"An End to Angels" (May) was so refreshing. I hate the popular but sappy "I've been called to this work" image of nursing, along with the pervasive "I'm not in this for the money, it's enough reward to care" attitude that holds us back. This is a piece that I'm sure will garner a lot of angry mail from nurses.

Caring and compassion are present in nursing, to be sure, but if they are prized above knowledge, independence, confidence, and professionalism, we end up with easily exploited, burned-out nurses who kid themselves into believing that the $2 pansy they receive on Nurses Day means that the administration really does respect their work.

The angel attitude is what has prevented nurses from effectively advocating and unionizing-they believe they are privileged to be able to provide care to people, and believe that this is an avocation as well as a vocation. This is somewhat true, of course, because nursing is extremely rewarding, and it's nice to be liked-but being liked and being respected are two different things. It speaks volumes when people think nurses are honest but wouldn't ask them for advice. I hope my patients desire my services not just because I care, but also because they respect my intelligence and my skills as a diagnostician.

Karen Roberts, MSN, RN, FNP-C

Lawrence, KS