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Confessions of a School Nurse: A Hilarious True Story of Nursing and Medical Chaos Abroad
From the people who brought you the bestselling Confessions of a GP.
After sixteen years of high-pressure nursing, Michael Alexander has traded in his hospital uniform for the fresh air, comfort and routine of an International private school in the French Alps. Bliss! But it’s not long before he discovers that school nursing is not all permission slips, sniffles and gift baskets. Disastrous school trips; after hours dorm sleepovers; awkward sex education classes; culture clashes; swine flu panic; and kids with six-figure bank balances and a taste for bribery. This is nursing as you’ve never seen it before.
What goes on behind the gates of one of the world’s most elite boarding schools? What happens when kids from all over the world – Russia, Africa, America, Saudi Arabia – live, learn and grow under one roof? What happens when it’s left to school staff to teach children the facts of life, and lust?
Following on from the hugely successful Confessions of a Male Nurse, Michael Alexander is back with more touching, shocking and often laugh-out-loud funny tales of nursing. In Confessions of a School Nurse, Alexander tells all on boarding school life – as a nurse, parent, and Average Joe, he offers a unique perspective on this strange world.
After sixteen years of high-pressure nursing, Michael Alexander has traded in his hospital uniform for the fresh air, comfort and routine of an International private school in the French Alps. Bliss! But it’s not long before he discovers that school nursing is not all permission slips, sniffles and gift baskets. Disastrous school trips; after hours dorm sleepovers; awkward sex education classes; culture clashes; swine flu panic; and kids with six-figure bank balances and a taste for bribery. This is nursing as you’ve never seen it before.
What goes on behind the gates of one of the world’s most elite boarding schools? What happens when kids from all over the world – Russia, Africa, America, Saudi Arabia – live, learn and grow under one roof? What happens when it’s left to school staff to teach children the facts of life, and lust?
Following on from the hugely successful Confessions of a Male Nurse, Michael Alexander is back with more touching, shocking and often laugh-out-loud funny tales of nursing. In Confessions of a School Nurse, Alexander tells all on boarding school life – as a nurse, parent, and Average Joe, he offers a unique perspective on this strange world.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2015
About the author
Michael Alexander
6 books12 followersMichael^^^^^^Alexander. Author of Confessions of a Male Nurse
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
February 14, 2016
Michael Alexander is a school nurse in a prestigious boarding school full of kids from all around the globe. What could go wrong?
From nits to sex education, this boarding school is full of kids from wealthy backgrounds with parents that don't really want to know. Most of them use an 'agent' to speak on their behalf, because whether they're from Italy or Germany, Poland or France, their English isn't always the greatest. Pair that with different world customs and beliefs, Michael has his work cut out to keep these kids in check.
Despite being there as a nurse for medical reasons, he finds himself acting as a friend, confidant and even a detective - figuring out if the teenager in front of him is really ill or whether they just don't want to do P.E.
Confessions of a school nurse is a memoir of short, easy to read tales that ring true of school life, even if things are slightly different at a boarding school. I'd recommend it as an easy read if you don't want anything too heavy or time consuming.
From nits to sex education, this boarding school is full of kids from wealthy backgrounds with parents that don't really want to know. Most of them use an 'agent' to speak on their behalf, because whether they're from Italy or Germany, Poland or France, their English isn't always the greatest. Pair that with different world customs and beliefs, Michael has his work cut out to keep these kids in check.
Despite being there as a nurse for medical reasons, he finds himself acting as a friend, confidant and even a detective - figuring out if the teenager in front of him is really ill or whether they just don't want to do P.E.
Confessions of a school nurse is a memoir of short, easy to read tales that ring true of school life, even if things are slightly different at a boarding school. I'd recommend it as an easy read if you don't want anything too heavy or time consuming.
March 1, 2018
Gosh. Alexander's depiction of an Alpine boarding school for the extremely wealthy children of the extremely wealthy is...so far from my own experience of boarding school that it doesn't really compute in my brain. Alexander is a nurse, so of course his experience is automatically different than mine (as a student at a publicly funded boarding school) was, but cripes, remind me never to work at a Rich School for the Rich.
