Evaluation of a critical care nursing internship program

Many hospitals have developed internship programs to assist in the movement of new graduates into the critical care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an existing critical care nurse internship program. Five research questions were developed to guide the evaluation process. Results suggest that the goals of the program were met. Specific weaknesses in preparation of preceptors and knowledge base of interns were identified. High burnout scores were also identified, suggesting that new graduates may find the experience of working in critical care very stressful. Implications for revisions of the existing program and for others involved in similar programs are discussed.