After reading the Editorial, “Reader Survey on RN Shortage: Results” (October 2001:10–16), I felt compelled to return a few comments. Although the almighty dollar seems to have won out on “motivating factor” for retention, I couldn’t help but notice the responses from questions 4, 8, and 10. Question 8 asks if I would encourage a student to pursue nursing. I would have to reanswer with a hearty “Yes!” The fact that 48% of respondents would not encourage a student to pursue nursing speaks volumes. The debate about nursing schools increasing enrollment, scholarships being made available, and corporate entities stumping for nurses mean nothing if the people in the thick of it do not make the effort to recruit. It takes a special person to be a critical care nurse. They do not just magically appear; we need to go out and find them.
When I was in college, one of...
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