[black small square] Thanks to Penny Simpson Brooke for her editorial, "Tough Love for Nursing" (July, 2009).* I'm glad that someone is advocating for a mandatory educational entry level for nurses and for professional attire. I attended a diploma school in 1954, received a good education, and had a wonderful experience. I didn't feel like a professional, though, so I returned to school for my BSN, which gave my practice an extra dimension. I believe a BSN is now an absolute must for our profession.
As for her comments about professional demeanor, I'm from the old school. Many nurses these days seem to think the more casual the better. How one dresses influences our behavior and that of others.
-CAROLYN WILKINSON, BSN (retired)
Kerrville, Tex.