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One Night in the ER
Follow Dr. Jim McCray through a single twelve-hour night shift working in the emergency room of a small Midwestern hospital. The fast-paced writing chronicles Dr. McCray’s experience with wit and candor as he manages a series of typical but poignant patient interactions. The book dives deeply into the practice of modern emergency medicine with detailed descriptions of medical care and procedures. It is based on the author’s real-life experiences as a young resident physician.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 10, 2022
9.9.22
An adventure of a resident physician may be compared to a fast car race with sanguine pit stops now and then to wipe off remnants of patients, refuel with caffeine and to take a (needed an hour ago) bathroom break. After seeing 70,000 patients, there are a few that haunt Dr. Jim McCray; who reveals an expletive rich and rather "Adults Only" experience as a resident physician in the Emergency Room. One case was "Grandma" who went from spilling coffee on Grandpa to being on the OR table ---as her tumor is being suctioned out of her brain by Dr. Hopkins with a probe being moved in a clockwise direction through a three inch wide hole in her brain. Grandmas nor babies (evidently) are immune.
Then something happened. She (the baby was a little girl) began to change. Her skin began to change from pale blue/gray to white and then to pink. She actually began to move and her leg muscles went from floppy and lifeless to energized with muscle tone. Next, she began to actually breathe on her own. Jim laid her back on the bed and pulled his mouth away. By this time, a tiny plastic mask with oxygen flowing to it had been set up by the nursing staff and Jim placed it over her tiny face and the pace of her recovery..."
---Dr. George Scott McCreadie
An adventure of a resident physician may be compared to a fast car race with sanguine pit stops now and then to wipe off remnants of patients, refuel with caffeine and to take a (needed an hour ago) bathroom break. After seeing 70,000 patients, there are a few that haunt Dr. Jim McCray; who reveals an expletive rich and rather "Adults Only" experience as a resident physician in the Emergency Room. One case was "Grandma" who went from spilling coffee on Grandpa to being on the OR table ---as her tumor is being suctioned out of her brain by Dr. Hopkins with a probe being moved in a clockwise direction through a three inch wide hole in her brain. Grandmas nor babies (evidently) are immune.
Then something happened. She (the baby was a little girl) began to change. Her skin began to change from pale blue/gray to white and then to pink. She actually began to move and her leg muscles went from floppy and lifeless to energized with muscle tone. Next, she began to actually breathe on her own. Jim laid her back on the bed and pulled his mouth away. By this time, a tiny plastic mask with oxygen flowing to it had been set up by the nursing staff and Jim placed it over her tiny face and the pace of her recovery..."
---Dr. George Scott McCreadie
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2021
Pretty Disheartening
I can tell you that if I read this book and had had the misfortune live in the Klamath Falls area where the author practices, I would make sure I had my attorney draft an NDA I could keep on my person for his benefit, on the off chance I might require his help in the ER one day.
The doctors’ much-discussed god complex is alive and well in Dr. McCreadie. No political correctness, or even essential decency required as a result. I had to stop reading. His bombastic, self-satisfied assessment of his own strengths, and his vicious and smug judgment of his patients is like nothing I’ve read in medical writing before.
From overweight, to ravaged by poverty and addiction, there is not a quality possessed by his unwitting patients he can keep from denigrating: here is a gem offered contrasting an obese female patient with a pretty stripper, seen on the same night in the ER by the good doctor. “Jim wondered at the contrast between Antonia and Violet. They were both women. Both had essentially the identical genetic blueprint, the same female parts. They both had pleasing personalities. Yet one repulsed while the other enticed. One evoked sympathy and revulsion, the other desire and lust. The only real difference was packaging.”
Repulsed? Enticed?
I also enjoyed this, describing the stripper: “He was surprised at his feelings because admittedly he normally looked down on people like her. But she didn’t have that hard worn-out look of most of the strippers he had met. She didn’t have that unmistakable “rode hard and put away wet” vibe.”
My jaw dropped. I know being woke can be a lot, right? Woke folk make me wanna cry with their ideals and protocols sometimes. But I’ll take it any day over this person.
