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This Won't Hurt Me A Bit: What it's really like to work in health care
Welcome. Welcome to laughing until it hurts while covered in bodily fluids. Welcome to simple math at very high stakes. Welcome to an incredibly inappropriate sense of humor. Welcome to serving people on the most stressful days of their lives. Welcome to putting your hands in places you never imagined they'd be. Welcome to your front row seat to the ballad of life and death. That's not the welcome that this nurse was looking for, but that's the one he got. Irreverent and audacious, this brutally honest memoir covers what it’s like to come of age in an American Hospital. Welcome to a rollicking peak behind the curtain to what medical providers, and the health care system, are truly like.
- GenresMedicalNonfictionMemoir
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2019
377 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2022
This book had me down on the floor, clutching my stomach and laughing---in a way it was reminiscent of navigating the closest emergency room or urgent care while RN takes my O2 Sat clutching a blood pressure cuff. People then described my speech as slurry sloppy words. Whatever. Meanwhile in the back seat, we are flooded by the melodic recitation of “Our Father” as a tall blonde (model) in a white hoodie turns right and we three girls make our way towards the “Asylum” aka “The Emergency Room.” We (like McAdams) brace for the poking, and viewing of non-insured patients in ultra casual wear being turned away, a 16 year old redhead in a white pajama gown walks like a drunken bum as she barfs loudly into a white 5.7 gallon rubbermaid lined trash can that she possessively clutches. I briefly talk with a mother of a sick child as we begin entry and my name is called loudly---in a military tone. Immunocompromised companions steer clear---jet back home---of the ER interior (where known COVID19 patients, gangbangers, bloody filthy children, and otherwise tattooed coffee with cream colored patients) await care from Ivy League Ivory Practitioners. Some are generational doctors with ER finesse.
"Chapter 6 “Laughter is the only medicine without side effects.” - Shannon L. Alder Picture this: you are brought into a cold, dank, stone-faced building no one wants to go into. You are given an ID tag and number. You are separated from your loved ones. Upon entry, you are given standard-issue clothing, identical to what all other occupants are wearing."
---Josh McAdams, RN
I look left and find a Congresswoman in open toed black sandals and her husband sitting on chairs across from me as he mumbles (as if chanting) “it's the medicines.” I sit back on my non cushioned blue chair reading about “Ignatius” on the ProMax while observing and waiting for the non NBA height physician with the chestnut movie star hair to ask me to touch his fingers. He then sends someone to poke me for blood after Orange Juice is handed to me (pre CBC). I snap a picture and off we go. A paper report is placed in my hands and practitioners are wet with bodily fluids and stained scrubs smile as they watch intake swipe my card for a hefty co-pay and I proceed to skip the hell out of the “asylum.” I have yet to see the familiar nurse---fan of black humor---who loudly slams my EKG report on the plastic counter, the girl who tries to blow a vein and then uses a butterfly (and invites a friend to watch me get poked and exclaim ouch), after the short dark haired man who tells me to take it off, while a family member sequesters behind some barricade to exclaim later “I saw your ribs.” This is another world. Here we learn to laugh at what is behind the curtain as all of us return home---more broke, poked and missing hours. Strange sense of humor here. No idea, yet Josh McAdams, AP RN, MSN, will dose you hard with laughter---there are no contraindications for this drug nor lasting negative leftovers. Brutal honesty within. Hilarious.
"Chapter 6 “Laughter is the only medicine without side effects.” - Shannon L. Alder Picture this: you are brought into a cold, dank, stone-faced building no one wants to go into. You are given an ID tag and number. You are separated from your loved ones. Upon entry, you are given standard-issue clothing, identical to what all other occupants are wearing."
