I recently attended the Wisconsin League for Nursing's fall conference, where the issue of retaining new nurses was addressed. In my last semester of an associate's-degree program, I have many concerns about my first year of nursing. It is disconcerting that experienced nurses are not taking the time to help new graduates. Recent graduates bring fresh ideas and different ways to practice, but they also feel insecure without guidance.

Experienced nurses need to be willing to take part in nurse residency and mentor programs. Nurses have the reputation of being caring and compassionate and they should display those feelings toward their less experienced colleagues.

Stacy Crawley

Green Bay, WI