Nursing Management and Professional Concepts – Exam 1 Preparation (RN) – Prioritization &
Study Guide
Phases of reality shock - ✔✔Honeymoon
Shock
Recovery
Resolution
Honeymoon phase of reality shock - ✔✔The first phase occurs when the newly graduated RN
is excited to join the nursing profession and it is everything they imagined. During this phase,
the new nurse is typically paired up with a preceptor RN to orient them to the new role
Shock phase in reality shock - ✔✔The second phase is when the new RN is the most
vulnerable. They are moved off orientation and independently perform tasks without the
guidance of their preceptor. The RN role is often more difficult than the new nurse previously
imagines. The new RN realizes their expectations associated with the nursing role may be
inconsistent with the actual responsibilities. During this phase, negative feelings regarding their
new profession may arise, and the new RN is at greatest risk for leaving the unit or quitting.
Recovery phase of reality shock - ✔✔The third phase is when new RNs begin to have positive
feelings towards their profession again. During this phase, the new RN is able to reflect on their
experiences and develop a clear understanding of their responsibilities and role expectations.
The novice RN typically experiences decreased tension and anxiety and begins to assist other
RNs as needed.
Resolution phase of reality shock - ✔✔The fourth and final phase is usually at the end of the
first year of the new position. The new RN can visualize how the role contributes to the
profession, and work expectations are easily met.
, Stages of Patricia Benner's novice to expert model - ✔✔Explains how new hires develop skills
and a holistic understanding of client care over time, resulting from a combination of a strong
educational foundation and thorough clinical experiences.
-Novice
-Advanced beginner
-Competent
-Proficient
-Expert
Novice nurse - ✔✔A beginner with NO clinical experience. Their rule-governed behavior is
limited and inflexible.
Advanced beginner - ✔✔Shows acceptable performance and has gained prior experience in
actual nursing situations.
Competent nurse - ✔✔A competent nurse generally has two or three years experience on the
job in the same type of position that has similar day-topday situations.
Proficient nurse - ✔✔Percieves and understands situations as whole parts, so they have a
holistic understanding of nursing that improves their decision making.
Expert nurse - ✔✔No longer rely on principles, rules, or guidelines to connect situations and
determine actions. Their performances are fluid, flexible, and highly proficient.
Continuing education hours. Is it mandatory for all nurses? - ✔✔In some states it is mandatory.
Nurses are "lifelong learners" such as obtaining additional nursing degrees, aquiring
certifications, joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops, and
staying up to date ion current evidenced-based practices by reading nursing literature.
Study Guide
Phases of reality shock - ✔✔Honeymoon
Shock
Recovery
Resolution
Honeymoon phase of reality shock - ✔✔The first phase occurs when the newly graduated RN
is excited to join the nursing profession and it is everything they imagined. During this phase,
the new nurse is typically paired up with a preceptor RN to orient them to the new role
Shock phase in reality shock - ✔✔The second phase is when the new RN is the most
vulnerable. They are moved off orientation and independently perform tasks without the
guidance of their preceptor. The RN role is often more difficult than the new nurse previously
imagines. The new RN realizes their expectations associated with the nursing role may be
inconsistent with the actual responsibilities. During this phase, negative feelings regarding their
new profession may arise, and the new RN is at greatest risk for leaving the unit or quitting.
Recovery phase of reality shock - ✔✔The third phase is when new RNs begin to have positive
feelings towards their profession again. During this phase, the new RN is able to reflect on their
experiences and develop a clear understanding of their responsibilities and role expectations.
The novice RN typically experiences decreased tension and anxiety and begins to assist other
RNs as needed.
Resolution phase of reality shock - ✔✔The fourth and final phase is usually at the end of the
first year of the new position. The new RN can visualize how the role contributes to the
profession, and work expectations are easily met.
, Stages of Patricia Benner's novice to expert model - ✔✔Explains how new hires develop skills
and a holistic understanding of client care over time, resulting from a combination of a strong
educational foundation and thorough clinical experiences.
-Novice
-Advanced beginner
-Competent
-Proficient
-Expert
Novice nurse - ✔✔A beginner with NO clinical experience. Their rule-governed behavior is
limited and inflexible.
Advanced beginner - ✔✔Shows acceptable performance and has gained prior experience in
actual nursing situations.
Competent nurse - ✔✔A competent nurse generally has two or three years experience on the
job in the same type of position that has similar day-topday situations.
Proficient nurse - ✔✔Percieves and understands situations as whole parts, so they have a
holistic understanding of nursing that improves their decision making.
Expert nurse - ✔✔No longer rely on principles, rules, or guidelines to connect situations and
determine actions. Their performances are fluid, flexible, and highly proficient.
Continuing education hours. Is it mandatory for all nurses? - ✔✔In some states it is mandatory.
Nurses are "lifelong learners" such as obtaining additional nursing degrees, aquiring
certifications, joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops, and
staying up to date ion current evidenced-based practices by reading nursing literature.