My emergency diagnosis? A bad case of word vomit, and potentially lethal cranial rectitis. Run, don’t walk away from this book.
I can tell you that if I read this book and had had the misfortune live in the Klamath Falls area where the author practices, I would make sure I had my attorney draft an NDA I could keep on my person for his benefit, on the off chance I might require his help in the ER one day.
The doctors’ much-discussed god complex is alive and well in Dr. McCreadie. No political correctness, or even essential decency required as a result. I had to stop reading. His bombastic, self-satisfied assessment of his own strengths, and his vicious and smug judgment of his patients is like nothing I’ve read in medical writing before.
From overweight, to ravaged by poverty and addiction, there is not a quality possessed by his unwitting patients he can keep from denigrating: here is a gem offered contrasting an obese female patient with a pretty stripper, seen on the same night in the ER by the good doctor. “Jim wondered at the contrast between Antonia and Violet. They were both women. Both had essentially the identical genetic blueprint, the same female parts. They both had pleasing personalities. Yet one repulsed while the other enticed. One evoked sympathy and revulsion, the other desire and lust. The only real difference was packaging.”
Repulsed? Enticed?
I also enjoyed this, describing the stripper: “He was surprised at his feelings because admittedly he normally looked down on people like her. But she didn’t have that hard worn-out look of most of the strippers he had met. She didn’t have that unmistakable “rode hard and put away wet” vibe.”
My jaw dropped. I know being woke can be a lot, right? Woke folk make me wanna cry with their ideals and protocols sometimes. But I’ll take it any day over this person.
My emergency diagnosis? A bad case of word vomit, and potentially lethal cranial rectitis. Run, don’t walk away from this book.
September 13, 2021
The ins and outs of one 12-hour in a small town Emergency Department. Fascinating and I learned so much about something I never knew I was interested in learning so much about.
February 8, 2021
This book follows an ER doctor over one 12 hour shift. It's a close look at the vast variety of cases as well as is contemplation over a variety of ethical and practical challenges in the profession. I felt like I understood more what is going on behind the scenes of my own ER visits and I have new appreciation for the multi-tasking necessary for ER doctors. I also appreciated the humanity expressed by the author in dealing with very real people and the emotions those interactions stirred up in him from repulsion, attraction, disgust, fear, and also most of all compassion. The writing has a nice balance between technical explanations and a general overview and I learned a good deal about a subject with which I am less familiar. I think the true heroes of the story are his wife and kids who supported him to be successful in his work, and he does a good job expressing that.
October 16, 2021
Very disappointed at the rude names given patients. That is not the norm thank goodness. This doctor seemed flippant at times but maybe this is personality. This book was a snore at times. It’s more of a 2.5 rating.
November 23, 2022
This book is interesting and enlightening. There are some really great cases, but I think I enjoyed the baby delivery most. It's exciting to be so involved as the story unfolds. I had a little struggle with the pace of the narrative, but the cases that were presented were well worth finding my way.
I'm glad I read this book, and maybe this doctor will consider writing another. Undoubtedly he will have many more great educational experiences. Maybe he'll share.
I'm glad I read this book, and maybe this doctor will consider writing another. Undoubtedly he will have many more great educational experiences. Maybe he'll share.
February 2, 2021
Riveting and informative!!!
This book was riveting from start to finish! This is a well written, enjoyable book, especially if you find emergency situations fascinating! I started reading at 3 am, when I couldn't sleep, and couldn't put it down until I finished it!
This book was riveting from start to finish! This is a well written, enjoyable book, especially if you find emergency situations fascinating! I started reading at 3 am, when I couldn't sleep, and couldn't put it down until I finished it!
October 22, 2021
A great story about the life of a ER Doctor on a graveyard shift in a community hospital. Told with amazing, humble words.
June 11, 2021
Well written and interesting
I was going to give 4 stars because of the occasional discourse into hospital and medical conflict? Not really the right word, but in all books and memoirs of this type it is a given that we will read about underpaid and overworked staff, and although it can be a bit less exciting than some if the other stories, its still a really scary and valid point. So I'm keeping 5 stars because the writing is great and the stories interesting and varied.
