The Nurses

A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital

By: Alexandra Robbins

Narrated by: Alexandra Robbins

Nursing is more than a career; it's a calling, and one of the most important fascinating, and dangerous professions in the world. As the frontline responders battling traumas, illnesses, and aggression from surprising sources, nurses are remarkable. Yet contemporary literature largely neglects them.

In The Nurses, New York Times bestselling author and award-winning journalist Alexandra Robbins peers behind the staff-only door to write a lively, fast-paced story and a riveting work of investigative journalism. Robbins followed real-life nurses in four hospitals and interviewed hundreds of others in a captivating audiobook filled with joy and violence, miracles and heartbreak, dark humor and narrow victories, gripping drama and unsung heroism.

Alexandra Robbins creates sympathetic, engaging characters while diving deep into their world of controlled chaos -- the hazing ("nurses eat their young"); sex (not exactly like on TV, but it happens more often than you think); painkiller and addiction (disproportionately a problem among the best and brightest); and bullying (by doctors, patients, and others). The result is a riveting story possessing all the twists and turns of a brilliantly told narrative -- and a shocking, unvarnished examination of our health care system.

Critic reviews

"A funny, intimate & often jaw-dropping account of life behind the scenes."—People

"...a detailed, sympathetic, and eye-opening portrait of how nurses work, deal with stresses, and fulfill their mission of serving patients... An insightful perspective on the realities of crucial health care providers."—Kirkus Reviews

"After interviewing hundreds, Robbins narrowed her focus to the personal narratives of four nurses... Their stories are compelling in every way."—BookPage

"...dishes eye-opening material."—Publishers Weekly

a greater respect and appreciation

a great inside to the world of nurses although a bit redundant at times. this would be great for spouses and or family of nurses

Amazing!

True to life scenarios and situations in the life of a nurse. I totally connected with this uplifting read with many personal parallels . Will definitely re-listen and recommend to ALL of my nursing family.

Loved This!

This is a very informative and interesting look at the lives of nurses and hospitals. I really enjoyed it and would recommend to all who are interested in the nursing field!

Mostly on Point

What made the experience of listening to The Nurses the most enjoyable?

I am a nurse, so I am able to relate to many of the stories and scenarios. The focus is on emergency department care, which is a very specific nursing discipline.

Any additional comments?

Note to readers and author. Please don't use the term "MURSE". Men who are nurses are not Murses. They are Nurses. Nobody says Murse. I think maybe the author heard it said one or two times in her life and thought it was a standard. It is not. Murse is just stupid.

Excellent information

This is a book that shares the personal side of nursing and professional challenges. It has given me information to use next time I or a family member is in the RR. I will always make sure I thank those who have helped and send notes of gratefulness to the appropriate supervisors for those who positively impacted our care. Thanks for an excellent book.