Nursing Against the Odds -- Who's reading it, or has read it?

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I just started reading Susan Gordon's book Nursing Against the Odds. I'm wondering how many RN's and students are reading this, or have read it. I have to say that I'm impressed that she's very much on target about many of the issues mentioned in the book.

I know that others have mentioned this book in other posts, but I searched and couldn't find a specific thread discussing this book.

I'd really like to hear what others have to say, and if there are any solution to the abysmal conditions we seem to be working in. Even the few magnet hospitals seem to be struggling to retain staff, and they are supposed to be the best of the hospitals out there.

PS -- if this post belongs in another thread please move it.

Thanks!

Kindest regards, and happy December!

Stitchie

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I read it about 5 years ago and it still sits on my headboard.

It doesn't relate much to rural nursing where I work though.

steph

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Specializes in Internal Medicine Unit.

I'm about 1/2 through it. I'll read it for a while, and then I'll set it aside. Only to pick it up again. Some of it really hits home, and some of it makes me glad I'm not in "that nurse's" shoes. I read mostly fiction...I get enough reality, I guess. I'll finish this one eventually.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Excellent book.

Outlines the problems of nursing thoroughly.

I don't agree w/ all of her conclusions though.

But I would recommend the book.

~faith,

Timothy.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I'm just about finished with it too. Its rather simplistic in the portrayal of the workings of a hospital though.

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Specializes in LDRP.

I read it recently. Some of it is nothing like my hospital-having new nurses w/ no orientation, etc

I did enjoy it, though.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I read it. It was good, but I wonder if not a bit dramatic. I guess those experiences are found some places, but fortunately not in the 3 I worked in-----and like Steph said, it's not at all representative of rural nursing. That is an experience I would love to see someone write about....maybe I will, one day. It was quite the experience.

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Specializes in ER!.

Please, someone tell me that this book picks up eventually! I'm only about to page 30-I keep falling asleep reading about how doctors are "taught" never to listen to us, how we aren't recognized by them as equals, etc. I bought this on Amazon, and was excited as all get out when it got here, but boy, is it dragging.

I've heard how amazing this book is. Previews, anyone??

Bueller? Anyone?

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I bought it and was disappointed, as well. I found it to be extremely negative; Yes, it does explain some issues r/t nursing, the shortgages and problems, obstacles, etc., but I found it to heavy-handed, a bit dramatic, simplistic ("them" against "us") and depressing, and I didn't agree with her conclusions.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

I haven't read it. Would love to, maybe I will pick it up sometime soon.

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Specializes in Adult SICU; open heart recovery.

I'm working my way through it. I have found it to be very accurate and somewhat inspiring -- it reminds me to be proud to "just" be a nurse. She spoke at my school a few weeks ago; I thought she was very good. For a non-nurse, she has a good understanding of what nurses go through.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Long-Term Care.

Hello, and how are you?

Yes, I read the whole book within 3 days. I read while on hiatus from nursing. This was during the time that I was considering quitting nursing for good. And the book reinforced my woes about nursing. It is very good and informative. But, I guess I missed nursing, and I am back in it. But I don't know if I will remain in nursing. I mean, it is a very rewarding job at times. But most of the time, it is very stressful and you have to deal with very malicious people (that goes for patients, family members, doctors, and other nurses). But, I'll give it another try.

I hope you enjoyed that book as much as I did. It made me feel better in knowing that I wasn't alone in my frustrations.

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