What are Nursing Faculty Saying?
Inside the ICU is not just for ICU nurses. As a medical surgical nurse for 18 years and full-time faculty for 8 years, “Inside the ICU” is a snapshot into the role of the acute care RN. The patient’s vignettes are in the ICU, yet the wealth of learning can be applied to all nurses: the compassion needed for end-of-life care, creative care planning for a homeless patient, as well as sensitivity and professionalism with the morbidly obese. 

Each vignette also gives the reader insights into the intricate role of the RN that nursing textbooks cannot explain—assertively collaborating with physicians and administration for appropriate patient care, working sensitively with challenging family members, and advocating for all patients and families whether obese, homeless, dying or on a transplant list.  

Nursing is a delicate balance of art and science, of gentleness and assertiveness, of compassion and strength, as well as confidence and fear. “Inside the ICU” explains how nurses walk this complex balance beside patients and families experiencing the most challenging and frightening times of their life. 

As a nursing professor, I recommend “Inside the ICU” for all nursing and pre-nursing students. Stenrose provides a looking glass into a profession needing men and women committed to being fast thinkers, highly knowledgeable, gut-level brave, while at the same time keeping their heart and spirit. Carrie M. Dameron, MSN, RNBC. Pleasanton, CA. May 2010

What are nurses saying?
"I could not put your book down after starting it...I don't know where to begin but to tell you Thank-you for opening my eyes to what goes on in the ICU. I have often questioned whether being an RN is my calling...sometimes I believe it is, and alot of times I don't. Your book has somewhat empowered me to keep going and to understand the patient's perspective. I would find my heart beating fast while reading some of your stories, while tearing up on others. My niece is in nursing school in Houston and I'm sending another book to her. Thank-you again, I wish I had this years ago!" Lois W. Fremont, CA. Feb 2010.

What is the general public saying?
"I got your book yesterday afternoon and just finished reading it.  Thank you so much! You have an amazing gift and have provided your readers with a treasure of information.  You lived up to your promise -- I laughed, I cried, and at times my heart ached for you and the other nurses as much as it did the patients and their families.  You have allowed God to live and demonstrate His love and compassion through your own life.  The tenderness you expressed, the sensitivity you demonstrated, and the expertise you used in every situation made a positive impact on the lives of people who were experiencing their greatest crisis.  They just don't teach that in a text book.  Thanks again for the sacrificial giving you do every day.  You and this book will make a difference.  Thanks for sharing. Brenda B., Sterling Heights, MI. Nov. 2009

"I have just finished Inside the ICU and found it to be the most gripping book I have read in some time. You could " see" what goes on behind the curtain. From the first page to the last I was hooked by the way it was written for the average reader. You didn't need to be a nurse to understand what was happening.. I have this on my list to buy for several Christmas gifts. I know my friends will LOVE  it as much as I have."  Ruth, B., Wisconsin.

"I have finished your book and I had trouble putting it down as it was so interesting and informative. I learned that nurses are not just hand maidens or doctors assistants. I learned that as a parent there is much I have to do before the end of time for my wife and I. I cried big tears when I read the part where you had to make the big decision concerning your own mothers life. I know that must have been one of your biggest life decisions." John R., Little Rock, AR.

"The book is great!...it was easy to understand from the lay person's viewpoint, but detailed enough to give the professional great insight into the nursing profession"  Jayne B., New Haven, IN.


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