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E.R. Nurses: True Stories from America's Greatest Unsung Heroes
They save our lives every day, and we’ve never heard their stories. The life-or-death intensity of working on the front lines, from America’s greatest unsung heroes.
“The compassion, the work ethic, and the selflessness of nurses … are given the respect they deserve and captured beautifully here.”
–Sanjay Gupta, MD, neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent, CNN
"James Patterson's account of the twilight world between life and death that nurses inhabit is one of the most moving things I have ever read.”
–Sebastian Junger, author of Freedom and The Perfect Storm
Around the clock, across the country, these highly skilled and compassionate men and women sacrifice and struggle for us and our families.
You have never heard their true stories. Not like this. From big-city and small-town hospitals. From behind the scenes. From the heart.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you understand.
When we’re at our worst, E.R. nurses are at their best.
“The compassion, the work ethic, and the selflessness of nurses … are given the respect they deserve and captured beautifully here.”
–Sanjay Gupta, MD, neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent, CNN
"James Patterson's account of the twilight world between life and death that nurses inhabit is one of the most moving things I have ever read.”
–Sebastian Junger, author of Freedom and The Perfect Storm
Around the clock, across the country, these highly skilled and compassionate men and women sacrifice and struggle for us and our families.
You have never heard their true stories. Not like this. From big-city and small-town hospitals. From behind the scenes. From the heart.
This book will make you laugh, make you cry, make you understand.
When we’re at our worst, E.R. nurses are at their best.
Audio CD
First published October 11, 2021
1639 people are currently reading
13203 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
954 books356k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews
May 8, 2022
"As a nurse, you've got to have your best day on someone else's worst day."
Powerful and touching stories that show the comfort, care, compassion, and connection that nurses provide and the strength and resilience they possess. Also, an effective expression of the essential qualities needed to be successful at the job.
"My job isn't just taking care of patients; I take care of families too."
Powerful and touching stories that show the comfort, care, compassion, and connection that nurses provide and the strength and resilience they possess. Also, an effective expression of the essential qualities needed to be successful at the job.
"My job isn't just taking care of patients; I take care of families too."
October 14, 2021
I listened to this book on audio. I was so excited for it because I was an E.R. Nurse in one of the top five busiest ERs in the country. I haven’t worked since my last child was born and was counting down to the release day of this book to reminisce on the job i miss so much. I was hoping to relate to this book and relive my ER days. I was disappointed for many reasons. First of all, I live in the Dallas/FW area and I am from Texas. The performers insisted on giving every Texan and southern state nurse the most ridiculous accent. It was almost embarrassing to believe people think just because we are from the south we sound like that…we don’t. Second, this book is called ER nurses yet it contains a lot of ICU and Paramedic/flight nurse stories. No hate to those lines of nursing…but it was misleading. Last, a lot of the stories/interviewed nurses talked about how much death they see and how “we see death everyday.” That felt really different from the reality of the ER. We do see death, but we also see mostly heart burn, seasonal allergies and ingrown toenails. I was hoping for more stories about the stuff we deal with that people don’t know about…like the large amount of psych patients, the social work aspect like when we have to literally take children away from unfit parents, all the crazy and outrageous scenarios that happen. Yes there was some of that but…many of the stories felt like dramatic virtue signaling. It felt like a lot of the people were trying to dramatically convince the readers that ER nurses are some how greater than regular people. We aren’t. It’s crazy and fun and emotional and sure not everyone can do it…but we aren’t super special people for it. We just have a cool job and some nurses are supernaturally caring. Meh.
November 6, 2024
I was bought this book as a gift by my well meaning partner, but as an emergency nurse, I can’t finish this.
While the sentiment is nice, this book is everything that is wrong with society’s view of nurses. We are not heroes, we are not infallible.
We are humans, working at our jobs, and yes, it is a hard job. But this viewpoint that has been put forward by the media that we are “heroes”, “saints”, and “angels” is damaging.
