As an Australian reader of AJN, I've found that many issues discussed in the journal are very relevant to Australian nurses.

In "Improving Processes of Care" (Transforming Care at the Bedside, June), author Amanda L. Stefancyk points out that nurses spend a great deal of time searching for frequently used clinical supplies. This inefficiency not only reduces nursing time at the bedside but also contributes to nurse fatigue and a reduced quality of patient care.1

The current average age of Australian nurses is about 45.1,2 and American nurses are, on average, about 46 years old.3 Given that the expected trend is upwards, in terms of the average age of nurses in our countries, it's imperative that our profession, employers, and health care policymakers make every attempt to improve the work environment to put less strain on nurses, as has Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Nurses must be actively involved in both the refurbishment of existing facilities and the design and planning of new facilities.

Focusing on the working environment will positively affect the quality of care and safety of our patients. It will also support the aging nurse population by reducing stress, exhaustion, and frustration, thereby ensuring that the invaluable knowledge of the experienced nurse is imparted to-junior staff and benefits the community.

Moran Wasson, RN

Sydney, Australia

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