Acknowledgments
Reuniting with Mary Ellen O’Neill—wise, funny, and irresistible—felt like coming home. I could rhapsodize for pages about this remarkable woman, but she told me to keep the word count no longer than the last book we did together. I also was lured to Workman by the prospect of pairing again with amazingly talented marketing guru Jessica Wiener. I wish Peter Workman, who gamely agreed to open his magical publishing doors to narrative nonfiction, were alive to see this through. On some level, he must have intuited that, for me, a publishing house adorned with Star Wars paraphernalia, Cookie Monster bookmarks, in-progress robot prototypes, and a giant stuffed chicken is the publishing house of my dreams. I thank dynamo Carolan Workman, who plays a mean kazoo, for the warm welcome.
I have been fortunate to be on the same team as the smart, wonderful Suzie Bolotin, and the fun, creative publicity duo of Selina Meere and Noreen Herits. I’m also thankful to Page Edmunds, Michael Rockliff, Claire McKean, Beth Levy, Vaughn Andrews, Becky Terhune, and Heather Schwedel. I’m indebted to the hardworking booksellers and sales reps, many of whom told me personal stories about nurses, and to Michael Prevett, Gail Ross, Howard Yoon, and Anna Sproul-Latimer for their tireless efforts.
I am so grateful to my manuscript readers, who generously spent countless hours poring over unedited text: my Mom, my husband, my sister, and my friend Laura (all errors are mine). My Dad and brother are unwavering in their support and humor, which both are crucial to my writing and well-being.
Researcher Ali Eaves, who spent a summer assisting with research and reporting, was the best right-hand woman an author could ask for; her work was vital to this book. Semester interns Shaina Cavazos and Steffi Lee cheerfully tracked down stats and sources. Dave Holbrook and Krissy Hudgins offered sharp, helpful critiques of the essay on patient satisfaction.
I am lucky to know Denise Wills, for her friendship and for teaching me to be a better reporter and writer each time we collaborate, and the G.N.O. girls: Chrissy, Charlotte, Eliza, Jesse, Laura, Yvonne, Gwen, Danielle, and always Amy L. from afar. And I send an appreciative salute to Eva, my own nurse in shining armor.
Molly, Juliette, Lara, and Sam were generous with their time, stories, and patience, particularly when we reached the fact-checking stage. I hope they are as proud of this finished work as I am to know these incredible nurses.
My Facebook readers are awesome. They are supportive, thoughtful, interactive, and interesting. I particularly want to call out Andrew P.D.G. Everett for locating an elusive article and for helping to fact-check statistical analyses, Melinda Lundquist Denton (statistical analysis), Alexandra Markus (sourcing assistance), Andrew Eppstein, and Chip Decker (medical fact-checking). You, too, can join our fun at www.facebook.com/AuthorAlexandraRobbins or follow me on Twitter @AlexndraRobbins.
Thank you to my family with all of my heart. You know how I feel. And my eternal gratitude and devotion go to my husband: my rock, my best friend, and the love of my life.
Notes
Chapter 1
“Emergency nurses practice . . . ” Emergency Nurses Association, Award Recognition Program. www.ena.org/about/annualawards/Pages/ENAAward.aspx.
“ER nurses have the raunchiest jokes . . .” Interview with author (henceforth designated as “Interview”).
“It’s like high school, except for the dying people.” Interview.
Dilaudid, a narcotic five to ten times See, for example, L. Felden et al., “Comparative Clinical Effects of Hydromorphone and Morphine,” British Journal of Anaesthesia 107, no. 3 (2011).
The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital Page 40