Last Updated on May 31, 2023
As a nurse, your dedication to your craft and your devotion to others is commendable, but while the demands on the job may keep you busy, setting aside some much needed “me-time” is a must for nurses from all backgrounds. Diving into a new book could be just the self-care you need after a long shift!
We’ve handpicked a list of the top five books every nurse should read that will leave you inspired, informed, and may even spark a smile or two. So grab your favorite mug of coffee, kickback, and let’s get into some of the best books for nurses!
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Top Five Must-Read Books for Nurses
Whether you’re interested in heartwarming tales, thrilling medical dramas, or inspirational non-fiction nursing stories from the frontlines, we’ve got you covered. Let your literary adventure begin with some of these top-picks!
1. Notes on Nursing: What it is, and What it is Not by Florence Nightingale
In this nursing classic, take a step back into time with the very own pioneer herself, Florence Nightingale. In her book, Nightingale, shares her wisdom and timeless insights and tips on nursing. A must read for nurses looking to dive deeper into what it truly means to be a member of the nursing profession.
2. The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story by Christie Watson
Get ready to have your heart strings pulled with Christie Watson’s heartfelt nursing memoir. For the nurse that is looking for inspiration, this novel is a timeless reminder of the incredible impact you have on the lives’ of your patients and their families. Grab the tissue and prepare to laugh, cry, and get inspired with this page turner.
3. The Shift: One Nurse, Twelve Hours, Four Patient Lives by Theresa Brown
Embark on an unforgettable journey where Theresa Brown recounts her experience caring for four different patients through a single twelve hour shift. Get an up close look into the emotional challenges, life altering decisions, and the irreplaceable role nurses play in caring for others.
4. Becoming Nursey: From Code Blues to Code Browns, How to Take Care of Your Patients and Yourself by Kati Kleber
A perfect combination of wit and wisdom, Kati Kleber is here to guide you on your nursing journey through the good and the bad. This practical guide is perfect for the nurse looking to brush up their time management skills and make time for self-care all with a healthy dose of humor.
5. The Nurses: A Year of Secrets, Drama, and Miracles with the Heroes of the Hospital
Inspirational stories, interviews, and more awaits you with this compelling collection of personal stories from nurses. This work sheds light on the world of nursing by intertwining personal stories of nurses with a deeper look into the healthcare system as a whole. A must-read for nurses at all levels in their career.
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Write Your Own Nursing Story!
We hope this book list has sparked your interest in reading and possibly ignited your sense of adventure! Are you ready to embark on your nursing journey and curate your very own story with CareerStaff? It’s time to embrace a life of adventure, compassion, and endless possibilities.
With CareerStaff by your side, discover a world of travel, local, or per diem nurse opportunities, and curate a unique and unforgettable chapter in your career’s magnificent story.