I was going to give 4 stars because of the occasional discourse into hospital and medical conflict? Not really the right word, but in all books and memoirs of this type it is a given that we will read about underpaid and overworked staff, and although it can be a bit less exciting than some if the other stories, its still a really scary and valid point. So I'm keeping 5 stars because the writing is great and the stories interesting and varied.
January 12, 2025
The cases are interesting and the human himself is interesting.
Many people, I think, including myself, might not find his words, attitudes and judgment of people to be pleasant, appropriate or accurate; however, this is this Dr's story and it's through his eyes whether they're fully kind/empathetic or grizzled and raw. I mention this because I've read and negative reviews that focus on his personality. The funny thing is he has a line near the end about a common joke "how do Dr's practice birth control? Through their personalities."
From my limited experience this rings like a very true and honest story. These are likely stories from many actual nights and likely there is exaggeration and intention to the stories, but they felt real.
Thoroughly entertaining and informative. Giving 5 stars because it was compelling stuff. Recommend it to anyone interested in introductory emergency medicine.
Many people, I think, including myself, might not find his words, attitudes and judgment of people to be pleasant, appropriate or accurate; however, this is this Dr's story and it's through his eyes whether they're fully kind/empathetic or grizzled and raw. I mention this because I've read and negative reviews that focus on his personality. The funny thing is he has a line near the end about a common joke "how do Dr's practice birth control? Through their personalities."
From my limited experience this rings like a very true and honest story. These are likely stories from many actual nights and likely there is exaggeration and intention to the stories, but they felt real.
Thoroughly entertaining and informative. Giving 5 stars because it was compelling stuff. Recommend it to anyone interested in introductory emergency medicine.
December 24, 2021
Nice look into Real Emergency Rooms and Emergency Room employees
I don't remember picking this book or when I got it. I am glad I read it tonight. The ED (not ER anymore?)stories were very interesting to me as were Jim's colleagues and how they knew what to do at one moments notice. What interesting and varied, completely different individuals showing up with medical emergencies also varied and completely different.
I read this book over a two-night rest and read time I take AND I enjoyed it and learned several new things.
I don't remember picking this book or when I got it. I am glad I read it tonight. The ED (not ER anymore?)stories were very interesting to me as were Jim's colleagues and how they knew what to do at one moments notice. What interesting and varied, completely different individuals showing up with medical emergencies also varied and completely different.
I read this book over a two-night rest and read time I take AND I enjoyed it and learned several new things.
May 1, 2021
This book reads like narrative mixed with non-fiction, and I found it to be a captivating and thoughtful read. McCreadie expertly captures the unique characters of Dr. McCray’s patients, bringing them to life in a way only a doctor could. This is a must read for anyone researching the character perspective of a doctor for their own novel, and it’s an enlightening read for anyone who has ever or will ever find themselves in the ER room.
January 19, 2022
While reading this fine book, I kept picturing how things must be in a small hospital for ED doctors dealing with the Covid pandemic. So much to manage already without the additional caseloads and special considerations!
This book was interesting, fascinating even. Maybe a little slow-going in spots - I think a few tweaks were needed to balance the reporting with the story-telling. But overall an enjoyable work.
This book was interesting, fascinating even. Maybe a little slow-going in spots - I think a few tweaks were needed to balance the reporting with the story-telling. But overall an enjoyable work.
September 26, 2022
The cases were interesting. Some people might be turned off by all the medical terminology, although most of it is explained. Too bad it was explained on the first page that this was not an actual night in an ER, although "it could have". I wondered why the author just didn't give the book a different name. Is it truly a memoir if the book is called One Night In The ER, but it's not. One star deducted for all the typos.
November 30, 2021
Great hospital book
Written as a story of an average night for a doctor in a small emergency department, this book contains lots of recounts of previous cases and commentary on hospital life. It is a fascinating read for all of us who don't spend nights in the emergency department.
Written as a story of an average night for a doctor in a small emergency department, this book contains lots of recounts of previous cases and commentary on hospital life. It is a fascinating read for all of us who don't spend nights in the emergency department.
