LETTERS BEAUTIFUL, INTERESTING, READABLE The premier issue of Geriatric N u r s ing is s t u n n i n g - - b e a u t i f u l to look at, e x t r e m e l y interesting in content, and very easy to read. I wish you much success with this important contribution to the field of gerontological nursing. It is off to an enviable beginning. ANNE ZIMMERMAN, R.N., executive administrator, Illinois Nurses Association
V A L U A B L E FOR A L L N U R S E S Congratulations on a periodical on the health care of aging persons that emphasizes the hopefulness and joy that are possible for all of us as we grow older, despite our infirmities. W h e n my first issue arrived I read it from cover to cover. T h e articles, written in a lively style and colorfully illustrated, present a varied and timely content. I tried to decide which article I thought the most interesting and finally gave uiy--all of them were interesting. The journal will be valuable not only for nurses doing geriatric nursing but for other nurses generally; and, let's hope, a force in influencing more of those others to select this field of nursing. W e certainly could use more nurses who are interested in working with persons in this age group and who are understanding of their needs. LUCILLE E. NOTTER, R.N.,N.Y.
EVERY ARTICLE SHARED I've subscribed to several nursing journals for many years but this is the first time I've found so m a n y articles that appealed to me and that I've felt would be helpful to others. I shared " W h y W o r k With the A g e d ? " with the nurses in my rural hospital's ICF, " T h e Long Road Back from S t r o k e " went to patients and spouses in the acute care unit, and " G o i n g Over the Hill" provided a chuckle for our over-50 crowd. T h e hypertension article went to a 94 Gerialric Nursing July/August 1980
nurse friend who does blood pressure screening at the local senior citizen center, " W o r d s & Wheelchairs" delighted a retired teacher who reads stories to residents at a local nursing home, and " H o w to Eat on $1.18 per D a y " is e a r m a r k e d for a visiting nurse friend. In fact, I've passed on every article. MARY BAYER, R.N., nurse counselor, Franklin llIemorial Hospital, Farmington, Afaine I shared the first copy of Geriatric N u r s i n g with my nursing staff. W e are most impressed with the quality of the first issue and wish you tremendous success with this journal. THOMAS R. CLARKE, executive director, Atorningside H~use, N.Y.
TOO WISE AND CHARMING? A great beginning, not only for what G N delivers, but for what it promises. This issue points up the fact that the aged are not some new species; they are just older members o f the adult population, and as such they continue to be susceptible to and experience many of the same biologic and socioeconomic problems as younger adults. Although this first issue left me with the vague feeling that all older adults are models of wisdom, charm, patience, fortitude, and good humor, it is apparent from the Editorial that the movers and shakers of this new journal know the facts of aging. I feel confident that future issues will deal realistically, in new and useful ways, with m a n y of the difficult and not uncommon problems associated with aging. I was struck by Virginia Barckl e y ' s article about trying to eat on $1.18 a day. Fortunately, it did not end with a fatuous recommendation for nutritional counseling! It ended, instead, with the implication that " a good nourishing diet" is impossible on $1.18 a day, and that more money, not more knowledge, is basic to improving nutrition for many elderly people in the United States.
Is there a possibility that G N might serve, from time to time, as a forum for the American Association of Retired Persons and the nursing profession on matters of mutual concern? PHYLLIS HESLIN, R.N., contributing editor, American Journal o f Nursing
NEWS WATCHb"MOST COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE" On first glance through the M a y / June issue, I said, " T h i s looks so attractive and interesting that I am going to read every word." At that time I thought the n u m b e r and titles of articles and the size of the magazine might tend toward diluting the treatment of each article. N o t so; I am pleased to say I think the content is very complete and in most cases gave me new information and, at times, by first person account, which added interest. News W a t c h provided the most comprehensive coverage I've seen on the topics included in a news section. M a n y aspects of the elderly's life situation and care have been forthrightly set forth. T h a n k you for the book ads naming the publications relevant to the aged. The issue is worth having for this information alone. DOROTHY P. TAYRIEN. R.N., associate professor, College o f Nursing, Medical University o f South Carolina
USEFUL TO PRACTITIONER AND EDUCATOR G N has set a standard that m a n y nursing journals should strive to equal. Absolutely s u p e r b - - c o v e r to cover! Glorious graphics, and informative, readable articles on rightnow issues and problems should make it useful to practitioners and educators alike. T h e articles related to aging in countries outside the U.S. gave this first issue a uniquely international perspective. NANCY EVANS, senior editor, nursing sciences, C. V. AIosby Co.