Letters

I would like to thank you for your recent stories on nursing stations and digital systems in hospitals (February 2005, p. 22). I'm a registered nurse at an urban emergency department currently undergoing major construction. Much of what was written in your healthcare report hit home, especially the instruction for "Building Teams... to be even more engaged and in tune with those at the front-line of care, the nursing staff." Unfortunately, the team involved in our new ER did not consult the staff nurses, and already, even before the new building is open, we see many problems that could have been avoided with some staff input.

For instance, during construction, the hospital closed some rooms in the ER. To maintain capacity, we've had to adapt an area down a long hallway isolated from the rest of the ER. It is a lonely place, devoid of other staff, and we must walk miles during our 12-hour shift to gather supplies and medications. I'm in my 20s and reasonably in-shape, with lots of energy, yet I find the job physically exhausting. I work with other RNs in their 50s and 60s and marvel at how they can do this job so well.

There is a great need to reduce the amount of walking and to allow for "places of respite." The picture of the respite space on page 26 looked inviting and calming. I can see how it would serve as a retention tool. We currently use a small space far from the nursing station as our lounge. The nurses are often left with the decision to either not eat or to eat at the nursing station, which exposes us to many more germs than I'd like to ponder.

I found your building team perspective enlightening. It helped me to see my place of work in a different light.

Hannah Reimer , RN, Staff Nurse, Emergency Department, Temple University Hospital

I was intrigued by your wind turbine story (March 2005, p. 7). We have a new office building that is powered by both wind and solar. It's great to see others getting into renewable energy. There have been huge advancements in wind turbine technology in the last five years. I hope Alberici has updated their wind turbine controls, however. Our turbine has been producing nearly three times the rate of Alberici's per rated KW size. I would hate for anyone to get caught on the short end for trying to do the right thing.

Tom Hurd , Spatial Designs, Mason City, Iowa