NUR-450 Transition to Professional Practice

Correct Answers:

A. Assess the sites for relative strengths and weaknesses.

C. Evaluate Web sites for use of credible information supported by evidence-based practice.

Explanation:

A. Assess the sites for relative strengths and weaknesses

This is correct because a systematic appraisal helps determine whether a site is trustworthy and fit for patient education. A thorough assessment examines scope (what topics are covered and what’s excluded), depth (how detailed the explanations are), and transparency (clear authorship, credentials, and contact information). It also looks at disclosures (funding sources, sponsorships, potential conflicts of interest), readability (patient-friendly language, plain-language summaries), and accessibility (clear navigation, working links). Considering these dimensions together allows the nurse to weigh trade-offs—e.g., a site may be highly readable but weak on citations—so that only the most balanced and reliable resources are recommended.

C. Evaluate Web sites for use of credible information supported by evidence-based practice

This is correct because accuracy hinges on whether claims are anchored in quality evidence. Credible sites cite primary research, systematic reviews, or reputable guidelines; distinguish facts from opinions; and reference dates of guideline versions. They should link to sources, describe how information is developed or reviewed (e.g., editorial policy, peer review), and correct errors transparently. Evidence-based content also reflects consensus guidance from recognized bodies and uses precise, qualified language that avoids overgeneralization, helping patients receive safe, current, and verifiable advice.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Make sure that there is a physician documented as providing the information

This is incorrect because accuracy depends on verifiable credentials, editorial oversight, and evidence citations—not on a single profession. High-quality content may be authored or reviewed by multidisciplinary teams (nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, public health researchers). What matters is disclosed qualifications and rigorous sourcing, not a physician label alone.

D. Web sites that require a paid subscription typically provide more accurate information

This is incorrect because paywalls are not a proxy for quality. Some paid sites are excellent, but many free resources (government, academic, major nonprofit) meet high evidentiary and editorial standards. The decisive factors are transparent authorship, references to peer-reviewed evidence, conflict-of-interest disclosures, and sound editorial processes, not whether the user pays.

E. Web sites that are updated regularly provide more accurate information

This is incorrect because recency without rigor can still propagate inaccuracies. Currency is necessary but insufficient. A frequently updated site must also show how content is vetted (editorial board, methodological standards), cite high-quality sources, and correct errors. Without these safeguards, frequent updates do not guarantee accuracy.

Correct Answer A. Outcomes identification

Explanation:

This is correct because outcomes identification involves setting measurable and specific goals that guide the nursing plan of care or improvement initiatives. In this scenario, the nurse manager’s target of reducing medication errors by 50% is a clearly defined outcome that can be measured over time to assess progress.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Planning

This is incorrect because planning involves determining the strategies and interventions needed to achieve the identified outcomes, not the step of defining the outcome itself.

C. Implementation

This is incorrect because implementation is the phase where the planned interventions are carried out, not the stage where goals are set.

D. Evaluation

This is incorrect because evaluation involves reviewing and assessing whether the identified outcomes have been met after interventions are implemented.

Correct Answer C. Discuss your concerns with your direct supervisor and make noted comments on the form stating that you disagree and then sign the form.

Explanation:

The best approach is for the nurse to address the disagreement directly with the Unit Nurse Manager, providing clear examples or evidence to support their perspective. Writing a formal comment on the appraisal ensures that the disagreement is documented in the official record. Signing the form in this context does not mean the nurse agrees—it simply acknowledges that the appraisal has been reviewed. This approach maintains professionalism, preserves open communication, and ensures that the nurse’s viewpoint is formally recorded in accordance with facility policy.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Sign the form as indicated and then talk to the chief nursing officer of the facility.

This bypasses the appropriate chain of command and may be perceived as undermining the immediate supervisor. Concerns should be addressed first with the person who completed the appraisal. Escalating too early can damage workplace relationships and limit collaborative problem-solving.

B. Do not sign the form and ask for a copy so that you can bring it home to discuss it with your family.

Refusing to sign may be viewed as noncompliance with policy and could negatively impact the nurse’s personnel file. While seeking outside advice is understandable, this approach fails to document the disagreement formally and can appear unprofessional.

D. Sign the form indicating that you agree because there are no designated restrictions on your role on the unit and this is just personally motivated.

Signing as if in agreement when there is genuine disagreement is misleading and allows inaccurate information to stand unchallenged. This can affect future evaluations, promotions, and even legal documentation. It also fails to advocate for oneself in a constructive way.

Correct Answer A. Most employers who read résumés spend little time reviewing the document.

Explanation:

Recruiters and hiring managers often scan résumés quickly—sometimes in less than a minute—to determine if the applicant meets key qualifications. A well-organized, concise résumé that highlights relevant skills, education, and accomplishments ensures important information is noticed right away. This means prioritizing clarity, brevity, and alignment with the job description rather than overloading the résumé with unnecessary details.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. All activities should be included in the document regardless of whether they relate to the job position

Including unrelated activities clutters the résumé and can distract from the applicant’s most relevant qualifications. Only experiences that directly or indirectly demonstrate skills applicable to the nursing role should be included.

