What a timely and challenging topic to choose for the July editorial.1 Great job! This is a subject that calls for careful thought and attention. In our hospitals we have been screaming for more nurses and putting programs in place to fund more students, but the truth is that most of us are unprepared for the impact of these inexperienced graduates in our organizations—especially given the volume increase and the decreasing number of preceptors. The editorial makes an excellent point related to the need to change the way we handle orientation of new graduates.

In fact, I sent the editorial to nonnurse senior management and to directors in my department, as we are currently discussing a “residence” program for inexperienced hires similar to the one you propose. To keep up with attrition from retiring nurses, we estimate that we’ll need to bring in 40 graduates per year. This kind...

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