While the letters column is not the place for a review of osteoporosis, this issue is so important and patients' questions are so frequent, the following three intriguing pieces of evidence are worth bearing in mind. Smoking, sedentary lifestyle and a lack of vitamin D also play important roles. Calcium is important, but it cannot compensate for a lack of attention to these factors. As I see it, this response may result from the nursing profession, as a whole, not being supportive of nurses. I see nursing, management and medicine as collaborators, not as adversaries.
Most nurses enter the profession with altruism and hopes of being the best nurse they can be.
We need to support that enthusiasm throughout each nurse's career. Continuing education is a part of gaining knowledge and building pride in any profession and these efforts should be available, encouraged and convenient for all tours of duty. We must also realize that the outward appearance reflects what is inside. In too many instances, negative criticism reigns over positive supportive behavior among nurses. We need to include and be supportive of all nurses regardless of their position in the chain of command or tour of duty.