Some of the individual stories in here are very entertaining, though taken together they don't really add up to anything with a real storyline. It's much more anecdotal than that, with stories grouped by rough theme (sex, drugs, and skiing injuries, basically). I think I might have preferred a slightly different order (the first section is all about sex, which sort of left me going 'gad, is it all going to be like this?') and, yes, more continuity...but mostly I am just glad this wasn't my experience of boarding school. Way too many people here with far more money than common sense!
Some of the individual stories in here are very entertaining, though taken together they don't really add up to anything with a real storyline. It's much more anecdotal than that, with stories grouped by rough theme (sex, drugs, and skiing injuries, basically). I think I might have preferred a slightly different order (the first section is all about sex, which sort of left me going 'gad, is it all going to be like this?') and, yes, more continuity...but mostly I am just glad this wasn't my experience of boarding school. Way too many people here with far more money than common sense!
April 3, 2016
From the bestselling author of Confessions of a Male Nurse Michael Alexander comes his latest book - Confessions of a School Nurse.
When Nurse Michael Alexander decided to trade the chaos and instability of A&E for a position at a private boarding school in the Alps he vastly underestimated his new role....
Like many children of the rich and powerful, Nurse Alexander's new charges are the product of no boundaries, absentee parents and more money than sense. From life teenage drama queens to the genuinely sick and hysterical house parents Nurse Alexander finds himself going above and beyond the call of duty to help his young charges become well-rounded members of society.
When Nurse Michael Alexander decided to trade the chaos and instability of A&E for a position at a private boarding school in the Alps he vastly underestimated his new role....
Like many children of the rich and powerful, Nurse Alexander's new charges are the product of no boundaries, absentee parents and more money than sense. From life teenage drama queens to the genuinely sick and hysterical house parents Nurse Alexander finds himself going above and beyond the call of duty to help his young charges become well-rounded members of society.
August 13, 2018
Such a fantastic read
I didn’t know if I’d enjoy this book - yet I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
I have read most “confession by a ...” series and they are all good the is only one that I didn’t read all the way and can’t actually remember what it was titled as really didn’t enjoy it!!
I hope I can find another book just like this one where I am hooked - and make reference to the boarding school situations with friends who have children (not boarding school but just school in general)
Again full credit where it’s due!!! Fantastic read!!! Would recommend.
I didn’t know if I’d enjoy this book - yet I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of reading this book.
I have read most “confession by a ...” series and they are all good the is only one that I didn’t read all the way and can’t actually remember what it was titled as really didn’t enjoy it!!
I hope I can find another book just like this one where I am hooked - and make reference to the boarding school situations with friends who have children (not boarding school but just school in general)
Again full credit where it’s due!!! Fantastic read!!! Would recommend.
December 31, 2017
Loved it!!!!
I couldn't get any more enjoyment out of a book than I did out of this fantastically well written one!! A great insight into boarding school life,the pupils and the job of the long suffering school nurse. Written from a writer who has compassion for life, his charges are in good hands.
I couldn't get any more enjoyment out of a book than I did out of this fantastically well written one!! A great insight into boarding school life,the pupils and the job of the long suffering school nurse. Written from a writer who has compassion for life, his charges are in good hands.
June 4, 2016
2016 Reading Challenge - A book with a protagonist who has your occupation (close enough - I am a medical assistant working as a clinic assistant to the school nurse in 5 schools, both elementary and middle).
May 19, 2018
This is a fun read. Michael writes about the happenings in an international co-ed boarding school in the Alps where he is a nurse. The individual stories are very interesting. Many deal with alcohol, drugs and rich absent parents.
May 1, 2016
Easy to read and amusing
October 15, 2016
Loved this book, read it ages ago but i can still remember much of what went on, various excuses kids use to get out of class, stories of skiing. This was one of those un-put-downable books for me
November 15, 2016
Great book full of humorous tales of teenage mishaps. Well written and laid out. Most enjoyable accounts from a school nurse
December 5, 2016
A real-life insight into a boarding school nurse. Some humorous accounts, some slightly tragic - yet I was entertained throughout. Looking forward to reading more from the 'confessions' series.
