I enjoyed Maureen Shawn Kennedy's editorial on healthy behaviors for nurses (April); however, it seems hypocritical to call out health care facilities when we have the same problem within our profession. I'm currently in an RN-to-BSN program and have read about the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education's clinical practice experience requirements (http://www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation/Clinical-Practice-FAQs.pdf), which I believe could contribute to nurses' problems taking care of their health and well-being. On the surface clinical placements are an excellent idea, until one thinks about how many nurses in RN-to-BSN programs are already working full-time-some also caring for their homes, children, and even parents.

RN-to-BSN students will now have the added responsibility of locating clinical placements (a problem NP students have had for years). Many colleges do not arrange placements and the competition is fierce. Also, nurses must take whatever placement they can get and be available any hours a facility offers. This can be difficult for nurses who work, especially those who work nights and must sleep during the day. Nurses need two days per week away from the workplace to do chores and errands and hopefully exercise and rest their bodies and minds.

I would like nursing groups and health care facilities to consider the health, safety, and well-being of nurses. Colleges that offer RN-to-BSN programs must be creative and offer students ways to practice BSN skills that blend well with their busy lives and work schedules and don't cause undue stress. Yes, nurses need wellness programs and the time to use them. But as Kennedy points out, this is easier said than done.

Lisa McDonald, RN