The article “Graduate Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit: An Orientation Model” by Proulx and Bourcier (August 2008:44–53) described a focused and extensive orientation model used for new graduate nurses starting in a critical care setting. The orientation model includes classroom time, hands-on training with equipment and clinical time on the unit. The article also stated that new graduates are put with the same preceptor and nurse educator in order to have consistency between the new graduate and the preceptor.

As a student who will soon be graduating from a baccalaureate program, the idea of transitioning into critical care seems overwhelming. In my experiences, it seems like orientation models currently in use often do not provide consistency between the new graduate and his or her preceptor. The new graduate may be put with many different preceptors, some of whom may not be as open to a preceptor position as others....

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