It perpetuates the idea that we go above and beyond every single day for nothing more than the gratuity of others, That we put ourselves at risk of physical assault, burnout, and mental distress, for nothing more than love of people. That we “signed up for this” so that makes the levels of bullshit we deal with acceptable. That we can’t have an off day, or make a mistake without being completely villainised.
I don’t want to be seen as a hero, and praised by the public whilst being ignored by my organization when I’m hit in the face by a patient, or verbally abused by a disgruntled family member. And then be asked “what I could have done differently in that situation.”
Or to have my leave requests denied when I’m crying out please for the love of god I need a break.
To be told “thank you for your service during this pandemic!” And then in the same breath, “oh you caught Covid at work? Oops. Oh you have no sick leave left because we refuse to offer you annual leave? Guess you won’t be paid then.”
My story is the same as thousands of other nurses.
We are not heroes. I am just a person trying to do a job. I love caring for people and I love my job, but want to be treated fairly still. I don’t want to go above and beyond at the risk of myself anymore, but because it is plastered over the media, we are just… expected to.
“It’s part of the job”.
We don’t want to be hailed as heroes. We want more resources and support.
While the sentiment is nice, this book is everything that is wrong with society’s view of nurses. We are not heroes, we are not infallible.
We are humans, working at our jobs, and yes, it is a hard job. But this viewpoint that has been put forward by the media that we are “heroes”, “saints”, and “angels” is damaging.
It perpetuates the idea that we go above and beyond every single day for nothing more than the gratuity of others, That we put ourselves at risk of physical assault, burnout, and mental distress, for nothing more than love of people. That we “signed up for this” so that makes the levels of bullshit we deal with acceptable. That we can’t have an off day, or make a mistake without being completely villainised.
I don’t want to be seen as a hero, and praised by the public whilst being ignored by my organization when I’m hit in the face by a patient, or verbally abused by a disgruntled family member. And then be asked “what I could have done differently in that situation.”
Or to have my leave requests denied when I’m crying out please for the love of god I need a break.
To be told “thank you for your service during this pandemic!” And then in the same breath, “oh you caught Covid at work? Oops. Oh you have no sick leave left because we refuse to offer you annual leave? Guess you won’t be paid then.”
My story is the same as thousands of other nurses.
We are not heroes. I am just a person trying to do a job. I love caring for people and I love my job, but want to be treated fairly still. I don’t want to go above and beyond at the risk of myself anymore, but because it is plastered over the media, we are just… expected to.
“It’s part of the job”.
We don’t want to be hailed as heroes. We want more resources and support.
October 17, 2021
Internationally acclaimed author, James Patterson’s book, “ER Nurses” has hit the market. Being featured in a James Patterson’s book is indeed an honor! For that, I am extremely grateful. Out of hundreds who were interviewed, I made the cut. Above all, James Patterson’s book is a tribute to all nurses who are on the front lines in nursing care. Doctors seem to get all the press, but authors James Patterson and Matt Eversmann shine the spotlight on the nurses who, in telling their stories, display great strength, courage, dedication and compassion to get through a shift. Many times, you'll be moved to tears. Other times, the humor will make you bust out laughing. Nothing is held back and nothing is sugar coated. Get yours now! The stories will blow you away!~ Deenie Laskey, author of "Journal from Iraq: A Nurse's Story"
November 10, 2021
Not what I expected. I am a nurse and I have stories that I could contribute to the book. It is not a story with characters, but short stories from many nurses about something that happened to them in their career. I really wasn't thrilled with it. It was ok but nothing exciting.
November 7, 2021
The title should be Nurses since all types of nurses are in the book. A great read for anyone not in the medical field who wonder what nurses truly do. Great short stories for nurses to help remind us why we do what we do.
January 26, 2022
There were plenty of interesting stories in this book but ultimately it felt like a cash grab on Patterson's part, especially since several of the stories appeared in another of his books "Walk In My Combat Boots."
December 22, 2024
Wow there are some interesting stories. Some are very funny.
November 3, 2021
As a long time ER nurse, now retired, I was a little skeptical of this book since the authors are not nurses themselves.
The book, however, is a curated collection of stories from nurses all over the country, in every type of setting, told in their own words.
