I am writing to challenge the supposed humor of an editorial cartoon published Wednesday, October 29, 2008. While I can appreciate the value of satire, I also believe the line between humor and insult in this case was crossed.

Decades of media misrepresentation of nurses and the work we do have presented the general public with a poor understanding of the nursing profession. When Dane Gaydos drew a man depicting a nurse as a stripper, his cartoon perpetuated stereotypes that undermine the healthcare contributions of 2.9 million nurses in the US. Nurses are valuable members of the healthcare team providing physical care, education, support and advocacy for people, families and communities.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of all nurses. Nurses save lives. Nurses change lives. Nurses make a difference.