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Childrens Nurse
The memoir of a Great Ormond Street nurse.
This is the inspirational story of life as a nurse during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, most of which was spent at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
Susan Macqueen was 12 years old when she accompanied her mum to see her friend Ms Fairweather, the matron at the local nursing home and from that day on she knew she wanted to be a nurse. A few years later, despite being told that her grades weren't good enough and having left school with only two O-Levels, Susan was accepted on the three-year nurses training course at Addenbooke's hospital in Cambridge. It wasn't long before Susan knew she wanted to work with children and set her sights on a job at Great Ormond Street. Thirty-five years later, on her third attempt, Susan has finally retired from that iconic hospital and is enjoying a more leisurely pace of life.
Hope, despair, laughter and tears, Susan's stories move the reader through the incredible stories that she was faced with on an every day basis.
This is the inspirational story of life as a nurse during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, most of which was spent at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital.
Susan Macqueen was 12 years old when she accompanied her mum to see her friend Ms Fairweather, the matron at the local nursing home and from that day on she knew she wanted to be a nurse. A few years later, despite being told that her grades weren't good enough and having left school with only two O-Levels, Susan was accepted on the three-year nurses training course at Addenbooke's hospital in Cambridge. It wasn't long before Susan knew she wanted to work with children and set her sights on a job at Great Ormond Street. Thirty-five years later, on her third attempt, Susan has finally retired from that iconic hospital and is enjoying a more leisurely pace of life.
Hope, despair, laughter and tears, Susan's stories move the reader through the incredible stories that she was faced with on an every day basis.
- GenresNonfictionMedicalMemoir
Paperback
First published April 25, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 13, 2018
An easy to read nursing memoir chronicling one nurses experience from student to ward sister at the most famous children’s hospital in the world. I love this type of book and this was a perfect example why; as a nurse myself it’s fascinating to see how the role has adapted over the years and how the nursing profession grown.
I particularly liked when the author documented her experience nursing in Abu Dhabi and how the cultural differences impacted on patient care. I would have liked this chapter to be longer! Of course there are sad stories here but the majority are positive and full of dedication and pride. An excellent choice for nurses and those interested in this amazing profession.
I particularly liked when the author documented her experience nursing in Abu Dhabi and how the cultural differences impacted on patient care. I would have liked this chapter to be longer! Of course there are sad stories here but the majority are positive and full of dedication and pride. An excellent choice for nurses and those interested in this amazing profession.
June 12, 2018
This was a really great account of Susan's life as a nurse so heartwarming and true to life. You follow her story from taking on the job of a life time at great ormond Street hospital. Shows what she went through and how she progressed with laughter and tragedy and hope with the children she cared for. Well wiryh reading.
July 3, 2015
This brought back fond memories of being an RSCN student at GOS (Great Ormond Street) back in the late 1970’s. Sue McQueen was the ward sister on one of my rotations and taught me much. The book won’t grab everyone but for anyone interested in nursing, especially in the past, this quick read will be enjoyable.
November 14, 2017
Really enjoyed reading stories of how things used to be in the medical nursing field. An easy read, and I enjoyed it a lot!
August 28, 2021
Lovely book glad I read it x
June 20, 2024
Nice read
April 18, 2026
Very enjoyable read ... things explained when needed. Nursing was my trade and I could empathise and applaud with so much.
October 8, 2016
MacQueen’s The Children’s Nurse, an account of her personal experience of 40 years as a nurse is interesting and a valuable research resource.
Throughout her time at Great Ormond Street Hospital, the hospital’s motto is clear. ‘The child first and always’ as well as being a code of practice, is a celebration of childhood and everything it stands for. What a wonderful snapshot of GOSH.” A picture of the medical procedures, the staff, the children and the parents.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this non-fiction account even more if MacQueen had written it instead of Rodgers her ghost writer. If MacQueen had chosen to write it without Rodger’s help her voice could have been stronger, and I might not have felt distanced from her.
Throughout her time at Great Ormond Street Hospital, the hospital’s motto is clear. ‘The child first and always’ as well as being a code of practice, is a celebration of childhood and everything it stands for. What a wonderful snapshot of GOSH.” A picture of the medical procedures, the staff, the children and the parents.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this non-fiction account even more if MacQueen had written it instead of Rodgers her ghost writer. If MacQueen had chosen to write it without Rodger’s help her voice could have been stronger, and I might not have felt distanced from her.
December 12, 2014
No where near as good as other doctor, nurse, ambulance, vet books etc that i have read. Did have some interesting parts which is why it got 2 stars, not the 1 I was going to give when i was part way through.
But i prefer really interesting, funny, moving experiences for this type of book. This was quite dry and matter of fact most of the way through, just a few interesting stories redeemed it slightly, and i managed to finish it, but I would not recommend, and I would not read again.
But i prefer really interesting, funny, moving experiences for this type of book. This was quite dry and matter of fact most of the way through, just a few interesting stories redeemed it slightly, and i managed to finish it, but I would not recommend, and I would not read again.
May 15, 2013
Wonderfully informative book. Well written and touching. Read in two days I was glued to it.
October 3, 2015
This should have been interesting but something was missing. I can't put my finger on what it is. I don't think I ever really caught a glimpse of the real person.
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July 5, 2018Very good book
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews