Well done!! Hastings's article is well written, objective, and empathic. Kudos on including the overview on the problem ("Addiction: An Occupational Hazard in Nursing") by Patricia Maher-Brisen, a wonderful former clinician at Statewide Peer Assistance for Nurses of the New York State Nurses Association. Even in open-minded New York City, nurses with addiction are often treated as criminals rather than people with an illness. Some of the "world-renowned" hospitals dismiss afflicted RNs with many years of service and experience, leaving them with no insurance coverage for treatment.

Robert J. Abel, BSN, RN

New York City