COMMENT BY READERS PROS AND CONS

Dear Editor: I am sufficiently up in the air to comment ‘on Virginia S. Ward‘s “Crystal Ball,” AORN Journal, (6:4, October, 1967.) I would like to say that I heartily agree with author Ward. Her “nurse” could wear street clothes for there is absolutely no danger of her soil- ing them. She is obviously of the cult in quest of some grand status for itself, not nursing. I realize the author is not a nurse which gives me a lightning bolt idea. As she and her segment of “mods” all think alike, why don’t they begin a separate brand spanking new, highly educated, well planned paramedi- cal group. They could call themselves interosu- lators (it’s in the book).

They can matriculate, coordinate and per- petuate, hopefully. Then maybe they’ll leave nursing to nurses-real examples, that is like Dana Hudson, in the same issue of the Journal. Real progress will be made by peo- ple with both feet on the ground and eyes squarely on the horizon, and by those with wisdom to listen.

B.C. Arizona

journal with interest. But, when I read Mrs. Ward’s article I was compelled to reply.

It may seem that my contained thoughts are radically biased against Mrs. Ward, but I must also direct some of my outrage towards the AORN Journal for printing such an arti- cle. How Mrs. Ward could hope to encompass all the aspects of what nursing should be in four pages is really an absolute joke! Her choice of a title leaves much to be desired. The future of nursing is not to be found in idle crystal ball gazing. It is found in members of the profession who, in trying to formulate a meaningful position for nursing, have been stifled and smothered. The mere fact that the AORN Journal printed such an article demon- strates the progress nursing has made. The narrowmindedness of the Journal is amplified by the printing of this article. If the Journal desires to demonstrate its concern for the status of nursing, don’t you think it could have done so in a more inteiligent manner?

As Mrs. Ward states, the opinions in her article are her own, but I am forced to ques- tion the motive of the Journal for printing such trash. The article, besides being written - n I.. in the traditional folksy, fairytale atmosphere

Uear Lditor: I am a graduate of a three year diploma school of nursing. I am presently struggling my way through college trying to obtain a degree. For the past few months I have been reading your

January 1968

..

of someone yearning for something they don’t really think will be accomplished, is an af- front to the nursing profession. The point that

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is most laughable is that Mrs. Ward applies her farsightedness to OR nursing. Her vast nursing experience gives her the right to dic- tate that: “ . . . long hours spent in the oper- ating room should not occur during the period of formal education.” She tells us that nurses can acquire this skill, but leaves it to one’s imagination as to how this feat will be accom- plished. If we let schools of nursing eliminate OR experience from their curriculums, we will be making a mistake that may be impossible to rectify.

N.S. Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mrs. Ward Replies I am somewhat taken aback that the article could arouse such ire as Miss Schwartz ex- hibits. I don’t feel particularly compelled to discuss anything Miss Schwartz says, since it seems apparent that she has missed the whole point.

One of the weaknesses of nursing in its ad- mirable drive toward professional status has been to create “an island unto itself” attitude. The realization which must come, that an in- terdisciplinary approach is rewarding and not stifling may help nurses like Miss Schwartz develop into mature individuals who welcome constructive suggestions from those outside of nursing .

I am afraid that Miss Schwartz is going to

find to her dismay that our sophisticated con- sumers of nursing service are becoming in- creasingly articulate. It might be worthwhile for her to try to overcome her insecurity and listen.

V.W. Colorado

Dear Editor: Just an informal note to tell you how very much I enjoy the pertinent and worthwhile AORN Journal. I find it very helpful.

-W. A. Washington

Continued on page 152

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January 1968 149

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Dear Editor: I would hate to miss my AORN Journal. You have no idea how much it helps me out here, a far cry from the operating room! Our prob- lem is organization of the operating room which is quite a task.

A. C. Manama, Bahran,

Arabian Gulf Dear Editor: “The tremendous editorial content is a most welcome sight. The editorials are excellent. I really enjoyed reading them. The past issues without editorials always seemed lacking.”

A. R. Penn.

Dear Editor: I certainly admire the healthy, clean look of these issues.

-D. F. 3 M Company

Dear Editor: May I take this opportunity to publicly con- gratulate the AORN of New York City on the superb Regional Institute which they held Oc- tober 20 and 21, 1967. One need look only at the unprecedented attendance of 993, or note the first-rate program participants to realize how tremendously successful this In- stitute was. In addition, it is my opinion that measured against a yardstick of other criteria, the great success of this institute stands as a tribute to the joint efforts of the New York City members.

Specifically, the entire Institute was organ- ized, planned, and presented in the four- month period immediately prior to October 20, a phenomally short time. Secondly, while I am sure that National Headquarters was of assistance to the group, no one in that office had previously been involved in the mechanics of presenting an Institute. S.B.

New York

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152 AORN Journal