,Galen NSG 3050 Exam 1 – Transition to
Baccalaureate Nursing (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. Which of the following best defines the primary focus of Benner’s Novice to Expert model?
A) A framework describing the stages of moral development in nursing students
B) A theory explaining how nurses acquire clinical skills through stages from novice to expert
C) A model for delegation based on years of nursing experience
D) A theory that outlines the phases of therapeutic communication
Correct Answer: A theory explaining how nurses acquire clinical skills through stages from novice to
expert
Rationale: Benner’s model describes five stages of skill acquisition: novice, advanced beginner,
competent, proficient, and expert. It explains how nurses develop intuitive clinical judgment through
experience, not moral development, delegation, or communication phases.
2. A nursing student is about to graduate and enter practice. According to Benner, which stage is the
student currently in?
A) Expert
B) Proficient
C) Competent
D) Novice
Correct Answer: Novice
Rationale: A student or new graduate with no clinical experience operates at the novice stage, using
context-free rules. Proficient and expert nurses rely on experience and intuition, which the student
has not yet developed.
3. The nurse preceptor is assisting a new graduate during the first weeks of employment. Which role is
the preceptor primarily fulfilling?
, A) Evaluating the new graduate for termination if performance is poor
B) Providing structured support, guidance, and professional socialization
C) Assigning only simple tasks to avoid overwhelming the new nurse
D) Replacing the nurse manager in disciplinary actions
Correct Answer: Providing structured support, guidance, and professional socialization
Rationale: The preceptor serves as a role model and coach, facilitating the new graduate’s clinical
learning and transition to professional practice. Evaluation for termination or managerial discipline is
not the preceptor’s primary role.
4. A newly licensed nurse is overwhelmed by the workload and feels unprepared for the demands of
practice. This experience is best described as:
A) Role mastery
B) Burnout
C) Reality shock
D) Compassion fatigue
Correct Answer: Reality shock
Rationale: Reality shock is the dissonance between the ideals learned in school and the realities of
clinical practice. It is common in new graduates. Burnout and compassion fatigue are later-stage
consequences of prolonged stress, not the initial transition shock.
5. Which of the following core professional nursing values involves advocating for equitable access to
healthcare for underserved populations?
A) Autonomy
B) Integrity
C) Altruism
D) Social justice
Baccalaureate Nursing (2026) Actual Q&A PDF
1. Which of the following best defines the primary focus of Benner’s Novice to Expert model?
A) A framework describing the stages of moral development in nursing students
B) A theory explaining how nurses acquire clinical skills through stages from novice to expert
C) A model for delegation based on years of nursing experience
D) A theory that outlines the phases of therapeutic communication
Correct Answer: A theory explaining how nurses acquire clinical skills through stages from novice to
expert
Rationale: Benner’s model describes five stages of skill acquisition: novice, advanced beginner,
competent, proficient, and expert. It explains how nurses develop intuitive clinical judgment through
experience, not moral development, delegation, or communication phases.
2. A nursing student is about to graduate and enter practice. According to Benner, which stage is the
student currently in?
A) Expert
B) Proficient
C) Competent
D) Novice
Correct Answer: Novice
Rationale: A student or new graduate with no clinical experience operates at the novice stage, using
context-free rules. Proficient and expert nurses rely on experience and intuition, which the student
has not yet developed.
3. The nurse preceptor is assisting a new graduate during the first weeks of employment. Which role is
the preceptor primarily fulfilling?
, A) Evaluating the new graduate for termination if performance is poor
B) Providing structured support, guidance, and professional socialization
C) Assigning only simple tasks to avoid overwhelming the new nurse
D) Replacing the nurse manager in disciplinary actions
Correct Answer: Providing structured support, guidance, and professional socialization
Rationale: The preceptor serves as a role model and coach, facilitating the new graduate’s clinical
learning and transition to professional practice. Evaluation for termination or managerial discipline is
not the preceptor’s primary role.
4. A newly licensed nurse is overwhelmed by the workload and feels unprepared for the demands of
practice. This experience is best described as:
A) Role mastery
B) Burnout
C) Reality shock
D) Compassion fatigue
Correct Answer: Reality shock
Rationale: Reality shock is the dissonance between the ideals learned in school and the realities of
clinical practice. It is common in new graduates. Burnout and compassion fatigue are later-stage
consequences of prolonged stress, not the initial transition shock.
5. Which of the following core professional nursing values involves advocating for equitable access to
healthcare for underserved populations?
A) Autonomy
B) Integrity
C) Altruism
D) Social justice