---Josh McAdams, RN
I look left and find a Congresswoman in open toed black sandals and her husband sitting on chairs across from me as he mumbles (as if chanting) “it's the medicines.” I sit back on my non cushioned blue chair reading about “Ignatius” on the ProMax while observing and waiting for the non NBA height physician with the chestnut movie star hair to ask me to touch his fingers. He then sends someone to poke me for blood after Orange Juice is handed to me (pre CBC). I snap a picture and off we go. A paper report is placed in my hands and practitioners are wet with bodily fluids and stained scrubs smile as they watch intake swipe my card for a hefty co-pay and I proceed to skip the hell out of the “asylum.” I have yet to see the familiar nurse---fan of black humor---who loudly slams my EKG report on the plastic counter, the girl who tries to blow a vein and then uses a butterfly (and invites a friend to watch me get poked and exclaim ouch), after the short dark haired man who tells me to take it off, while a family member sequesters behind some barricade to exclaim later “I saw your ribs.” This is another world. Here we learn to laugh at what is behind the curtain as all of us return home---more broke, poked and missing hours. Strange sense of humor here. No idea, yet Josh McAdams, AP RN, MSN, will dose you hard with laughter---there are no contraindications for this drug nor lasting negative leftovers. Brutal honesty within. Hilarious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2020
By All means never Give It Up
I am an with 25+ years of experience. I am sure that you were a truly fine ICU nurse and whatever else you are working at. After years of working I agree with you that you should only work places that bring you a modicum of joy. Please write more honest books about nursing. When you retire you will miss it everyday, I do.
I am an with 25+ years of experience. I am sure that you were a truly fine ICU nurse and whatever else you are working at. After years of working I agree with you that you should only work places that bring you a modicum of joy. Please write more honest books about nursing. When you retire you will miss it everyday, I do.
October 3, 2020
Uh
Oh my. The author says ‘uh’ all the time. Not an interesting read to me. Even though there are some patient stories, it was the author’s constant thoughts on his coworkers and doubts about whether he liked what he was doing. It wasn’t very good.
Oh my. The author says ‘uh’ all the time. Not an interesting read to me. Even though there are some patient stories, it was the author’s constant thoughts on his coworkers and doubts about whether he liked what he was doing. It wasn’t very good.
October 20, 2020
Different Stories
I liked this book when I first started reading. As a retired RN, I found the stories amusing and lighthearted. This is what I like about books written by nurses. However, some where along the way the stories all seemed so dark.. I can not recommend this book.
I liked this book when I first started reading. As a retired RN, I found the stories amusing and lighthearted. This is what I like about books written by nurses. However, some where along the way the stories all seemed so dark.. I can not recommend this book.
July 8, 2021
I was looking forward to reading this as a fellow medical professional but was disappointed at the condescending way he mentions PAs and misspells our title. I was also surprised at the shear number of grammatical errors. Don’t recommend
March 16, 2021
Truth
Im a retired RNC,IBCLCof over 40 years. I wanted to be a nurse from about the age of 7. Was a candy stripe and Jan. Became an LPN at 18 and finally got to a bridge program and became an RN at the age of 40. This books says it all. People have no idea what we really do and the politics. I always did my best for my patients and was a patient advocate. This got me in trouble more than once. Become Nurse manager no after a weekend shift too try it out I Work for my patients not the establishment ruling hospital policies. I wrote up a few Doctors in my day and did a take scrap from anyone.Being raised in foster care made me learn early to stand up for myself a d my patients Your book hits so many I.Portland issues the public needs to be aware of. Many nurses don't stay like they used to. Educated so my work is challenging... Every other weekend,Holidays..called in to work because the floor is short staffed on and on. During this Pandemic heath care workers, custodial dietary,EMS,Fire Fighter,Police all should get the appreciation and $$$ Your book will change how some things k about nursing . Thank you for writing this book
Im a retired RNC,IBCLCof over 40 years. I wanted to be a nurse from about the age of 7. Was a candy stripe and Jan. Became an LPN at 18 and finally got to a bridge program and became an RN at the age of 40. This books says it all. People have no idea what we really do and the politics. I always did my best for my patients and was a patient advocate. This got me in trouble more than once. Become Nurse manager no after a weekend shift too try it out I Work for my patients not the establishment ruling hospital policies. I wrote up a few Doctors in my day and did a take scrap from anyone.Being raised in foster care made me learn early to stand up for myself a d my patients Your book hits so many I.Portland issues the public needs to be aware of. Many nurses don't stay like they used to. Educated so my work is challenging... Every other weekend,Holidays..called in to work because the floor is short staffed on and on. During this Pandemic heath care workers, custodial dietary,EMS,Fire Fighter,Police all should get the appreciation and $$$ Your book will change how some things k about nursing . Thank you for writing this book
April 30, 2023
Three And A Half?
