When I first began my nursing career over 30 years ago, my nursing instructors warned me about the possibility of experienced nurses not willing to help or mentor new graduates. I was told that they were busy and did not have the time to answer my questions or help me become a great nurse. They said this practice was known as "eating our young." A few of my instructors said that experienced nurses expect new graduates to enter the workforce with the knowledge and skills needed to function alone in the clinical setting. Needless to say, this caused some anxiety for the graduating nursing students.

Thankfully, I did not experience this practice. I started working in the clinical setting 2 weeks about graduation. The nursing and support staff were very helpful and eager for me to learn. I did not encounter any problems. In this environment, I flourished and was able to grow into my role as a critical care nurse and provide excellent care of my patients and their families. I will be eternally grateful to the healthcare professionals who guided me along with patients and understanding and always willing to go the extra mile to make certain I became a good critical care nurse.

Unfortunately, I did hear of new graduate nurses who did not have such a positive experience. Many of my classmates who worked in different settings and different facilities related horrifying tales of working with (or try to work with) experienced nurses who did not have time for them. These experienced nurses were not mentors and did not even try to help the new nurses. One of my colleagues said that the nurses did not answer questions, did not provide any work, and even commented that they did not have time to answer any questions. Unfortunately, I heard this from far too many new graduates. Some new nurses actually quit and went to other settings or other facilities. Some left nursing. What a shame this happened when it could have been prevented. The nurses actually hurt themselves by allowing this to happen. They missed an opportunity to teach and mentor. In addition, they lost much needed help in the clinical setting.

After several years working in many hospital settings in different roles, I did not hear much about "eating our young." I believe that times had changed and that new nurses were welcomed into nursing settings with open arms and were given the help they needed to learn their roles from the experienced nursing staff. With the critical nursing shortage, I believe that new nurses were treated with understanding and patience. About 3 years ago, I began teaching nursing students at a local university. Many times they will tell me about the work in the clinical setting as a student. I was shocked and dismayed to hear some of them relate experiences of "eating our young." Many believe that the nurses were overworked and understaffed and this contributed to their unwillingness or inability to assist them. They gave the nurses the benefit of the doubt. However, some said they would not look for positions in these institutions after graduation. So by not treating the students well, some nurses actually alienated them. This will not help the nursing shortage. When students say things like this, I devote some class time to discussing the matter. Hopefully, the advice I give them will assist them in the future should this situation arise again.

So what made my experience as a new graduate nurse more positive than others? I believe it was several factors:

1. Creating an environment that was conducive to learning. All of the staff, including the support staff, made it clear from the staff that I could ask questions at any time.

2. Allowing me to work with another nurse for as long as I needed before giving me my own patient load. Preceptors (as they are called today) are critical to the success of a new graduate. Patience was essential and always present.

3. I was encouraged to ask for help.

4. Many of the nurses showed an interest in my opinions.

5. Compliments came often. Whenever I tackled a difficult patient care or learned another way to provide care, I was complimented. A simple compliment can increase one's self-esteem and help them grow.

The above factors contributed to my great experience as a graduate nurse. I would like to thank the nurses I worked with as a new nurse. They all contributed to my success as a critical care nurse.

However, other authors have identified other things that experienced nurses can do to prevent the practice of "eating our young" and promoting the growth of a new nurse (which will only help you in the long run). These include:1

1. Encourage new nurses to take on different challenges. Be there to assist them and then praise them afterwards.

2. Encourage lifelong learning. In today's healthcare climate, things change rapidly. New medications and treatments are always on the forefront and all staff must learn them.

3. Include the new nurse in social activities. Make them feel welcome and a part of the group.

4. Teach, teach, teach.

There are also some things new graduates can do to make the process easier.1 Be willing to ask for help when you need it. Graciously accept the help and knowledge of the experienced nurses. Do not graduate from nursing school thinking you know everything. You do not. This does not mean your opinion is not valued. In a great clinical setting, your past experience and opinions do matter to the staff. Ask questions. Always express your appreciation to the nurses who have helped you learn your new role.

As experienced nurses, you have a responsibility to help new nurses grow into their new role and provide assistance and knowledge. After all, the new graduates are there to help you. Also, they may be providing nursing care to you one day. Help them learn. Let us all work together to eradicate, once and for all, the phenomenon of "eating our young." Be positive and mentor new nurses. It is a great investment in time and the future.

Vickie A. Miracle, RN, EdD, CCRN, CCNS, CCRC

Editor, DCCN and Lecturer

Bellarmine University

School of Nursing

Louisville, KY

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