Final answer:
Nursing graduates must pass the NCLEX-RN before they are permitted to sign as registered nurses. This requirement is part of the process to obtain an occupational license, which is essential for ensuring quality in the labor market for healthcare professionals. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Graduates from approved schools of nursing cannot sign their charting as registered nurses (RNs) until they: a. pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®). This examination serves as a critical step in ensuring the quality of healthcare and the labor market for nursing and other healthcare professionals by confirming the competency and readiness of candidates to safely practice nursing at a beginning level. Occupational licenses are a necessity in the healthcare field, as workers must showcase that they have completed the requisite education and testing to maintain a certain standard of care and patient safety.