Well, if there WERE such a thing I'd go with three and a half stars. For some reason I can't adequately explain, I feel this book isn't bad, but yet it's not great, not resonating with me.
Josh, the author is likeable enough, he sounds like a good nurse, and I liked reading about the patients he worked with as well as the staff. Maybe it's just that his heart didn't seem to be in it and especially in healthcare, I think that's vital!
When a person mentions several times that they go home or out and drink after work or early in the morning as a stress reliever, I'm not implying he has an alcohol problem but I definitely think it is indicative of needing EITHER a different job OR healthier coping skills!
It does sound like his specialty at the end is a better fit. I hope so anyway!
Well, if there WERE such a thing I'd go with three and a half stars. For some reason I can't adequately explain, I feel this book isn't bad, but yet it's not great, not resonating with me.
Josh, the author is likeable enough, he sounds like a good nurse, and I liked reading about the patients he worked with as well as the staff. Maybe it's just that his heart didn't seem to be in it and especially in healthcare, I think that's vital!
When a person mentions several times that they go home or out and drink after work or early in the morning as a stress reliever, I'm not implying he has an alcohol problem but I definitely think it is indicative of needing EITHER a different job OR healthier coping skills!
It does sound like his specialty at the end is a better fit. I hope so anyway!
July 26, 2021
Great book for nurses everywhere
This is honestly the first book about nursing stories that nurses can relate to. I relived most if these scenarios while nursing. I burned out so bad, when I retired after 32 years, I burned my licence and put nursing in the past. 32 years of being accused of insane accusations even when I wasn't on duty and had never even laid eyes on the accuser. I agree patients come first and I did always did put my patients over everything. This shows how out of touch management can be. I stayed in cardiac nursing and just changed hospitals three times. Went into travel nursing and found that was just the same. His stories demonstrate how nurses are treated and what nurses go through. I highly recommend this book for nurses.
This is honestly the first book about nursing stories that nurses can relate to. I relived most if these scenarios while nursing. I burned out so bad, when I retired after 32 years, I burned my licence and put nursing in the past. 32 years of being accused of insane accusations even when I wasn't on duty and had never even laid eyes on the accuser. I agree patients come first and I did always did put my patients over everything. This shows how out of touch management can be. I stayed in cardiac nursing and just changed hospitals three times. Went into travel nursing and found that was just the same. His stories demonstrate how nurses are treated and what nurses go through. I highly recommend this book for nurses.
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October 1, 2023 As a RN, I can totally relate
This is a very realistic story about a new male nurse. He's correct about the fact that male nurses get the most difficult patients and are always the first to be called to help lift someone or something. His insecurities shut being a new nurse are right on. His colleague & fellow newbie Jamie was eaten alive be the experienced because she's young & very pretty, therefore she can't succeed. IMHO, new nurses (newbies) shouldn't be cutting their teeth in specialty units. They need to get all around experience on a med/surg unit & expand from their. I'm sure others will disagree. I don't want to be in ICU with a new nurse even if they are in orientation.
If you're interested in nursing, I definitely recommend this book
This is a very realistic story about a new male nurse. He's correct about the fact that male nurses get the most difficult patients and are always the first to be called to help lift someone or something. His insecurities shut being a new nurse are right on. His colleague & fellow newbie Jamie was eaten alive be the experienced because she's young & very pretty, therefore she can't succeed. IMHO, new nurses (newbies) shouldn't be cutting their teeth in specialty units. They need to get all around experience on a med/surg unit & expand from their. I'm sure others will disagree. I don't want to be in ICU with a new nurse even if they are in orientation.
If you're interested in nursing, I definitely recommend this book
December 3, 2021
This could have been a great book, it was very promising - had the author not been such an entitled little shit. Boy did he bitch about every little thing, I mean seriously, everything! His attitude stunk, he was very surly and extremely judgmental to boot.
I'd never want him as my nurse or an employee, that's for sure.
If he could hide all his glaring personality flaws he'd be a great writer, I think.
