ESSENTIALS OF NURSING LEADERSHIP &
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly graduated RN is oriented to a medical-surgical unit and
is asked by a nurse manager to perform a complex venipuncture
technique the graduate learned in school but is not yet
confident performing independently. The manager insists it
must be done now to prevent delay in treatment. What should
the new RN do?
A. Perform the procedure immediately because it is within the
RN’s training.
B. Ask another experienced RN to perform the procedure while
observing and debrief later.
C. Refuse to perform the procedure and escalate to the unit
director.
,D. Attempt the procedure and document that the manager
authorized it.
Correct answer
B
Rationales
Correct: Asking an experienced RN to perform the procedure
while observing protects patient safety and supports the new
nurse’s professional development. It reflects understanding of
competence, supervision, and accountability inherent in a
profession.
A (incorrect): Performing without demonstrated competence
risks patient harm and violates professional accountability.
C (incorrect): Immediate refusal without offering a safe
alternative (e.g., seek experienced colleague) can jeopardize
timely care and teamwork.
D (incorrect): Attempting a high-risk procedure based on
manager insistence shifts accountability inappropriately and
may expose the nurse to legal/professional consequences.
Teaching point
Prioritize patient safety: seek supervised practice until
competent.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
During a clinical staff meeting, a charge nurse explains how
nursing differs from an occupation by highlighting components
such as a systematic body of knowledge and self-regulation. A
staff nurse asks which workplace action best demonstrates
nursing’s professional status. Which action should the charge
nurse identify?
A. Completing annual mandatory hospital training modules.
B. Participating in state board licensure renewal and meeting
continuing competency requirements.
C. Volunteering for extra shift coverage during staffing
shortages.
D. Wearing the hospital ID badge while on duty.
Correct answer
B
Rationales
Correct: Licensure renewal and continuing competency reflect
formal regulation, standardized education, and self-regulation—
core features of a profession.
A (incorrect): Mandatory hospital training is important but
generally employer-driven, not a defining element of a
profession.
, C (incorrect): Volunteering is professional behavior but does not
demonstrate formal professional structures like licensure.
D (incorrect): Wearing an ID is organizational policy, not a
profession-defining characteristic.
Teaching point
Licensure and lifelong competence are hallmark responsibilities
of a profession.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A nurse observes a colleague routinely ignoring infection-
control practices. The nurse recognizes that professions rely on
codes of ethics and peer accountability. Which is the most
appropriate first action by the observing nurse?
A. Confront the colleague angrily on the unit in front of
patients.
B. Document the behavior and discuss concerns privately with
the colleague, offering education resources.
C. Report the colleague immediately to the state board of
nursing.
MANAGEMENT
8TH EDITION
• AUTHOR(S)SALLY WEISS
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A newly graduated RN is oriented to a medical-surgical unit and
is asked by a nurse manager to perform a complex venipuncture
technique the graduate learned in school but is not yet
confident performing independently. The manager insists it
must be done now to prevent delay in treatment. What should
the new RN do?
A. Perform the procedure immediately because it is within the
RN’s training.
B. Ask another experienced RN to perform the procedure while
observing and debrief later.
C. Refuse to perform the procedure and escalate to the unit
director.
,D. Attempt the procedure and document that the manager
authorized it.
Correct answer
B
Rationales
Correct: Asking an experienced RN to perform the procedure
while observing protects patient safety and supports the new
nurse’s professional development. It reflects understanding of
competence, supervision, and accountability inherent in a
profession.
A (incorrect): Performing without demonstrated competence
risks patient harm and violates professional accountability.
C (incorrect): Immediate refusal without offering a safe
alternative (e.g., seek experienced colleague) can jeopardize
timely care and teamwork.
D (incorrect): Attempting a high-risk procedure based on
manager insistence shifts accountability inappropriately and
may expose the nurse to legal/professional consequences.
Teaching point
Prioritize patient safety: seek supervised practice until
competent.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
,2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
During a clinical staff meeting, a charge nurse explains how
nursing differs from an occupation by highlighting components
such as a systematic body of knowledge and self-regulation. A
staff nurse asks which workplace action best demonstrates
nursing’s professional status. Which action should the charge
nurse identify?
A. Completing annual mandatory hospital training modules.
B. Participating in state board licensure renewal and meeting
continuing competency requirements.
C. Volunteering for extra shift coverage during staffing
shortages.
D. Wearing the hospital ID badge while on duty.
Correct answer
B
Rationales
Correct: Licensure renewal and continuing competency reflect
formal regulation, standardized education, and self-regulation—
core features of a profession.
A (incorrect): Mandatory hospital training is important but
generally employer-driven, not a defining element of a
profession.
, C (incorrect): Volunteering is professional behavior but does not
demonstrate formal professional structures like licensure.
D (incorrect): Wearing an ID is organizational policy, not a
profession-defining characteristic.
Teaching point
Licensure and lifelong competence are hallmark responsibilities
of a profession.
Citation
Weiss, S. (2024). Essentials of Nursing Leadership &
Management (8th ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Characteristics of a Profession
Stem
A nurse observes a colleague routinely ignoring infection-
control practices. The nurse recognizes that professions rely on
codes of ethics and peer accountability. Which is the most
appropriate first action by the observing nurse?
A. Confront the colleague angrily on the unit in front of
patients.
B. Document the behavior and discuss concerns privately with
the colleague, offering education resources.
C. Report the colleague immediately to the state board of
nursing.
