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But I'm Allergic to Toradol!: Real Stories from a Small-Town ER
Back with a relatively-clean edition of Real Stories from a Small-Town ER, registration clerk Kerry Hamm recalls overnight shifts filled with angry patients, vampires, gunshot wounds, and more!
- GenresHumorNonfictionMedical
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2016
160 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 24, 2025
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3.5 stars 🌟
Glad she wrote a bunch of these :) Some people say there's no way these happen whether it's retail hotel, hospital... those people haven't worked with the public.
These and more definitely can/have happened.
Kerry's humor/sarcasm may or may not offend you but go into it with an open mind and try to see it all from her side.
It takes a certain strength to do her job and the medical fiels jobs in this industry and you might develop a certain type of humor to or something else to cope with what you see day in and day out.
Would suggest reading the author's note at the end of this one.
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3.5 stars 🌟
Glad she wrote a bunch of these :) Some people say there's no way these happen whether it's retail hotel, hospital... those people haven't worked with the public.
These and more definitely can/have happened.
Kerry's humor/sarcasm may or may not offend you but go into it with an open mind and try to see it all from her side.
It takes a certain strength to do her job and the medical fiels jobs in this industry and you might develop a certain type of humor to or something else to cope with what you see day in and day out.
Would suggest reading the author's note at the end of this one.
August 29, 2016
KERRY HITS ANOTHER OUT OF THE PARK! *****!
Kerry's books NEVER get boring. I'm very happy she's able to make extra money writing about her experiences, because she earns EVERY. SINGLE. DIME!
She says she's "thin skinned," but I certainly couldn't do her job...and I'm an early-retired Sheriff's Deputy! How she manages to NOT break a few noses or just B:#!h-slap some patients or their visitors is truly heroic!
I have made a concerted effort to pace myself reading her books, but usually fail miserably. I literally only stopped this one for about 30minutes to fix my husband breakfast! Than, straight back to my Kindle to finish.
Living just south of Columbus, as a transplant, I understand how her patients can be so incredibly stupid! Kerry is uniquely qualified to relay her experiences with both candor and humor...a natural storyteller. Each one better than the last, as her writing chops grow.
This book is filled with poignancy and the usual sardonic humor and reading it in bed actually makes me feel guilty! (Kerry and sleep are NOT well acquainted.)
Again, I highly recommend this book for ANYONE who thinks THEY'RE stressed and/or unappreciated. Well, I appreciate her taking the time to write these books. Also knowing too well that people are sometimes raging lunatics, my heart goes out. Kerry, take more vacation time, unplug your phone more often ad remember, this life's too short. Go on, break at LEAST ONE NOSE! (I.e. Mr. Arm Grabber.) Call it the fight or flight reflexes taking over, than come to Columbus and I'll buy you a drink!
Stay well, keep writing, even if you don't publish, it's probably excellent therapy, and God Bless you!
Lorrie Bensky Smith
Kerry's books NEVER get boring. I'm very happy she's able to make extra money writing about her experiences, because she earns EVERY. SINGLE. DIME!
She says she's "thin skinned," but I certainly couldn't do her job...and I'm an early-retired Sheriff's Deputy! How she manages to NOT break a few noses or just B:#!h-slap some patients or their visitors is truly heroic!
I have made a concerted effort to pace myself reading her books, but usually fail miserably. I literally only stopped this one for about 30minutes to fix my husband breakfast! Than, straight back to my Kindle to finish.
Living just south of Columbus, as a transplant, I understand how her patients can be so incredibly stupid! Kerry is uniquely qualified to relay her experiences with both candor and humor...a natural storyteller. Each one better than the last, as her writing chops grow.
This book is filled with poignancy and the usual sardonic humor and reading it in bed actually makes me feel guilty! (Kerry and sleep are NOT well acquainted.)