The stories are compelling - in turn, funny, amazing, heart breaking, and heart stopping. The tales brought up so many memories for me.
Nurses will undoubtedly gravitate to and appreciate this book, but I imagine many lay people will, as well.
The book, however, is a curated collection of stories from nurses all over the country, in every type of setting, told in their own words.
The stories are compelling - in turn, funny, amazing, heart breaking, and heart stopping. The tales brought up so many memories for me.
Nurses will undoubtedly gravitate to and appreciate this book, but I imagine many lay people will, as well.
November 16, 2021
I simply have no words except that this was incredible!
I loved all the stories of nurses in critical care, and in the ER. The stories are heart wrenching, inspiring, and most of all a much needed read for me as a nurse.
I absolutely loved and enjoyed the audiobook!
Thank you @hachetteaudio
I loved all the stories of nurses in critical care, and in the ER. The stories are heart wrenching, inspiring, and most of all a much needed read for me as a nurse.
I absolutely loved and enjoyed the audiobook!
Thank you @hachetteaudio
February 22, 2022
Summary: Brief stories from a wide variety of nurses. Perfect for fans of Untold Stories of the ER.
Overall: This was a quick read. I wanted more from each story, but I wish it was organized in a more logical way.
Clarity:7/10: I wish the stories were organized in a more effective different way.
Uniqueness: 6/10 A few new facts, but medical junkies won't find much new here.
Personal Takeaway:10/10 Great overall themes of control (or lack thereof) and human connection.
Cover:9/10
Argument Effectiveness:6/10
Knowledge:8/10
Enjoyment:6/10
Overall: This was a quick read. I wanted more from each story, but I wish it was organized in a more logical way.
Clarity:7/10: I wish the stories were organized in a more effective different way.
Uniqueness: 6/10 A few new facts, but medical junkies won't find much new here.
Personal Takeaway:10/10 Great overall themes of control (or lack thereof) and human connection.
Cover:9/10
Argument Effectiveness:6/10
Knowledge:8/10
Enjoyment:6/10
July 12, 2022
Whew. Wow. Tremendous kudos go out to nurses all around the country and the world for being on the front lines, particularly during COVID.
James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have done a phenomenal job collecting poignant, painful, and joyous stories from nurses throughout the US.
Nurses find themselves, at times, going against hospital policies in order to provide a humane experience for loved ones of patients who are dying. Nurses question and push back on doctor's orders when they feel the doctor hasn't properly diagnosed the situation. Nurses handle CPR/life and death situations only to be yelled at by someone in the ER who doesn't have a serious situation.
Nurses compartmentalize their daily experiences in order to continue helping and serving others.
The stories of patients who die and those who live seem capricious at times because there are so many variables as well as pure luck on the outcome.
This book is not for the faint of heart but it will make you greatly appreciate nurses and all that they do day in and day out.
James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have done a phenomenal job collecting poignant, painful, and joyous stories from nurses throughout the US.
Nurses find themselves, at times, going against hospital policies in order to provide a humane experience for loved ones of patients who are dying. Nurses question and push back on doctor's orders when they feel the doctor hasn't properly diagnosed the situation. Nurses handle CPR/life and death situations only to be yelled at by someone in the ER who doesn't have a serious situation.
Nurses compartmentalize their daily experiences in order to continue helping and serving others.
The stories of patients who die and those who live seem capricious at times because there are so many variables as well as pure luck on the outcome.
This book is not for the faint of heart but it will make you greatly appreciate nurses and all that they do day in and day out.
December 22, 2021
James Patterson and his co-writers have brought together this compilation of over 50 E.R. Nurses from all over. As a person with empathic feelings I didn't know how I would be affected by these stories. I had this book as an audiobook ARC so I am not sure if the actual nurses dictated their own stories or if there was a series of narrators. In any case, I found the book to be a quick, riveting read.
Whether an E. R. nurse at the height of Covid in the ICU, a pediatric nurse or a flight nurse, these stories certainly evoked many emotions in me as I read. Of course. some were rather tragic, but then there were some very humorous ones as well.