June 15, 2024
excellent
Excellent read such stories and insight looking forward to more books
A good light read however still held my interest
Excellent read such stories and insight looking forward to more books
A good light read however still held my interest
February 28, 2022
After reading through Confessions of a Male Nurse, I knew that I needed to get Confessions of a School Nurse. I did start reading a book on Thredbo (Survival) before I actually put this onto my Kobo. But then I couldn’t stop myself from also picking up this book. And, because it is such a great and easy read, I managed to read this before I’d even finished the first chapter of the other books that I had started… I mean, there is something kind of humorous about the fixes that people find themselves in in the medical world. And there is just a sweetness about Alexander that I can’t get enough of.
Having never been to boarding school, or come from the kind of money that Alexander talks about in this novel, I was transported into a whole new world. One that I’ve only imagined from some of the more ridiculous movies that I’ve watched. This might have taken me a little step closer to such an unfathomable world. But, honestly, that’s as close as I ever want to get. It was most definitely an interesting world to step into for a few hours, but one that I found a little terrifying. Although, I suppose that those who Alexander sees and writes about are the extremes – there’s no point in writing about the boring, everyday occurrences now, is there?
Not only did this memoir give me an insight into what it is like being a school nurse and treating children in a boarding school, it also gave me insight into the school system and realities for some people in Europe. Actually, a lot of the different students and people that are discussed in this novel are from the Northern Hemisphere. A totally different life to immerse myself in, one that I enjoyed doing so. I mean, a lot of my memoirs lately are based around some pretty horrific moments in modern history, so it was nice to read about something that was a little lighter and fluffier.
As with Confessions of a Male Nurse, I absolutely adored this novel. It was fun and engaging. A little lighter than the other memoirs I have on the go at the moment and just, generally fun. Definitely the kind of memoir that I will be buying a physical copy of. And one that I look forward to sharing and recommending to others.
Having never been to boarding school, or come from the kind of money that Alexander talks about in this novel, I was transported into a whole new world. One that I’ve only imagined from some of the more ridiculous movies that I’ve watched. This might have taken me a little step closer to such an unfathomable world. But, honestly, that’s as close as I ever want to get. It was most definitely an interesting world to step into for a few hours, but one that I found a little terrifying. Although, I suppose that those who Alexander sees and writes about are the extremes – there’s no point in writing about the boring, everyday occurrences now, is there?
Not only did this memoir give me an insight into what it is like being a school nurse and treating children in a boarding school, it also gave me insight into the school system and realities for some people in Europe. Actually, a lot of the different students and people that are discussed in this novel are from the Northern Hemisphere. A totally different life to immerse myself in, one that I enjoyed doing so. I mean, a lot of my memoirs lately are based around some pretty horrific moments in modern history, so it was nice to read about something that was a little lighter and fluffier.
As with Confessions of a Male Nurse, I absolutely adored this novel. It was fun and engaging. A little lighter than the other memoirs I have on the go at the moment and just, generally fun. Definitely the kind of memoir that I will be buying a physical copy of. And one that I look forward to sharing and recommending to others.
July 23, 2020
Having read "Confessions of a Male Nurse" I was interested to read this sequel. I found the book to be very informative. It describes the health issues of young people from every corner of the world who had been packed off by their parents to one of the most expensive private schools in the Swiss Alps. One would think the job was a walk in the park......
However at the book details various health stories of individual kids. Drug, substance and alcohol abuse is not just confined to the poor, but is also a problem amongst the very rich - maybe more so in some ways.
The issue which interested me most however, were the prejudices which children and young can be indoctrinated with by their families. The book is sensitively written - the author comes across as a caring but also passionate and lucid "regular guy" (as he refers to himself) - but also someone who is able to help kids who have emotional issues to gain a different perspective. He tries to help some of the brainwashed young people to overcome their prejudices.
Notably anti-Semitism and gays were referred to in the book, and it's evident how innocent children are completely prejudiced depending on which country they came from and their family views on people who are different from them. These kids were decent kids with good hearts, but they had been conditioned to hate certain groups with a passion by the family/society/country they originated from.
