[black small square] Based on Dr. Linda Aiken's study, should we tell members of the public that they have a poor chance of recovery if they're admitted to a hospital staffed with RNs who are graduates of diploma/associate degree (AD), rather than baccalaureate (BSN), programs? (See "RN Education: A Matter of Degrees", Issues in Nursing, March 2004.) As a former director and instructor of staff development, I've found very little difference in the clinical performance of graduates from diploma, AD, and BSN programs.

Today the nursing community needs to address the nursing shortage and praise nurses who are giving their best. It's experience, not a degree, that makes a better nurse.

Editor's note: For more on this topic, turn to "RN Education: Readers Respond" on page 46.

The comments appearing in this column are excerpted from readers' correspondence. Send your letter, complete mailing address, and credentials to: Letters Editor, Nursing2004, 323 Norristown Rd., Suite 200, Ambler, PA 19002, or e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your e-mail address and daytime telephone number.