I'd never want him as my nurse or an employee, that's for sure.
If he could hide all his glaring personality flaws he'd be a great writer, I think.
September 20, 2021
Good book
I enjoyed Josh’s book. Nursing has always been fascinating to me and I am in awe of anyone that can do it. Being a man in the field obviously provides challenges that must be hard to overcome. It sounds like he’s done a wonderful job. He’s also a pretty good author. The book was easy to read.
I enjoyed Josh’s book. Nursing has always been fascinating to me and I am in awe of anyone that can do it. Being a man in the field obviously provides challenges that must be hard to overcome. It sounds like he’s done a wonderful job. He’s also a pretty good author. The book was easy to read.
October 21, 2021
Good book
It’s an enjoyable enough read, and as a male nurse I appreciated a lot of where the authors thoughts and observations were based. I found a lot of the ‘characters’ in the book to be over the top exaggerated, but that could simply be because of the differences in Irish and American culture. A good read, recommended.
It’s an enjoyable enough read, and as a male nurse I appreciated a lot of where the authors thoughts and observations were based. I found a lot of the ‘characters’ in the book to be over the top exaggerated, but that could simply be because of the differences in Irish and American culture. A good read, recommended.
March 28, 2022
I feel like I know him
I’m retired from a field far from health care. I read and enjoyed this book because I have 4 step children who are nurses. Really helped me understand what they will experience. I appreciate his frankness about his struggles. Captivating style. Love this guy.
I’m retired from a field far from health care. I read and enjoyed this book because I have 4 step children who are nurses. Really helped me understand what they will experience. I appreciate his frankness about his struggles. Captivating style. Love this guy.
April 23, 2024
This author did a great job of handling the challenge of writing a book like this. Balancing the dark humor of nurses with a healthy level of respect for the craft so that one doesn't lose the public trust is tricky, but he nailed it. Great job, and very entertaining. The ending felt rushed but it's forgivable since the rest of the book was so good.
March 12, 2021
Josh tells the truth in this book
I'm an RN and enjoyed this book so much. The writer's experiences mirror those of most new nurses. I appreciate his candor, as well as the great quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
I'm an RN and enjoyed this book so much. The writer's experiences mirror those of most new nurses. I appreciate his candor, as well as the great quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
April 27, 2022
Light and Entertaining
I really enjoyed this book and the author’s writing style. It does give a side to healthcare that scares me. Maybe I’m a little too trusting of my doctors and hospitals.
I really enjoyed this book and the author’s writing style. It does give a side to healthcare that scares me. Maybe I’m a little too trusting of my doctors and hospitals.
June 27, 2020
Awesome read!
I loved this book! Perfect for those entering the medical field. Entertaining and funny, enlightening to what nurses actually deal with on the job.
I loved this book! Perfect for those entering the medical field. Entertaining and funny, enlightening to what nurses actually deal with on the job.
February 7, 2021
The book was okay...exciting in some parts and a little soap boxing in the middle. I would recommend this to others interested in what it's like to be a nurse.
December 16, 2021
Loved this book
Well written, honest, informative, taught me some biology, good quotes at the start of each chapter, hopeful ending. I loved it,
Well written, honest, informative, taught me some biology, good quotes at the start of each chapter, hopeful ending. I loved it,
October 28, 2022
A great read!
An enlightening read based around true stories from a male nurse. McAdams gives a few tips if you ever find yourself in a hospital. A great read.
An enlightening read based around true stories from a male nurse. McAdams gives a few tips if you ever find yourself in a hospital. A great read.
September 13, 2024
Entertaining, not a literary genius in any sense, but I laughed and found it relatable as someone who works in healthcare
November 20, 2020
Good
Good as is gets km uj yh tgr amp and all are that you are r is an amazing thing.
Good as is gets km uj yh tgr amp and all are that you are r is an amazing thing.
March 6, 2022
The book definitely shows the human side of emergency medicine by those that have chosen this career. The true stories presented are riveting at times, and other times a few of the stories are mundane. The take away from reading the book is that unfortunately, simple errors in medicine can and do lead to life and death possibilities where one can only hope the odds will favor life.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews