As a chief nursing officer, I have the privilege of reading papers, typically after they are submitted and graded, written by nurses who are returning to school ("A Plea to Faculty: Rethink Student Writing Assignments," Editorial, August). I love this because it allows me to hear nurses' perspectives on current initiatives or even completely new ideas. What surprises me most, however, is not the content. It is the poor grammar and writing style of papers that have very clearly been graded and given exemplary marks. I feel disappointed that these nurses, as future leaders, have not had the benefit of that type of instruction. Even if students are not graded on writing ability while in school, they will certainly be graded on it later, when they are in a position of visibility and influence.

Regina Lanier, MAEd, BSN, RN

Senior Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer

Onslow Memorial Hospital

Jacksonville, NC