To the Editor:

I am inviting nurses to participate in a book on the contribution of nurses to a special patient or a situation. The book will be a trade book for the general public. I am interested in all kinds of short stories about people from all ages and diagnoses, including death and dying experiences. This is an opportunity to let colleagues and the general public know what miracles nurses perform everyday, as we care for patients and influence healthcare decisions.

The short story can be happy, sad, funny, or serious. I am looking for stories from childbirth through end of life. Also, stories about special groups, such as prisoners, emergency situations, war, and schools are sought, as well as instances of influencing public policy. Examples of wellness and health promotion would also be welcomed. Nurses are everywhere doing big and small things for people. We need to share these stories with the public.

The stories can be written by you or by a patient. They can be written in the first or third person. You can use real names, if you want, or be anonymous. All authors will be credited in the book and will have editorial review of the final copy. Our publisher is Slack, Inc. We are seeking to publish early in 2005. So, we need your stories as soon as possible! Send your stories of approximately 1000 words to:

Pat Winstead-Fry, PhD, RN

2708 Herrick Brook Road

Pawlet, VT 05761

You can also send stories by fax to 603-917-8401 or e-mail to [email protected] and to [email protected], or send a disk in Word.

Thank you.

Pat Winstead-Fry, RN, PhD

Deborah R. Labovitz, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA