[black small square] It's great to see the value that nurses of different experience, education, and certifications can bring to the table and the fiscal benefits these deliver ("Nursing2004 Salary Survey," October 2004). However, I'd like to challenge our profession to make performance a more important factor in salary increases. In the corporate world, salaries and wages are based on the performance of an individual or a team. However, in nursing, someone with less experience who's a great performer (treating patients well, clearing patient beds faster, and so forth) may have no incentive to keep up the good work other than personal pride. On the other hand, a veteran nurse who's in a rut or is less progressive will get paid more just for putting in another year.

Perhaps a pay-for-performance incentive would help our profession improve and develop in new ways.

-EDWARD A. STERN, RN

Springfield, Va.

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