As a nursing student, I am grateful that the verbal abuse of nurses was addressed in Health and Safety ("Stopping Verbal Abuse in the Workplace," April). Verbal abuse not only affects nurses, it also compromises patients' safety. Sometimes a physician will verbally abuse a nurse who tries to confirm or clarify an order. If the nurse can remember to document the event and inform managers immediately after an incident of abuse occurs, the strategies for addressing situations like those mentioned in the column will be effective.

Sophia Munoz-Bennett

Brooklyn, NY