A nursing team leader is presenting an in-service program about the importance of caring.
Which of the following ethical principles specifically addresses doing good?

Choice A rationale

A nursing student is legally responsible for knowing the state board of nursing's standards of practice. These standards delineate the legal boundaries and expectations for nursing practice, ensuring that the student understands the scope of their allowed activities and responsibilities.

Choice B rationale

A nursing student is legally responsible for ensuring she is competent to provide care to assigned clients. This involves self-assessment of skills and knowledge, and seeking guidance when unsure, to prevent errors and ensure patient safety within the scope of their educational preparation.

Choice C rationale

A nursing student is legally responsible for complying with the school of nursing's policies and procedures. These policies guide the student's actions during clinical experiences, ensuring adherence to academic and professional conduct expectations, and supporting a safe learning environment.

Choice D rationale

A nursing student is legally responsible for complying with the facility's policies and procedures. These institutional guidelines provide specific protocols and operational requirements for patient care, ensuring that the student practices within the established organizational framework and promotes patient safety.

Choice E rationale

Ensuring competencies of the assigned preceptor are up to date is the responsibility of the facility and the preceptor themselves, not the student nurse. The student's primary responsibility is their own learning and adherence to established practice standards, not the evaluation of their preceptor.

Choice A rationale

Orienting a new nurse to the nursing unit involves familiarizing them with the physical layout, equipment, common workflows, and specific patient population. This initial exposure is crucial for building foundational competence and reducing anxiety. A preceptor's role is to facilitate this integration, ensuring the new nurse can safely and effectively navigate the clinical environment and understand unit-specific protocols.

Choice B rationale

Confronting a new nurse about deficiencies can create a defensive environment, hindering learning and open communication. A preceptor's role is to provide constructive feedback, identify areas for improvement through observation, and then offer guidance and opportunities for skill development in a supportive manner. This approach fosters growth rather than punitive action.

Choice C rationale

While encouraging participation in professional organizations like state nursing associations is beneficial for professional development and networking, it is not the primary or immediate responsibility of a preceptor. The core role centers on clinical skill development, unit orientation, and direct patient care competencies within the specific practice setting.

Choice D rationale

Immediately reporting all mistakes to the nurse manager undermines the preceptor's role as a supportive educator. A preceptor should identify mistakes as learning opportunities, provide immediate feedback, guide corrective actions, and document progress. Only persistent, significant, or safety-critical issues warrant escalation to the nurse manager, after attempts at remediation.