correspondence

Not Plugged In

I am curious about your comments in the article "Nurses Plug In" (Training Today, March). You suggest that through technology- assisted learning modules, increased retention and high-quality patient care are likely outcomes. What research supports this?

As an educator for more than 10 years and a healthcare professional for more than five, it has always been my experience that anything short of "hands-on" or "real-life" training produces neither high retention nor quality.

Your column seemed more like an advertisement for Healthstream than a well-researched piece on how clinical professionals can best be certified as competent in key areas.

MICHAEL KUSIEK,

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT,

IVINSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL,

LARAMIE, WY



culture shock

In response to "E Pluribus Workplace" (Apropos, January) I would like to share my experience. In 1982 I had a job interview with a small company that was based in Cincinnati. The interview took place at the Hyatt Regency in Boston over dinner. When the two gentlemen stopped to pray and held their hands forth—holding them in such a way that I realized I was to join hands—I knew this was a different company.

The company had been founded by two men who were fundamentalist Christians. I would be the second of about 100 employees who was not a fundamentalist Christian. As you might expect, I had some interesting experiences:

A female customer once asked me, "Yes, you are Catholic, but are you a Christian?"

A co-worker once said to me, "... and lo the Devil revealed himself unto me, and his presence was horrible to behold."

I learned about tithing.

I met Mormons. (The nicest group of people I've ever met, but don't ask, "What's the Book of Mormon?" in a restaurant!)

While I only stayed in Cincinnati for three years, I learned tolerance, understanding, and to change my behavior (for the better). Nice article.

ED LAWRENCE,

INSTRUCTOR/DEVELOPER,

AKIBIA, INC.,

WESTBORO, MA