As one who has been hospitalized dozens of times I felt as if I could relate to some of these nurses and their stories. One nurse, for example, Angela from New York, used signification compassion in her care (as I am sure the majority do). Just one example of many. But the underlying theme I picked up on was HOPE. Never once giving up hope, even if all that can be done is to offer a patient comfort until the very end. Then there was the nurse who came across Kavorkian. I hadn't heard that name in years. Or a nurse who unknowingly came in contact with a serial killer.
This book cemented the fact that sometimes hope is all we have and nursing is about making and preserving human connection. Lastly, the most touching part of this book is for those patients who come back and say Thank You for the care they received from nurses. This especially touched me because E. R. Nurses rarely see a patient after they leave the emergency department.
Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Whether an E. R. nurse at the height of Covid in the ICU, a pediatric nurse or a flight nurse, these stories certainly evoked many emotions in me as I read. Of course. some were rather tragic, but then there were some very humorous ones as well.
As one who has been hospitalized dozens of times I felt as if I could relate to some of these nurses and their stories. One nurse, for example, Angela from New York, used signification compassion in her care (as I am sure the majority do). Just one example of many. But the underlying theme I picked up on was HOPE. Never once giving up hope, even if all that can be done is to offer a patient comfort until the very end. Then there was the nurse who came across Kavorkian. I hadn't heard that name in years. Or a nurse who unknowingly came in contact with a serial killer.
This book cemented the fact that sometimes hope is all we have and nursing is about making and preserving human connection. Lastly, the most touching part of this book is for those patients who come back and say Thank You for the care they received from nurses. This especially touched me because E. R. Nurses rarely see a patient after they leave the emergency department.
Many thanks to Little, Brown and Company for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
April 12, 2022
Thank a nurse today. Right now. Because you never know when your life could be in their capable and selfless hands.
Hard to read, at times, but well worth the effort. Each nurse's story is short in pages but will remain long in your mind. They inhabit a world we can never imagine living.
Hard to read, at times, but well worth the effort. Each nurse's story is short in pages but will remain long in your mind. They inhabit a world we can never imagine living.
May 12, 2022
As someone who has always had an interest in the medical field, I was happy to find this TBR list book at my local library. It did not disappoint.
This book is filled with short (2-3 page) stories submitted by E.R. Nurses where they give a behind-the-scenes look at some of their most memorable moments. Some are uplifting, some are sad, and some are downright funny.
You won't forget these moments either.
This book is filled with short (2-3 page) stories submitted by E.R. Nurses where they give a behind-the-scenes look at some of their most memorable moments. Some are uplifting, some are sad, and some are downright funny.
You won't forget these moments either.
January 9, 2023
4.5 rounded up
The stories were fascinating.
The stories were fascinating.
June 26, 2021
The best real people's stories ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2021
okay, but felt like i was reading facebook stories
January 5, 2023
Wherever you are - hug a health care worker! This book is filled with stories from all types of first responders, nurses, and health care professionals. Some of the stories will make you laugh, cry, cringe, squirm, and smile. I listened on audio and enjoyed the different narrators sharing each persons story or experience. Bottom line, health care workers go through a lot and are there for us when you need them. Not everyone can be a nurse or a paramedic etc. but we can all care. Take an extra moment with people, you never know how a smile or kind word will help someone!
September 6, 2025
"Nursing, I realize, isn't just about medicine. It's also about making---and preserving---that human connection."
---James Patterson
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2022
We all saw how vital nurses are during the height of the COVID pandemic recently, but I have my own very personal reasons for holding them in the highest regard. That's why reading "E.R. Nurses" by James Patterson brought back so many tough memories, but also reaffirmed my belief in the goodness of humanity. These men and women are the true heroes on earth and deserve our utmost respect. I was in my early 20's with a baby when I found myself fighting for my life after a freak accident. Unable to move, and in extreme pain these men and women were the blessing I needed to get my life back, one step at a time.
