Category: Nursing Stories

How to Handle This Age Issue

The woman who was interviewing me asked my age. She was apologetic. “My boss wants me to get ages.” I was ready for her. “I am 76,” I said. “Not a problem to ask. I think it’s good that folks realize that older people can still be productive.” “That’s one way to handle it,” she…… Continue reading How to Handle This Age Issue

Book tour in Chicago

Saturday, June 1, 2019 I am scheduling this post to publish on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. That day, I will be in Chicago talking about my book to the Advanced Practice Nurses at Rush University. I have three other venues scheduled before I head home on Monday. In between events, I will spend time with…… Continue reading Book tour in Chicago

How PTSD is hurting nursing

I came upon this post on KevinMD.com, written by a nurse. I am pleased that a physician has provided a vehicle for nurses to tell their stories and, in this case, share the heavy toll that working in a hospital setting can have on nurses.  How PTSD is hurting nursing ANNE NAULTY, RN | POLICY | MAY 22, 2019…… Continue reading How PTSD is hurting nursing

Barriers to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

In the April 2019 AARP Bulletin there is an article discussing the restrictive laws in North Carolina that control Advanced Practice Registered Nurses.* North Carolina is where I now live. While I no longer practice as a nurse practitioner, I’m always on the lookout for the latest restrictions or advances in APRN practice. And I…… Continue reading Barriers to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Meeting Nancy Panko

I was one of about thirty authors who attended the program, Authors in Your Backyard: A Celebration of Local Writers, held at my neighborhood library on a Sunday afternoon not too long ago. I arrived with copies of my book: Stories from the Tenth-Floor Clinic, and the syringes to lure readers to my table. I didn’t…… Continue reading Meeting Nancy Panko

Learning to Heal

I’ve long been a proponent of nurses writing their stories to educate the general public about what we really do. Here’s a book: Learning to Heal: Reflections on Nursing School in Poetry and Prosethat does that and more. The essays, from seasoned nurses as well as recent grads and “respected elders,” are set in the…… Continue reading Learning to Heal

Back to where it started: Chicago

I flew into cold, snowy Chicago last week to discuss my book at the main facility of Erie Family Health Centers. This felt like a dream as I stood behind the lectern gazing at the audience that, believe it or not, included a few familiar faces from some thirty years ago. I had been invited…… Continue reading Back to where it started: Chicago

Persistence and Determination

I look back on 2018 with wonder and gratitude. My book is finally published. I feel such a sense of accomplishment. I don’t credit this achievement to talent, genius or education as you can see from my most favorite quote below: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing…… Continue reading Persistence and Determination