April 27, 2022
Poor grammar, spelling errors and complaining
If you like poor grammar, typos and reading about how terrible EMRs are and how much money we "waste" on "lowlifes" this is the book for you. Hopefully this dude went into patho, so he could stop judging "poor life choices" and just deal with the dead.
If you like poor grammar, typos and reading about how terrible EMRs are and how much money we "waste" on "lowlifes" this is the book for you. Hopefully this dude went into patho, so he could stop judging "poor life choices" and just deal with the dead.
February 8, 2023
Some medical knowledge needed
A well written book for the medically knowledgeable, with fairly good explanation of patients' problems. It gives a good insight into some of the frustration of not knowing what happens to patients after the have left the ED. I have much more respect for emergency doctors now.
A well written book for the medically knowledgeable, with fairly good explanation of patients' problems. It gives a good insight into some of the frustration of not knowing what happens to patients after the have left the ED. I have much more respect for emergency doctors now.
October 20, 2021
This man has zero empathy for patients and instead just blames them for their own pain. He makes assumptions about them that he has no proof for and generalizes to the point of outright prejudice. It may be a fantastic book or a riveting read, I wouldn't know. I couldn't get past that attitude.
November 8, 2021
It must be my underlying depression/mental illness..
… as my reasons why I didn’t finish this book. As a triple-autoimmune disorder patient, I felt devalued as a human being in just the first chapter. Why would I read further?
No. Thank. You.
… as my reasons why I didn’t finish this book. As a triple-autoimmune disorder patient, I felt devalued as a human being in just the first chapter. Why would I read further?
No. Thank. You.
November 10, 2022
Zero to sixty!
It always amazed me how different shifts in the healthcare industry were from day to day. Some easy some hard and emotionally wrenching. G. Scott McCreadie definitely spiced thus memoir well. It was a great read!
It always amazed me how different shifts in the healthcare industry were from day to day. Some easy some hard and emotionally wrenching. G. Scott McCreadie definitely spiced thus memoir well. It was a great read!
January 3, 2023
Life and Times of A ER Doctor
G Scott McCrea die writes a book that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Love the direction the book goes and to me the story brings the characters to life. Highly recommend this book.
G Scott McCrea die writes a book that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Love the direction the book goes and to me the story brings the characters to life. Highly recommend this book.
November 18, 2021
Well done!
Great job by the author, just enough medical jargon to make it interesting, interspersed with really interesting cases. Very enjoyable read.
Great job by the author, just enough medical jargon to make it interesting, interspersed with really interesting cases. Very enjoyable read.
January 7, 2022
True
Tells you about a night in the er. As an er nurse I expected something that didn't tell you about the er. This book did
Tells you about a night in the er. As an er nurse I expected something that didn't tell you about the er. This book did
February 4, 2022
good read
This was a very good book about life in the ER. I worked in the ER for
15 yrs. and enjoyed it very much.
This was a very good book about life in the ER. I worked in the ER for
15 yrs. and enjoyed it very much.
July 20, 2022
Great quick read
Enjoyed the doctors perspective. Being an ER nurse myself it is completely accurate. ER medicine has become more complicated over the years.
Enjoyed the doctors perspective. Being an ER nurse myself it is completely accurate. ER medicine has become more complicated over the years.
October 18, 2022
Emergency room
Took a chance and read this book . it went fast and kept my interest. I would recommend for someone else to enjoy.
Took a chance and read this book . it went fast and kept my interest. I would recommend for someone else to enjoy.
October 26, 2022
Great read!!
This book was very enjoyable! As a first responder-, I learned a few new things from reading his story. I highly recommend it!
This book was very enjoyable! As a first responder-, I learned a few new things from reading his story. I highly recommend it!
December 20, 2022
Great insight into what an ER doc deals with
This book was extremely interesting. The descriptions of each patient were so real and the book made you feel like you were right there.
This book was extremely interesting. The descriptions of each patient were so real and the book made you feel like you were right there.
May 18, 2024
I found the book to be very interesting. I am not a nurse or doctor but the descriptions were very picturesque.
June 6, 2025
Interesting book to read, a look into what it takes to be frontline healthcare workers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews