As nursing students in an accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program, we found the advice to new nurses given by Julie Sochalski, PhD, RN, FAAN, former director of the Division of Nursing at the Health Resources and Services Administration, to be very helpful ("Interview with a Nursing Policy Leader: A Hopeful Look at a Changing Profession," Policy and Politics, January).

Throughout our journey toward becoming RNs, we've heard that we should "do a year" on a medical-surgical floor before attempting to follow our true nursing passions. Yet Dr. Sochalski points out that nurses will do their best when working in an area that truly interests and engages them, and she encourages new nurses like us to find an RN who is working in that area to provide us with leadership and advice.

Perhaps this advice could ultimately lead to more nurses being retained in the workplace?

Suzanne Bamberger

Julia Barruzza

Milton, MA