Radical Loving Care: Building the Healing Hospital in America

by Erie Chapman

Building the new Healing Hospital in America.

214 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Katy Johnson]

At times I thought this book was insightful, but mostly I was irritated by the author's egotistical habit of patting himself on the back, and I couldn't help but feel a little skeptical about his ability to preach loving hands-on care when he's never touched a patient in his life. I don't doubt the sincerity of his ideas, but he comes off as an attorney turned television host turned author turned divinity guru looking for yet another endeavor to pump up the resume. Honestly, my feelings about the book are biased by the author's background. Had any health care worker written the work, I probably would have enjoyed it more.

[Emily]

I appreciate Chapman's sincere desire to change hospitals into loving institutions, but I felt like this book offered a lot of niceties and not much substance. The touchy-feely language (asking caregivers to love their patients and engage in Sacred Encounters) was hard for me to get past.

[Melsene G]

Interesting concept-to focus on love and healing and God in hospitals. The idea is a good one-the author provides a road map on how he achieved this where he worked. The book is autobiographical in nature and gives shout outs to many folks he worked with along the way. Many hospitals are already doing many of the things presented here, although they are called by a different name.

The author lost me on page 105 where he got too political-it's a great way to disengage readers. After that, I had trouble with him as he continued to quote dead politicians and others who believe in big government and progressive left wing policies that are wrong for healthcare. It's amazing to me how so many folks are misguided on how to run a business entity.

[Veronica Knudson]

A great book for those of us in healthcare. It really was a nice reminder about why we've chosen (or been called to) our profession(s) and what we should remember by the minute in caring for the communities that we serve.

[Liz]

The tranformative power of Love, changing the culture in helathcare. Life changing and profoundly beautiful.