Again, I highly recommend this book for ANYONE who thinks THEY'RE stressed and/or unappreciated. Well, I appreciate her taking the time to write these books. Also knowing too well that people are sometimes raging lunatics, my heart goes out. Kerry, take more vacation time, unplug your phone more often ad remember, this life's too short. Go on, break at LEAST ONE NOSE! (I.e. Mr. Arm Grabber.) Call it the fight or flight reflexes taking over, than come to Columbus and I'll buy you a drink!
Stay well, keep writing, even if you don't publish, it's probably excellent therapy, and God Bless you!
Lorrie Bensky Smith
November 18, 2022
11/17/22 - reread.
This was a reread for me in 2022. I've read pretty much all of Kerry Hamm's books at least once, some of them 2 or 3 times. I'm a huge fan of their work. The first half of the series are personal stories of their time working in the ER. The second half are reader-submitted stories. I prefer the author's personal stories. They just seem to have a talent with story-telling.
in this book, the vampire story literally made me laugh out loud. I mean, where else can you read stories about meth-head vampires with bedbug rashes that think they got the plague. haha.
Seriously, read this book... read all of the books.
This was a reread for me in 2022. I've read pretty much all of Kerry Hamm's books at least once, some of them 2 or 3 times. I'm a huge fan of their work. The first half of the series are personal stories of their time working in the ER. The second half are reader-submitted stories. I prefer the author's personal stories. They just seem to have a talent with story-telling.
in this book, the vampire story literally made me laugh out loud. I mean, where else can you read stories about meth-head vampires with bedbug rashes that think they got the plague. haha.
Seriously, read this book... read all of the books.
August 27, 2016
Wow! I can't wait to read more!
I am a ER nurse....OMG. THIS LADY nailed it! Great read! This stuff really does happen. Non hospital workers could benefit from seeing it through our eyes.
I am a ER nurse....OMG. THIS LADY nailed it! Great read! This stuff really does happen. Non hospital workers could benefit from seeing it through our eyes.
June 24, 2017
Great light reading!
I don't usually read books like this, but it popped up in the suggested list on Amazon, so I gave it a try...and it was great!
Towards the end, Ms. Hamm mentions (defends) that some people have taken offense to her writing these stories (perhaps because she profits from the pain of others?), but if you ask anyone who works in the field of law enforcement, or fire fighters, ambulance drivers, basically those who work in the fields where they see trauma often, the way many deal with it is by using humor.
One of my good friends is a Detroit area sheriff deputy and it used to bother me when he did that until he explained it to me. Then, I accompanied him to a wedding for one of his co-workers and was surrounded by officers who were just like him. This officer was marrying a nurse he met while on duty. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted 6 months, but it does to to show that the humor is not easy to identify with.
I don't think it's fair to judge Ms. Hamm for this, for how she copes with her job, as it's basically how she is able to continue doing it from one day to the next. She mentioned burn out also, and if she's not able to release these feelings, turn them into something positive, she most definitely will not be able to continue. It takes someone special to do this job. So, for those who have negative reviews simply because they didn't approve of the subject matter...that was wrong. Never base a review on that. You base it on how the author did writing the book. Don't penalize them just because it wasn't your taste in subject matter - that's YOUR problem - NOT a problem with the BOOK.
I don't usually read books like this, but it popped up in the suggested list on Amazon, so I gave it a try...and it was great!
Towards the end, Ms. Hamm mentions (defends) that some people have taken offense to her writing these stories (perhaps because she profits from the pain of others?), but if you ask anyone who works in the field of law enforcement, or fire fighters, ambulance drivers, basically those who work in the fields where they see trauma often, the way many deal with it is by using humor.
One of my good friends is a Detroit area sheriff deputy and it used to bother me when he did that until he explained it to me. Then, I accompanied him to a wedding for one of his co-workers and was surrounded by officers who were just like him. This officer was marrying a nurse he met while on duty. Unfortunately, the marriage only lasted 6 months, but it does to to show that the humor is not easy to identify with.
