When Senator Walsh summoned the wrath of the entire nursing profession, hundreds of nurses sent her thousands of decks of cards. I sent her a copy of this book and left her a phone message suggesting that the story would help her better understand the challenges facing our profession and provide her with some better uses for her legislative energy. I was hoping we might connect, since the story ironically ends in Senator Walsh’s hometown of Walla Walla, WA. So far, there’s been no response.
Free for Nurses Week: “ADWON: A Day Without Nurses.”
Several of the themes in ADWON: A Day Without Nurses were inspired and informed by discussions on Allnurses. This site carries constant tension between nurses who want to provide excellent care for our patients and a system which cripples our opportunity to do our best work. Discussions here provided the opportunity to refine core arguments for an improved healthcare system. The biggest trick was to embed it all in a story that captivates readers. Some creative friends added their artistry, and I’m proud of what we’ve done.
Some early Amazon reviews:
“This book was intriguing on many levels. I enjoyed the plot and characters and I could truly identify with many of the medical situations portrayed as an ER nurse myself! I actually cried during one of the later chapters. . . ADWON has some interesting perspectives to consider presented in a very creative way. Lots of twists to make it a fun read with no predictable outcome!” - Ann
“The plots were riveting and really hit home as the author very accurately portrayed the huge powers behind the frightening healthcare issues of today and those who are caught in the crosshairs.” - Shermar
“The fast-paced plot of A Day Without Nurses tackles one of the most important issues facing us today--priorities in the healthcare industry. The author doesn't pull any punches in her indictment of profit-motivated management. The ethical problems nurses must face on a regular basis (in addition to understaffing and day-to-day struggles) are enough to tear your heart out and leave it dangling by its capillaries. A moving tale: fictionalized, yes, but in essence, VERY REAL. Highly recommended.”- Embaker
Synopsis:
Lola Jepson, a fearless, street-smart woman with a hidden past, is recruited by a clandestine employer to become a persuasive avatar, "the face of ADWON: A Day Without Nurses." Lola shines during some impressive interviews. She captivates the media, and the controversial movement takes off. Lola’s charismatic energy also attracts her mysterious and forbidden bodyguard–a perfect target for a strong woman torn between her desire for intimacy and her craving for conquest.
Robbi Hartford is a dedicated ER RN battling the new VP hired to cut costs. At the threat of losing her job, Robbi defies management's priorities by putting the needs of her patients above corporate profits. As ADWON gains momentum, Robbi is forced into the escalating conflict.
The two women discover they’re connected by more than an uncanny resemblance. Their paths converge as dangerous adversaries and unlikely heroes join the battle. When the countdown to a nationwide nurses’ strike hits single digits, Robbi and Lola face the harsh reality of millions of lives on the line, including their own.
One Teaser Clip:
“What about you? Are you in danger?” Max looks genuinely concerned.
“Yes. Beyond doubt. Soldiers go to war knowing they may lose their lives to protect those they care about at home. The horrendous short-term losses procure a better future. Given better options, they would prefer not to kill or be killed. The patient in ICU appointed himself the task of keeping me safe. In his absence, my best guess is that the risks are much higher now. Even though there’s a broad majority of support for the changes we seek, there are also determined and capable adversaries. There’s also no shortage of rogue resistance to the concept of ADWON. Individual nurses have been threatened by patients and family members. But, in the broader context, please remember that every three minutes someone dies from lack of access to healthcare in this country. None of us are safe until we fix this system. Nurses are not asking for something for themselves. They’re not asking for higher pay. They’re asking for constructive changes to our broken system.”
“Will ADWON be providing you any personal protection?”
“No. This is a movement with no central organization. Millions of supporters give it life and power, but there is no one here to walk me to my car after the interview, unless you’d like to do the honors, Max?”
“Miss Hartford, without a doubt, that is the most on the spot I’ve ever been in during an interview.” Max smiles and shakes his head.
“Well, Max, let me raise the bar one more notch. Suppose you had the power to wave a wand and adopt the path to change outlined in the Manifesto, would you do it?”
“Yes, I would. I will go on record stating I believe the changes would ultimately make us a better Nation, more just, equitable, and honorable.”
“So, if it was as easy as waving a wand, you’d do it?”
“Yes.”
“But you don’t want to take the risk of walking me to my car?”
Max looks dumbfounded, visibly shaking his head which is the equivalent of a non-verbal ‘no.’
I would like to hear his answer, but I press on. “If change was easy, it would have happened a long time ago. If the sacrifice of some brave people now secures the future for generations to come, the spoils will be worth the cost of the hunt. So, Max, will you risk walking me to my car?” (p. 298)
Two ways to get it FREE:
1.) There is an unlimited number of FREE Kindle downloads available. Amazon can give you an app allowing the download to be read on virtually any device (Kindles, Nooks, Tablets, Smart Phones, computers…) You do not have to join Kindle unlimited to get it FREE from May 8 – May 12. Feel free to copy and share the link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NS3K2LM
2.) Ten paperback copies have been donated. To enter the giveaway, imagine your workday. Start with the moment you enter the building where you work, the door you open, the hall you walk down, the time clock where you swipe your badge–imagine the opening minutes of your time on the clock. Then rewind the first few minutes and erase yourself, and any nurses who work with you, from the picture. Start again with the door that doesn’t open, the vacant hallway, the empty space you usually occupy, the tasks you usually accomplish now left undone, and the people who look to you for help who now have no one. Go through the emptiness until you focus on one profound moment in your version of A Day Without Nurses. Write a single sentence description of what you see happening. It’s okay to be funny, dark, bold, graphic, or prophetic. The top ten “Likes” will get a free paperback copy sent directly from Amazon.
Don't wait to post your description. Just like the early bird gets the worm... The early posts will get more likes... and a free copy.
