While I agree that personal use of cell phones at work is improper, they are also a fantastic tool ("Not So Smart: Cell Phone Use Hurts Our Patients and Profession," Viewpoint, June). I have seen my staff use their phones as a distraction technique while performing uncomfortable procedures on children. They have also used their phones to look up medications, calculate dosages, and pull up pertinent information while teaching families. I don't condone cell phone use for social media while at work, and my nurses don't take advantage-if using the phone for a personal reason, they always step out. When appropriate, the use of a cell phone by a nurse can enhance the patient's experience.

Tammy, via ajnoffthecharts.com