Whether idealistic student or career professional, every nurse will recognize him or herself in this inspirational collection of stories about caring for others. "Chicken Soup for the Soul Honors Nurses" celebrates the unique professionals who give so much of themselves to their patients. In these heartwarming tales, nursing students share the optimism and hope which drew them to the profession, and more seasoned nurses reveal their greatest triumphs and challenges.Regardless of their age, area of specialty or years of experience, any nurse will identify with the didication and love for humanity that permeates these stories from the trenches. "Chicken Soup for Soul: Honors Nurses" will touch each nurse's heart, reminding them of their patients' gratitude for the commitment they make in this demanding, yet rewarding, profession. It is a tribute to every working nurse, and will inspire those who conside joining the rans of one of the world's most rewarding careers.

Hope Appetite, with an opinion of attaining, is called hope; the same, without such opinion, despair. Thomas Hobbes 'Good thing you got him here! Any longer and we would have had to remove part of his bowel. He has an inguinal hernia . . . if it had strangulated . . . ' I didn't understand the medical jargon. The doctor was explaining my baby's condition, but he might as well have been speaking French. Johnny was seven months old when he screamed uncontrollably, despite all my efforts to appease him. I knew something was seriously wrong. I bolted into the emergency department. The ER doctor examined him and the next thing I knew I was signing papers for emergency surgery.Fear numbed me as I inwardly prayed that Johnny would be okay. God was the only glimmer in my dismal life back then. At age twenty-three, I was struggling to support my three children. Our marriage was failing and we were separated. Again. I'd survived mostly on government assistance since the birth of my first child, who was four years old. I'd quit high school during my twelfth year and later obtained my GED. My work history was sketchy, but I longed to be financially stable. I prayed earnestly for direction. I spent as much time as I could with Johnny and I hated leaving him to be tended by strangers. While visiting, I noticed one of his care-providers was dressed in green while the rest wore the traditional white. I wanted to ask her why, but I was still dazed by everything and did not have the emotional energy for idle inquisitions. One day I watched as she busied herself taking Johnny's temperature. My curiosity overwhelmed me. 'Why are you wearing a green dress?' 'I'm a nursing student,' she replied. 'What school do you attend?' I continued, just making conversation. She told me all about a one-year federally funded program.'How do you become a part of this program?' I asked.The friendly student smiled eagerly. 'Let me tell you about becoming a nurse.' With pride and enthusiasm she gave me a detailed account of what was necessary. I had never considered a nursing career, although since leaving high school, I thirsted for knowledge. As I listened to her, I felt the dying flame of hope rekindling. Could I do this? During the following weeks I completed the list of prerequisites she shared with me. Everything was coming together fine. Then I discovered that having your own transportation was a requirement. 'But I don't have a car,' I explained to the program director. They could only accept thirty-two students and they screened carefully trying to select those most likely to graduate. She studied my face in silence. 'I will give you two months to get one,' she said hopefully.Yes! I thought while thanking God for victory. My heart fluttered with excitement. I was scheduled to begin classes in two months. 'I'm going to be a nurse!' I proudly proclaimed to my family. Their laughter was biting.'Do you think you can be a nurse? You've never been arou

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Excerpted from Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul Second Dose: More Stories to Honor and Inspire Nurses by Jack L. Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, LeAnn, LeAnn Thieman,, Jack Canfield, LeAnn Thieman,
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