is perfect. I can finally do things my own way."
B. "I feel so overwhelmed by the workload."
C. "I'm starting to see the flaws in how things are done here."
D. "I'm beginning to understand the unit's culture better."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The honeymoon phase of reality shock is characterized by initial excitement, idealistic views, and
enthusiasm about the new role. The nurse may express statements reflecting optimism and idealized
expectations. The shock phase follows, bringing disillusionment and frustration .
2. A graduate nurse of one year states: "I've never been so upset in my life! The staff tells me we have to cut
corners to get the work done!" Which phase of reality shock is this graduate experiencing?
A. Honeymoon
B. Shock and Rejection
C. Recovery
D. Resolution
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale: The shock and rejection phase occurs when the new nurse notices discrepancies between the
idealistic view of nursing and the reality of practice. This often leads to feelings of frustration, disillusionment,
and anger .
3. According to Kramer's theory of reality shock, which phase occurs when the new nurse begins to recover,
establish relationships, and develop resilience?
A. Honeymoon
B. Shock
C. Recovery
D. Resolution
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The recovery phase is characterized by the nurse beginning to recover and adapt, establishing
relationships, controlling anxiety, and developing resilience and competence. The resolution phase represents
full integration and comfort in the new role .
4. According to Bridges' Transition Model, which phase involves disengagement, disidentification, and
disorientation?
A. Endings
B. Neutral Zone
C. Making a Beginning
D. Integration
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The "Endings" phase involves letting go of the old role and identity. It is characterized by
disengagement from previous habits, disidentification from the student role, and disorientation as the nurse
begins the transition. The Neutral Zone is a period of surrender and renewal .
5. A nurse in the Neutral Zone of Bridges' Transition Model would most likely demonstrate which behavior?
A. Mastery of clinical skills
B. Surrender and renewal
C. Disengagement and disorientation
D. Full integration of new identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Neutral Zone involves letting go of old roles and values, recharging, and redirecting toward new
goals. It is characterized by surrender and renewal. Disengagement is in the Endings phase, and integration is
in Making a Beginning .
6. What is a major purpose of a nurse residency or transition-to-practice program?
A. To replace initial nursing licensure
B. To eliminate the need for continuing education
C. To support newly licensed nurses as they develop competence and confidence
D. To allow new graduates to practice outside their legal scope
