I agree with Diana Mason's editorial ("On Our Shoulders," September 2007) that nurses are threatening their own survival by driving away new nurses. I never realized this horizontal abuse existed until I became a nurse manager. Now I know that "Nurses eat their young." I feel strongly that organizational leaders must intervene, especially during the first year, and make a commitment to new RNs and allow them time to develop confidence, skills, and trust. Thank you for the suggestions; maybe now we can take measures to succeed in changing our "tribal rituals."

Ana Machado-Hilyer, RN

Wellington, FL