Critical care experience for baccalaureate nursing students.

The projected need for critical care nurses can be met through the collaborative efforts of nursing education and nursing service. An approach as implemented at our institution with the support of community agencies can be mutually beneficial. It is generally recognized that new graduates tend to seek employment where they had positive student experiences. Although few students may choose critical care as a career, the majority will have a positive memory, which is supportive of the unique contribution of critical care nursing within the scope of the health and care of patients and their families.