"Acute Care Workforce Under Stress" (In the News, January) describes the very real crisis hospitals are facing because of the nursing shortage. Hospitals must act to make the acute care setting attractive to nurses. Of course, safe staffing ratios, respect for the work nurses do, and adequate pay are important, but other things need to be done. Many nurses are also parents; onsite day care could help alleviate concerns about finding care for their children. Onsite gym facilities and the ability to pick up nutritious take-home meals would also make the acute care setting attractive. Additionally, investment in comprehensive orientation and mentoring is needed. Unless hospitals undertake these kinds of programs, acute care will continue to have problems attracting nurses.

Patricia Fife, MPA, RN

Merrick, NY