C. The document should be presented in a comprehensive narrative format

Narrative or essay-style résumés are time-consuming to read and make it harder for hiring managers to quickly identify key qualifications. Bullet points and clear section headings are preferred for scanning.

D. Language style used is not important

Language style is important because strong, action-oriented language conveys professionalism and competence. Weak or unclear language can make the résumé less impactful, even if the applicant is well-qualified.

Correct Answer A. Use encryption methods to send requested health information

Explanation:

This is correct because encryption protects electronic health information from unauthorized access by making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key. Under HIPAA, encryption is a recommended safeguard for transmitting protected health information (PHI) securely, whether by email, secure messaging, or other digital formats, ensuring privacy and compliance.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Verbally share the patient’s health information in a public location

This is incorrect because discussing PHI in a public area risks being overheard, violating HIPAA privacy rules.

C. Fax the patient’s record to the physician without confirming the fax number

This is incorrect because sending PHI without verifying the recipient’s fax number risks disclosure to unintended parties.

D. Email the requested health information using an unsecured email account

This is incorrect because unsecured email can be intercepted, leading to unauthorized access and potential HIPAA violations.

Correct Answer A. Medical-surgical unit with orientation training lasting 6 months inclusive of self-review and core competencies

Explanation:

This is correct because a medical-surgical unit provides a broad foundation in patient care, critical thinking, and time management for new graduate nurses. A structured 6-month orientation with self-review and competency-based training allows for gradual skill development, consistent feedback, and confidence building. This environment supports the transition from student to professional nurse while ensuring patient safety.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Float pool position with minimal orientation and exposure to multiple units daily

This is incorrect because float positions require adaptability, advanced clinical skills, and confidence in unfamiliar settings—qualities that new graduates are still developing.

C. High-acuity specialty unit with only one week of shadowing before independent practice

This is incorrect because the complexity and pace of high-acuity specialties require extended orientation and experience, which new graduates lack at the start of their careers.

D. Independent home health position with remote supervision and no structured orientation

This is incorrect because home health care requires autonomy, strong assessment skills, and the ability to manage emergencies without immediate support—skills that develop with experience.

Correct Answer A. Team members experience disagreements among themselves

Explanation:

This is correct because laissez-faire leadership involves minimal direction and oversight from the leader, which can lead to confusion about roles, inconsistent approaches, and lack of coordination. Without clear guidance or conflict resolution from leadership, disagreements among team members are more likely to escalate. Over time, this can create tension, reduce team cohesion, and negatively impact patient care and overall productivity.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Team members demonstrate highly coordinated collaboration without conflict

This is incorrect because high coordination and absence of conflict typically require active leadership, clear communication, and role clarity, which are lacking in laissez-faire environments.

C. Team members depend entirely on the leader for all decision-making

This is incorrect because in laissez-faire leadership, the leader steps back from decision-making, leaving the team to manage themselves, rather than fostering dependence.

D. Team members show consistent improvement in efficiency and patient satisfaction

This is incorrect because without direction and accountability from leadership, efficiency and patient satisfaction often decline rather than improve.

Correct Answer C. Human Resources

Explanation:

This is correct because Human Resources (HR) ensures that the termination process follows facility policies, employment laws, and regulatory requirements. HR also documents the process to protect both the organization and the employee, ensuring the decision is supported by proper performance records and due process.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Risk Management

This is incorrect because Risk Management primarily focuses on patient safety, liability prevention, and adverse event reporting, not on the internal personnel termination process.

B. Legal Affairs

This is incorrect because Legal Affairs may be consulted in complex or contested cases, but in standard terminations HR handles the primary process, ensuring compliance with legal and organizational standards.

D. Payroll

This is incorrect because Payroll’s role is limited to finalizing compensation and benefits after termination. They do not manage or approve the termination decision itself.

Correct Answer A. Doing following

Explanation:

This is correct because “doing following” describes an active, engaged follower who takes initiative, contributes ideas, and completes responsibilities efficiently. These individuals display accountability, critical thinking, and reliability—qualities that translate well into leadership roles. Nurses who practice “doing following” are often self-motivated, adaptable, and able to work collaboratively, making them strong candidates for leadership development.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Standing by

This is incorrect because standing by indicates a more passive approach, where the nurse waits for specific direction rather than actively contributing without prompting.

C. Passive following

This is incorrect because passive followers avoid taking initiative and rely heavily on others for direction, showing limited readiness for leadership.

D. Avoiding following

This is incorrect because avoiding following reflects disengagement and lack of commitment to team goals, which are not characteristics of effective leaders.