Registered Nurses’ Perspectives on the New Graduate Working in the Emergency Department or Critical Care Unit

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study describes registered nurses' perspectives on work relationships with new graduates in emergency and critical care settings. METHODS: Six focus groups of registered nurses (N = 31) were interviewed in open and informal discussions lasting approximately 45 to 90 minutes. RESULTS: Two themes extracted from the data were lacking confidence and gaining acceptance into the unit's culture. Registered nurses were disillusioned by the lack of confidence, organization, and skill performance of the new graduate. They agreed that nurses "eat their young." CONCLUSION: Suggestions are offered for preceptors, mentors, and staff. Recommendations for supporting the new graduate in an uncivil environment are also given.