Last March I traveled from Australia to take part in the Nursing2005 Symposium in New Orleans. What a great time I had!! It was wonderful to talk to so many nurses from so many different states and specialty areas.

Australian nurses have many of the same problems and concerns as our American colleagues, including a shortage of nurses. We also have increasing numbers of migrant nurses. My unit has more nurses from Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines than Australian nurses.

I've already been asked to speak at two different groups interested in hearing about the Symposium. It will be a great privilege to share what I've learnt.

JANET LONG, RN, BSc (HON)

Hornsby, N.S.W., Australia