Book Review
Ordinary Miracles in Nursing
Patricia Winstead-Fry and Deborah Labovitz (eds)
ISBN: 978-0-763738-14-3; 2005; 279 pages; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Inc;
Morgan Smith
Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, City East Campus, Adelaide SA
Ordinary Miracles in Nursing is a collection of stories written by nurses and each story reflects the humanity of nurses and nursing. While the stories involve a range of practice settings and clients, most of the stories explain how a nurse learned to see themselves, their life, career or society differently. This is the book that experienced nurses should read when they are wondering why they ever became a nurse - when nursing work is all too difficult! Alternatively, it is an excellent book for nursing students who want to know what nursing is all about in day-to-day practice.
The stories are uplifting, sometimes sad, thoughtful and often profound. Many are beautifully written, some brutally honest. Some stories concern everyday occurrences; others are extraordinary and may occur once in a lifetime, while others you may consider stretch the boundaries of nursing care too far! While some stories reflect the unique aspects of the health care system in the United States of America, most have broader applicability.
Compassion and understanding dominate these stories – sometimes for people who experience rejection by society – people with mental health issues, including dementia, or people who are homeless. Other stories are about nurses’ own experiences of illness, or the illness and death of a family member, and how these experiences and insights subsequently assisted them to provide better nursing care to others. Is there such a thing as an ordinary miracle? Personally, I do not think so. There was nothing ordinary about any of these stories. Each one was unique and highlighted the privileged position that nurses hold in people’s lives. For any nurse this book is fascinating reading.
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