Interesting to note the Tetanus vaccine is no longer administered by the Swiss hospital.
However at the book details various health stories of individual kids. Drug, substance and alcohol abuse is not just confined to the poor, but is also a problem amongst the very rich - maybe more so in some ways.
The issue which interested me most however, were the prejudices which children and young can be indoctrinated with by their families. The book is sensitively written - the author comes across as a caring but also passionate and lucid "regular guy" (as he refers to himself) - but also someone who is able to help kids who have emotional issues to gain a different perspective. He tries to help some of the brainwashed young people to overcome their prejudices.
Notably anti-Semitism and gays were referred to in the book, and it's evident how innocent children are completely prejudiced depending on which country they came from and their family views on people who are different from them. These kids were decent kids with good hearts, but they had been conditioned to hate certain groups with a passion by the family/society/country they originated from.
Interesting to note the Tetanus vaccine is no longer administered by the Swiss hospital.
March 30, 2020
I was told once that one of the worst things you can think about a book is "I don't care what happens to these people."
Well, that was the case for this book. The writing style etc is okay, but I can't understand why I subjected myself to reading hundreds of pages of spoiled brats acting like spoiled brats. Perhaps I expected something different, but this book isn't for me. Two and a half stars.
Well, that was the case for this book. The writing style etc is okay, but I can't understand why I subjected myself to reading hundreds of pages of spoiled brats acting like spoiled brats. Perhaps I expected something different, but this book isn't for me. Two and a half stars.
May 4, 2020
Eye opening and entertaining
Having worked i traditional schools, I was curious Seeing the setting was unexpected. I'll say no more as I don't want to spoil the surprise for a potential reader. I do want others to read this book because they will have a better insight into the life of a caring and professional school nurse/teacher. Educators can be very the best "parents"some children will ever have . Well written.
Having worked i traditional schools, I was curious Seeing the setting was unexpected. I'll say no more as I don't want to spoil the surprise for a potential reader. I do want others to read this book because they will have a better insight into the life of a caring and professional school nurse/teacher. Educators can be very the best "parents"some children will ever have . Well written.
April 4, 2021
Interesting to read about the world of the school nurse, the world of the super rich boarding school, and the clashes of cultures. It seemed like some of the stories had some hyperbole, but I still enjoyed the read.
December 24, 2022
Very enjoyable. Shows how much the medical profession is being unbiased and not judging, and helping everyone, everyone deserves help. A wide range of diversity as well which always makes it so much better and more interesting.
May 26, 2024
Honestly, started reading this book off of Libby as a pass time, thinking I wouldn't get too into it.. I got hooked, I am going straight for the other Confessions book by Alexander. Def not what I was expecting but so so so enjoyable.
April 11, 2019
A good read. Very interesting insite to a boarding school! Quite enjoyed the read
May 11, 2019
It was ok
Writing style is a bit amateurish but it's an ok book with a look into bording school life that I and many others will never have the opportunity to experience.
Writing style is a bit amateurish but it's an ok book with a look into bording school life that I and many others will never have the opportunity to experience.
May 12, 2019
Great read
Good book, really easy read with some funny and sad tales. quite the insight into the world of a school nurse!
Good book, really easy read with some funny and sad tales. quite the insight into the world of a school nurse!
September 29, 2019
Amazing
A must read.
Hilarious book that I will read again and again. Top 3 in the confession book series
I hope there is a sequel
A must read.
Hilarious book that I will read again and again. Top 3 in the confession book series
I hope there is a sequel
November 20, 2019
One of the funnier ones from the confessions series
January 12, 2020
Enjoyable but a bit repetitive/predictable towards the end.
March 27, 2020
Not sure to be honest. It was an honest book but it was hard to get into.
April 6, 2020
Lovely light read.
June 18, 2020
Loved this
August 13, 2020
Funny, witty and a good read
Really enjoyed this book. Had me laughing out loud at some points. It's got an a Good feel to it and it's easy to slip into.
Really enjoyed this book. Had me laughing out loud at some points. It's got an a Good feel to it and it's easy to slip into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews