Graduate nurses in the intensive care unit: an orientation model.

Review of Literature Casey et al used a survey to evaluate the stresses and challenges experienced by new graduates in 6 acute care hospitals during a 1-year period. Several overall themes were apparent in the new graduates’ reports of what was most difficult in their transition from student to nurse: • Lack of confidence in skill performance • Deficits in critical thinking and clinical knowledge • Relationships with peers and preceptors • Struggle with being dependent on others yet wanting to be independent • Frustration with the work environment • Organization and prioritysetting skills • Communicating with physicians For many graduates, having other new graduate peers available to talk to and share clinical experiences was helpful. Graduates with less than 6 months of experience indicated that lack of organizational skills was a barrier to optimal performance in Donna M. Proulx, RN, MS, CCRN Bethany J. Bourcier, RN, BSN Graduate Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit: An Orientation Model Staff Development