In a recent survey, 35% of nurses ages 45 to 60 said they plan to retire, switch to a less-demanding role, or work as a travel nurse in the next 1 to 3 years ("Nursing Shortage: Baby-boomer Nurses Are on the Way Out," Clinical Rounds, June 2008).*
As part of this generation, I believe that older nurses are leaving the profession not because of age but because we have minimal time to provide patient care. I've also seen many new grads leave because of poor staffing ratios.
I'm writing because of my profound sense of loss, frustration, and sincere regret that so many of my young coworkers are leaving the ranks. We baby-boomer nurses had a deep commitment to the profession that no other generation will ever replicate. We should be appreciated for our endurance and cherished for all we know that isn't written in books.
D. GARRISON, RN, CNN, MS
Bozrah, Conn.
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