tients. At present, the BSN graduate seldom does patient care for long.

One thing that is seldom mentioned in arti- cles applauding the ability of the BSN over the diploma or AD graduate is the fact that gradu- ates from all three programs must pass the same state board examinations to be licensed RNs.

It is not a degree that makes a good nurse, it is the quality of the person that makes a good nurse. You will find good and bad in every nursing program.

Capitola Bradshaw Severna Park, Md

Article flawed by lack of research on education

I would like to comment on Gayle Gatch's Speak out in the December Journal. While I essentially agree with her ideas, I strongly dis- agree with her generalizations about the three types of nursing education. I find that her lack of research on educational programs discred- its her article.

First, my BSN program was one year liberal arts and three years clinical (I graduated in 1973). Second, some diploma programs are 24 months, and third, there are associate de- gree (AD) programs so structured that the total clinical experience is merely six months out of the two years.

The point I want to make is that there are no two BSN programs alike and no two AD pro- grams alike. (Also. many diploma programs are dissimilar.) We do a great disservice to R N s if we label them from their schools. Unfor- tunately many RNs are full of suspicion, and biases continue to breed hostility.

Unsubstantiated generalizations are dangerous to our profession. Gatch's article was interesting, but she unfortunately makes her point without doing much research.

Cynthia J Sutton, RN Pontiac, ill

Diploma nurse happy with her training

Journal was so good Competency does not depend on degrees As a diploma nurse, I am happy with my training and capabilities My sister. with a masters degree, is a most com- petent, compassionate person When on a rare occasion we have been able to work to- gether, neither of us felt superior or inferior to the other

I do feel that all educators should be re- quired to work in a hospital for a time to qualify them to teach nurses Observing in an OR or obstetrical unit will never substitute for a work- ing rotation through those services

Catherine VanEck, RN Lansing, Ill

Reader calls for more articles on motivation

Please extend my thanks to Edwinia James Ion, RN, author of "Making work in the OR more satisfying," in the November Journal.

I strongly agree with her views regarding retaining employees. Generally, nurses enter- ing the practice of OR nursing are highly moti- vated. I have seen this drive stifled by a super- visor using negative reinforcement and poor motivating skills. This eventually leads to the nurse changing positions or leaving nursing.

Every nurse wants to have her supervisor be aware of her individual needs. A supervisor who provides time for professional growth en- riches the strength of the staff in providing better patient care.

The article's information on job satisfaction could be adapted to any OR or to general staff nursing. I strongly agree with each point pre- sented and encourage you to print more arti- cles regarding positive motivation.

Deborah Waters, RN Gulf Breeze, Ha

The AORN Journal welcomes letters from its readers on subjects of interest to OR nurses. Letters should be typed and should include the writer's name, full title, and address. The Journal reserves the right to edit all letters.

Gayle Gatch's Speak out in the December

AORN Journal, February 1982, Vol35 , No 2 273