I am ready to take my lumps; but I must speak my mind since I have found this situation disturbing enough to wake me from sleep early Sunday morning.

Regarding the "Letters to the Editor" concerning some-more-than-other offended school nurses: I find it unfortunate that a professional nurse, or any other professional for that matter, cannot accept certain POVs without automatically becoming defensive and outraged. Enough already. It seems that when encountered with a painful observation about themself or their profession, many people first and last become irritated and annoyed before taking a moment to consider the merits of the perceived attack and reflect on whether a kernel of truth may exist as an opportunity for growth.

Ms. Slowick, the author of the original article whom I would not know if I tumbled over her, noted that some school health nurses may not be willing to invest the time to learn updated information to become better skilled in managing diabetic children. This to me is not an outrageous observation; Ms. Slowick was most likely correct; and her position could be extrapolated out to any sub-specialty in nursing.

In one reality, some nurses more than other nurses are intrinsically more motivated to improve themselves, their profession, and keep current to best advocate for their patients and colleagues. However, in another reality, some professional nurses are quite content, or at least complacent, to "cruise"; and to not pursue the rigors of sweeping continuing education in their specialty. Taking it a step further, nurses should be teaching their own colleagues to become better nurses and better physicians, too. Sometimes this actually does happen in supportive learning environments and it's a beautiful thing to see and experience.

I do not believe that this is Ms. Slowick attacking her peers as Ms. Shellenberger states; rather I see it as Ms. Slowick presenting a disturbing observation for us all to take to heart. Why not be willing to accept the point as valid concern and acknowledge that we all need to do better in staying abreast of potentially rapidly changing standards and new information?

Those responding with self-righteous indignation justify their limitations. No one of us can fully understand the professional role of a colleague in a given specialty unless we have practiced in that field. And no matter what the specialty, we all have our challenges; some more than others. However, defensiveness crosses all specialties and displaying oneself, or their specialty, as "perfect", without the need for reproach or at least a bit of introspection is impractical and reinforces any complacency which may already exist: "How dare she say anything which might reflect poorly on us! Who does she think she is!" Ms. Slowick is a person with an opinion, just as those responding have their opinions and I have mine.

Ms. Shellenberger states that she is "appalled" on behalf of herself and her 300 school nurse colleagues? Appalled at what exactly? That someone dared to question her specialty and the fact that some of the practitioners in it may not have kept abreast with changing standards? Perhaps Ms. Shellenberger should speak only for herself instead of assuming that all of her colleagues appreciate her defensiveness and thin-skin. Or on the other hand, wrongly assuming that all of her colleagues are indeed up-to-date and flourishing in their specialty only to detract from the nurses who DO spend the time and make the commitment to to excel in their field.The true leaders and advocates should be singled out and honored as the future for your specialty so they can help their colleagues who wish to join them in excellence.

I found it disappointing that Ms. Shellienberger would make sweeping statements to the effect that ALL 300 of her colleagues in the Philadelphia school health specialty know what it takes to practice to the highest standards of nursing. Just by odds and probabilities in any specialty  area, that assumption would most likely be wrong; just inaccurate; perhaps not do-able. Ms. Shellenberger does not personally know and evaluate all of her colleagues any more than I know and evaluate all of mine. No one could realistically speak for 300 colleagues on an individual basis of competency.

I hope Ms. Shellenberger can accept this as constructive criticism. While it's true that we are all in this together, arguing for our limitations and our defensiveness only reinforces them. This not only applies to school health nurses; but to all of us as nurses.

Hello,

Wow, did you leave anything out and could say your true feelings about the issue, again? Just kidding, with you and I know you are serious, lol. I would not want to be in your way on a bad hair day.  Understood, your points in the post and they were well defined. I can tell a little irritation was noted by the tone of the post.

 Everyone is accountable and responsible for their own behaviors, actions and communications. No one can speak for a group or a group cannot appoint one to represent them on an issue because it may be or may not agree with one's ethics/morals. Each person is on their own in expressing themselves and several of the people can stand together due to similarities. Overall, no one can tell the thoughts or feelings of their coworkers. I believe this is why American politics and the citizens are facing the turmoil of today.

I hope today it is a better day for you and the person who finds it difficult to stand alone for her behavior.

Happy Easter, to you and all and may your day be fulfilling happiness and children searching for Easter Eggs. I hope you and everyone have a great feast today.