The country's economic downturn has had a positive effect on improving the nursing shortage. Some individuals have retired from their first careers to pursue nursing, like Tom Quinn, president of the National Student Nurses' Association, who recently graduated from an associate degree program and, as an RN, is continuing toward his bachelor's degree in nursing. Others have found themselves suddenly out of work as corporate layoffs have escalated and individuals find themselves unemployed for months. Many who have always wanted to try something else anyway are seeking a more meaningful career pathway. Sept. 11 also has had an effect, stimulating people to search for a more service-oriented profession.

Nursing is a good fit for so many: mothers whose children are now in school; people with computer backgrounds, because nursing is so information-driven; teachers who want a stable, yearly salary and bring a level of maturity to patient care; and even architects who can design better work environments. Regardless of background, nursing needs all the mature, stable caregivers who choose to join the profession. Now the challenge is to welcome these second- and third-career nurses with open hearts, minds and acceptance of their needs to be mentored with respect.

We have so many wonderful, young and enthusiastic nurses who will make a difference partnered with a nurse who chooses nursing as a later career. Sometimes, we make assumptions about new colleagues based on age, ethnic background, cultural differences and other characteristics different from our own.

Orientation programs for second-career nurses should be as unique and special as those for nurses re-entering the practice environment, as well as for new graduates. Assisting all nurses in their transition from student to practicing professional nurse is a challenge faced by inservice nursing educators. More attention needs to be paid to developing these programs if we are to stabilize and maintain the workforce for the future. Educational programs in each practice setting are essential in blending a diverse staff toward group harmony and continued professional growth.

A compatible mix of staff enables the creation of a work climate conducive to the professional practice of nursing. Nursing staff in a particular unit or agency are dependent on each other in creating the best possible patient care setting. No individual works in isolation. Each person's goals are related to those of the group in which they work. Group satisfaction and acceptance are key to reducing stress and providing optimal care to patients.

Discuss this and other topics with your colleagues at www.nurseweek.com/rnvillage