I'm glad to see some much needed perspective on nursing outside the hospital walls in Theresa Brown's "Bringing It Home Explores Nursing Beyond the Hospital" (What I'm Reading, July).
There's an increasing need for nurses in outpatient settings. Changes in our health care system are creating exciting new opportunities for nurses to help patients avoid entering the hospital, improve their quality of life, and decrease health care costs.
Brown's article concludes with a statement about only admitting patients to the hospital when needed, with the remainder of care provided at home by nurses. I would recommend that a definition of this type of home care also include mention of the outpatient professionals and facilities that can aid in maintaining a patient's wellness so that invasive interventions are not necessary in the first place.
Brittany Webb, BSN, RN
Dallas