The book is a compilation of stories about a variety of nurses across the Untied States. Why they chose to go into nursing, what they enjoy, what they don't and what makes them get up everyday and do the near impossible, open up their arms to strangers and provide them with the utmost in medical care, while still showing us the best in humanity! In my experience they were the rock I counted on for all my information. Doctors only pop in for a short amount of time, say a few words and check out again. It's these nurses that get to know you and your family. They take the time to sit and talk, to explain everything in everyday English. They care when they really don't have to!
The stories are all real, some are heart breaking, some are funny, but they're all very honest about the profession. It's not an easy job, but they proudly take it on and as we saw at the height of the COVID outbreak they were the people we counted on and they never shied away from that duty! This is a rare and honest look into how they perceive their careers. Some have been jaded by our healthcare system, others enjoy the challenge, but all these stories will make you want to head to the nearest E.R. just to tell them, "Thank you!"
It's a quick read with each nurse's story only being a few pages at most. It took me less than a day to finish. It's a book you don't want to stop reading once you start, you can't wait to read the next nurse's account of their experiences and thoughts. I recommend this to anyone who has a nurse in the family or has had to spend any time in a hospital. It's a wonderful inside look at the world's most under appreciated profession! Happy Reading!
The book is a compilation of stories about a variety of nurses across the Untied States. Why they chose to go into nursing, what they enjoy, what they don't and what makes them get up everyday and do the near impossible, open up their arms to strangers and provide them with the utmost in medical care, while still showing us the best in humanity! In my experience they were the rock I counted on for all my information. Doctors only pop in for a short amount of time, say a few words and check out again. It's these nurses that get to know you and your family. They take the time to sit and talk, to explain everything in everyday English. They care when they really don't have to!
The stories are all real, some are heart breaking, some are funny, but they're all very honest about the profession. It's not an easy job, but they proudly take it on and as we saw at the height of the COVID outbreak they were the people we counted on and they never shied away from that duty! This is a rare and honest look into how they perceive their careers. Some have been jaded by our healthcare system, others enjoy the challenge, but all these stories will make you want to head to the nearest E.R. just to tell them, "Thank you!"
It's a quick read with each nurse's story only being a few pages at most. It took me less than a day to finish. It's a book you don't want to stop reading once you start, you can't wait to read the next nurse's account of their experiences and thoughts. I recommend this to anyone who has a nurse in the family or has had to spend any time in a hospital. It's a wonderful inside look at the world's most under appreciated profession! Happy Reading!
October 19, 2021
Exceptional! My daughter is an ER nurse and this book shared eloquently the heart, skills, dedication, extreme hard work and significance ER nurses have caring for and supporting patients and their families. I was riveted to the many stories and loved the voices sharing the stories in the audio version.
May 7, 2022
I am recovering from my second encounter with cancer and am totally indebted to so many great medical people and I am awed by my nurses!
Reading the stories of these nurses reinforces my admiration for their skills and dedication in the sometimes most unglamorous job!
Reading the stories of these nurses reinforces my admiration for their skills and dedication in the sometimes most unglamorous job!
October 22, 2021
This collection of stories from real nurses is so real and moving. Being a nurse takes courage, toughness, and heart.
November 11, 2021
3.75 stars
March 22, 2022
Great book. As a retired RN I could relate to so much of it.
March 29, 2024
True stories about nurses....very interesting.
January 10, 2022
These stories paint such a vivid picture of nursing reflecting on how we touch each others lives. I became a nurse because my grandmother was a nurse and she helped so many people over the years. I wanted to be just like her.
January 22, 2022
This was a great one to listen to on tape. The readers are great and the stories are riveting. I could never be an ER nurse- the job sounds incredibly difficult, both emotionally and physically. These people are so impressive!
December 5, 2022
It is a book of experiences of American nurses, working across the country, mainly in A&E. Terminologies may be different for us in the UK but the passion and commitment of our nurses does not change. James Patterson and Matt Eversmann have written this very well but have not put themselves on the pages themselves. This book celebrates, laughs, crys with the hard working and very underpaid nurses. I honour them in the UK, USA and around the world. I recommend this book to you, giving you the opportunity to walk in their shoes. Feel the anxiety, upset also excitement and joy. A book full of emotions and at the centre of it all, the patients.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 842 reviews