The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the experience of one cardiovascular surgical ICU (CVSICU) orienting new graduate registered nurses (NGRNs) directly to critical care. The authors share a collective experience of interviewing, hiring, orienting, and retaining NGRN to a CVSICU. The formal orientation processes and the critical care training program, Essentials of Progressive and Intensive Care, are detailed. The nursing leadership roles of placement coordinator, nurse manager, nursing education specialist, and clinical nurse specialist in this process are identified. Lastly, opportunities for growth are examined.