Letter to the Editor on "Entry Into Practice: Is It Relevant Today?"

Dear Editor:

I write in response to the Topic of Professional Entry into Practice. I entered into professional practice in the 60's. I had choices. I considered the information available at the time, believed a well-rounded education with a professional emphasis was the right way to prepare myself to be a nurse, and I went for it, completing a four year BS program.

Forty years later we are still debating the issue and we are NOT there. How disappointing, for us the professional nurses, for our patients, and for our other professional colleagues. A career ladder was the right step but for many, politics and economics got in the way.

I am disappointed and ashamed of our stand on the issue. I feel abandoned by the professional organizations that should be taking a strong stand. I am frightened about the future. I do not see a safe, secure, health care future for those of us who have given so much and have been so caring for so long. I am tired.

But it is not too late if someone will hear us. Please hear the need. Please look at the BIG picture.

Patricia A. Tyra, Ed.D., RN
Professor Emerita
University of Massachusetts Lowell
ptyra@usa.net