Graduate nurses feel a sense of vocation too

SIR – Robert Jackson (Letters, January 20), who laments “the loss of vocational nursing”, fails to understand that today’s registered graduate nurses bring both education and compassion to their work.

Nursing, like medicine, is improved by higher levels of specialist study, and nursing care is measurably safer when provided by graduates.

I don’t suppose Mr Jackson would suggest that his degree-educated medical colleagues lack any sense of vocation. But presumably he believes that nursing requires no underpinning knowledge or critical thinking skills – just cool hands and a warm heart.

In our overstretched health service, doctors and nurses support each other in multi-disciplinary teams, and value one another’s knowledge and skills. June Girvin

Chepstow, Monmouthshire

SIR – I am in complete agreement with Robert Jackson. I was a district nursing sister in the Eighties, when the plan to bring in graduate training for registered nursing was introduced. At a professional meeting, I asked how the hospital wards would be manned. No answer was given and the question was not minuted.

The old apprentice-type training, at the bedside, provided experience in communication: we were trusted, and won the respect of patients. We learnt the skills of observation and empathy. Those who struggled with these things were clearly not cut out for the work. Anne Pepper

Shaldon, Devon

SIR – Nursing education remains

50 per cent hands-on, and many of the students I meet still refer to their “vocation”.

The demographics and intensity of care required by patients have changed radically in the 30 years since I entered the NHS. Mr Jackson’s attitude is unhelpful. Professor Roger Watson

Hull, East Yorkshire