I don't think it's fair to judge Ms. Hamm for this, for how she copes with her job, as it's basically how she is able to continue doing it from one day to the next. She mentioned burn out also, and if she's not able to release these feelings, turn them into something positive, she most definitely will not be able to continue. It takes someone special to do this job. So, for those who have negative reviews simply because they didn't approve of the subject matter...that was wrong. Never base a review on that. You base it on how the author did writing the book. Don't penalize them just because it wasn't your taste in subject matter - that's YOUR problem - NOT a problem with the BOOK.
January 7, 2021
More fantastic antidotes from small town er.
It's a shame the publisher hasn't deemed these wonderful books, worthy of proper proof reading, pushing my pedantic thoughts aside, I love Kerry's sassy, but clearly someone who has a heart of gold style of writing, it truly is unique, like meeting a friend for a cup of tea, and catching up with the latest in the madness of small town living. Which I know all about I'm from a tiny Scottish highland place. Felt sorry that she felt she had to justify herself for making money out of the books, she already works helping hours, in very challenging circumstances, yet still finds the time to put these books out, she deserves every penny, or should that be cent?. I always look forward to the next instalment of what Kerry has to give us, and never fails in her ability to shock you in one breadth, have you rolling your eyes 👀 at others , and laughing with a next turn of a page . Keep them coming Kerry!!
It's a shame the publisher hasn't deemed these wonderful books, worthy of proper proof reading, pushing my pedantic thoughts aside, I love Kerry's sassy, but clearly someone who has a heart of gold style of writing, it truly is unique, like meeting a friend for a cup of tea, and catching up with the latest in the madness of small town living. Which I know all about I'm from a tiny Scottish highland place. Felt sorry that she felt she had to justify herself for making money out of the books, she already works helping hours, in very challenging circumstances, yet still finds the time to put these books out, she deserves every penny, or should that be cent?. I always look forward to the next instalment of what Kerry has to give us, and never fails in her ability to shock you in one breadth, have you rolling your eyes 👀 at others , and laughing with a next turn of a page . Keep them coming Kerry!!
August 10, 2023
I like all of this authors books and the way she tells her stories of what goes on in the er she works in. Recommend to anyone who likes to read sometimes crazy things that happen in emergency rooms. There are a couple of typos in a few of her books and even some misspelled words so hopefully she can correct that at some point, I read the Kindle versions so I don’t know if the typos and misspelled words are in the print version or just Kindle. One example is weight is typed as wait. Another example is busy is typed out as bsuy. A few other books have letters missing on a couple of the words, I’m not trying to be picky though, just stating a fact since she says at the end of her books that when we leave reviews to please let her know of typos.
July 27, 2017
Her conclusion...
Though it's a very-much hated title, I am a professional patient. Because of CHF, CAD, diabetes (type 1), and depression (like, who wouldn't be depressed with all that going on?) I can relate to the burn out!! I hate going to ER. Not be cause of staff (they're wonderful), not because of cranky, and sometimes just flat stupid, doctors either. I hate doc appointments, too. It's because I feel like I'm wasting their time. My body has worn out too soon. Nothing can really be done.
I don't hate the nurses, security, front desk ladies, rad techs, lab rats, wound care nurses, PA's, nurses, cooks, housekeeping, or even the doctors. I hate being feeble, weak and in constant pain. Dying, inch by slow inch, year by year, is supposed to be better than Death, but for whom? Hospital accounting?
THANKS ER STAFF EVERYWHERE!!
Though it's a very-much hated title, I am a professional patient. Because of CHF, CAD, diabetes (type 1), and depression (like, who wouldn't be depressed with all that going on?) I can relate to the burn out!! I hate going to ER. Not be cause of staff (they're wonderful), not because of cranky, and sometimes just flat stupid, doctors either. I hate doc appointments, too. It's because I feel like I'm wasting their time. My body has worn out too soon. Nothing can really be done.
