While Diana Mason's statement, "I wish we didn't need so many [NICU nurses]," is apparently well intentioned, it seems somewhat indelicate. As a NICU nurse with more than 30 years' experience, I can assure her that we care for sick infants who have many problems not related to prematurity. Also, while I too wish to see the percentage of premature births decline, until this happens my special skills are still very much in demand.

Hope Melhado, BS, RNC

Iselin, NJ