I've been looking for an article to use to teach my students the importance of holistic, caring communication. This Reflections article provided a very moving insight into the subject.

I've recently been disappointed with my nursing students who are task oriented and don't use a caring, courteous, respectful attitude when communicating with patients during clinical rotations. In addition, it's always been my pet peeve to hear a nurse address an elderly patient as "honey," "sweetie," or nothing at all.

I have practiced nursing for more than 30 years, and in that time I've witnessed the steady decline of courtesy and caring attitudes on the part of many LPNs and RNs.

These nurses are more focused on providing task-oriented, hurried nursing care to patients who suffer from dementia, disability, and chronic diseases, among other conditions.

Thank you for providing a reality check for all nurses.

Barbara Ann Borkowski, MBA, BSN, RN

Rolling Prairie, IN