I don't hate the nurses, security, front desk ladies, rad techs, lab rats, wound care nurses, PA's, nurses, cooks, housekeeping, or even the doctors. I hate being feeble, weak and in constant pain. Dying, inch by slow inch, year by year, is supposed to be better than Death, but for whom? Hospital accounting?
THANKS ER STAFF EVERYWHERE!!
November 4, 2017
Although these stories are at times hard to believe. I know as a retired RN they are true. I need worked full time in ER the but I have who did. They told similar stories. I often laughed at their stories. Kerry Hamm thank you for telling it like it is and giving me some laughs along the way. Keep the stories coming.
April 2, 2018
Love these books!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some quick, fun reading that really helps decrease your own stress level. It is a quick read and interesting to anyone- not just those in the medical or medical related field. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for some quick, fun reading that really helps decrease your own stress level. It is a quick read and interesting to anyone- not just those in the medical or medical related field. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
November 30, 2022
Highly entertaining!
I have read several other books by this author and they never dissapoint! Having been a volunteer in an ER I have seen some crazy things but Kerry Hamm has made the strangeness of the ER very funny and also poignant. I am truly enjoying this series and will continue to read her work
I have read several other books by this author and they never dissapoint! Having been a volunteer in an ER I have seen some crazy things but Kerry Hamm has made the strangeness of the ER very funny and also poignant. I am truly enjoying this series and will continue to read her work
August 8, 2017
I just love every book I have read
I am a registered nurse and I just love reading all of your story some sad but true and some funny. A great mix of things. I wish I could find a way to know the names of all the books you have written so I can make sure to teach them all.
I am a registered nurse and I just love reading all of your story some sad but true and some funny. A great mix of things. I wish I could find a way to know the names of all the books you have written so I can make sure to teach them all.
April 6, 2021
Another book you have to read
Kerry once again puts a book in front of you that makes you shake your head at where our society is headed. The stories are sad, funny and downright disturbing at how badly she and others get treated.
Kerry once again puts a book in front of you that makes you shake your head at where our society is headed. The stories are sad, funny and downright disturbing at how badly she and others get treated.
April 6, 2021
Thank you :)
Thank you for sharing all of your stories! I can't imagine even half of the things you dealt with while living them, let alone having to write them. It definitely puts a lot into perspective.
Thank you for sharing all of your stories! I can't imagine even half of the things you dealt with while living them, let alone having to write them. It definitely puts a lot into perspective.
May 27, 2018
Humor and sadness
Enjoyed reading this inside stories of a small town ER. I can see why the author would both love and hate her job.
Enjoyed reading this inside stories of a small town ER. I can see why the author would both love and hate her job.
January 19, 2019
So, so, so funny!
September 12, 2020
Always love reading Kerry's books.
July 26, 2016
A quick but amusing read. As usual, I enjoy the different perspective on the unusual world in which many of us work. I appreciate the author's attempt to provide some definitions for some of the terms; but I recommend the author ask one of her friends at work to explain what a STEMI is. It is a condition, not a procedure.
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December 19, 2016Love it
Truth is stranger than fiction! Having been a nurse for 20 years I believe it all. It's amazing how stupid some people can be. Nurses and support staff have to help each other get those breaks and time off, or you do burn out.
Truth is stranger than fiction! Having been a nurse for 20 years I believe it all. It's amazing how stupid some people can be. Nurses and support staff have to help each other get those breaks and time off, or you do burn out.
July 20, 2016
Great
I have read all eight of her books and I am looking forward to her upcoming books. I have a new outlook on ER
I have read all eight of her books and I am looking forward to her upcoming books. I have a new outlook on ER
August 2, 2016
This one didn't do much for me, her other book was way better.
November 8, 2016
Great book!
Super book! Easy to get into, holds your interest! Definitely recommend! Completely relatable from a paramedic point of view! Thumbs up!
Super book! Easy to get into, holds your interest! Definitely recommend! Completely relatable from a paramedic point of view! Thumbs up!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews