Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul Read online

  Naomi Rhode, R.D.H., C.S.P., C.P.A.E. Speaker Hall of Fame, is past president of the National Speakers Association, recipient of the 1997 Cavett Award and is known for her inspirational, dynamic speaking to both healthcare and general audiences. She is co-owner and vice chairman of Smart Practice, a marketing and manufacturing company, which provides products and services to the healthcare industry worldwide. Naomi is the author of two inspirational gift books, The Gift of Family—A Legacy of Love and More Beautiful Than Diamonds—The Gift of Friendship. She is also a contributor and coauthor of Meditations for the Road Warriors and many other books and publications. You may visit her Web site at www.smarthealth.com/rhode.

  Anne Riffenburgh received a master’s of social work degree from the University of Southern California in 1988. She has worked extensively with patients and families impacted by cancer. Recently she completed Helping Children Cope with Grief: A Handbook for Parents, Teachers and Therapists. She may be reached at [email protected].

  John Wayne Schlatter is a frequent contributor to Chicken Soup for the Soul and can be seen and heard on the video and audio versions of this series. In 1993, Professional Speaker Network named him Speaker of the Year. He can be contacted at 760-787-9134.

  Victoria Schlintz, R.N., M.A., is a registered nurse and has a master’s degree in education. She has an emergency nursing background, and currently directs education services at a Northern California hospital. She is also a student at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California, and an ordination candidate in the United Methodist Church.

  Georgann Phillips Schultz, R.N., M.A., lives in Virginia with her husband and two preschool daughters. She writes poetry, picture books and MG fiction for children and moderates three children’s writing groups. Her picture book, Foghorn Hannah, Munchweiler Press, Spring 2002, starts, where else? In a hospital nursery! You may reach her at [email protected].

  Margie Seyfer is a nationally known motivational speaker who conducts high-energy keynotes and workshops on attitude enhancement and telephone customer service. She has inspired thousands of people to become more effective in the areas of communication, interpersonal skills and workplace harmony. Please reach her at [email protected].

  Duane Shaw is a retired business entrepreneur. He is a highly decorated combat Vietnam veteran and is currently writing a military autobiography. Plans for future books include a men’s handbook How to Love and Treasure Your Partner and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from the Inside Out. Publisher inquiries welcome. You may e-mail Duane at [email protected].

  Beatrice Sheftel received her associate’s degree from Manchester Community College, her bachelor’s from the University of Connecticut. She is a substitute teacher, freelance writer. She is published extensively online and in regional and national publications. She is completing an inspirational novel and memoir about growing up in Brooklyn, New York. You may e-mail Bea at [email protected].

  Dennis Sibley is a former United Kingdom hospice nurse who has a master’s of arts degree in Death and Society from Reading University. Dennis is chairman of The Buddhist Hospice Trust, which offers spiritual support from within a Buddhist perspective. He can be reached at [email protected].

  Bernard S. Siegel, M.D., who prefers to be called Bernie, retired from the practice of general surgery in 1989 to speak to patients and their caregivers. In 1978, he originated Exceptional Cancer Patients, a specific form of individual and group therapy. EcaP is based on “carefrontation.” In 1986, his first book, Love, Medicine and Miracles was published, followed by Peace, Love and Healing and How to Live Between Office Visits. Bernie’s realization that we all need help dealing with the difficulties of life, not just the physical ones, led to his fourth book, Prescriptions for Living. It helps people become aware of the eternal truths and wisdom of the sages through Bernie’s stories rather than await a personal disaster. Bernie and his wife and coworker, Bobbie, live in a suburb of New Haven, Connecticut. They have five children and eight grandchildren. Contact Bernie through his Web site at www.ecap-online.org, via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 814-337-8192.

  Rebecca Skowronski, R.N., graduated from Mercy Central School of Nursing in 1977. She has two children and resides in Boca Raton, Florida, where she works on a sub-acute rehab unit. Rebecca and her husband, Martin, provide seminars in crisis prevention and stress management. She can be reached at [email protected].

  Judy B. Smith received her B.S.N. from the University of Tennessee College of Nursing in 1965. She is certified in community health nursing and case management and currently works as a school nurse. Her nursing practice has also been in hospitals, public health clinics, tuberculosis control, home visitation, nursing education and home health care. Judy has published numerous articles in professional journals regarding nursing and health care and plans to write a book describing experiences as a home visitation/research nurse for teen mothers and their babies.

  Sherri Sorenson, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.R.N., received her nursing diploma from Iowa Lutheran Hospital and her B.S.N. from the University of Phoenix. She has been a flight nurse with AirEvac Services in Phoenix, Arizona, since 1986. She enjoys riding and competing in dressage with her two horses. Please reach her at [email protected].

  Susan Spence has been writing all her life but only recently started getting published. She is happily married, has two beautiful stepchildren and works as a veterinary technician. “God has blessed me with the gift of writing and all the praise goes to him.” Any questions or comments can be sent to [email protected].

  Diane Stallings, R.N., has nursed hospital patients for nearly twenty-two years. Currently working intensive care and telemetry, she keeps a journal of inspiring moments and writes short stories. She cares for her husband and two children in Fountain Hills, Arizona. You may reach her at [email protected].

  Jo Stickley, R.N., has worked many years as an operating room nurse. Besides being involved in the early transplant programs, she served in the armed forces, in research and is now working in the ambulatory surgery setting. She plans to retire in the near future and continue her hobbies of cooking and herb gardening.

  Donna Strickland, R.N., M.S., C.S., C.S.P., is a full-time national speaker and organizational development consultant known for her high-energy, content-rich and fun-filled programs. Donna consults with corporate and healthcare groups in the areas of leadership, teams, change, performance management, humor and emotional intelligence. She can be reached at www.Donna.Strickland.com or by calling 303-777-7997.

  F. A. Thompson is a graduate of London University. He served in the British Army and the Indian Army in the Far East during the Second World War. He has worked in education in West Africa and in colleges in England. He writes short stories and articles for shipping magazines.

  Scot Thurman is currently an assistant director with the Baptist Student Union in Fayettevile, Arkansas. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in business in 1992 and graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 1997. His love lies in helping people grow closer to God.

  Susan Townsend is a full-time teacher of emotionally disturbed high school students, and a part-time writer. She and a colleague are currently writing a book about the trials and triumphs of troubled kids. Susan lives in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and can be reached via e-mail at [email protected], or by fax at 920-233-3722.

  Johanna Tracy, M.S.N., R.N., C.S., received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing in Detroit, Michigan. She teaches nursing at Capital Health System School of Nursing in Trenton, New Jersey. Johanna volunteers with the American Red Cross at the local, state and national levels. You may contact her at 215-735-1942 or e-mail her at [email protected].

  Lisa Ray Turner is an award-winning author of books and magazine articles. Along with her own writing, Lisa works with clients, teaching writing and doing freelance editing. She lives with her husband and three sons in Littleton, Colorado. She can be reached at [email protected].

  Allison Leigh
Usher received her B.S.N. in nursing from Texas Tech University in 1999. In Atlanta, Georgia, she worked at the AFLAC Cancer Center at Egleston Children’s Hospital. She currently lives in Houston, TX. Please reach her at [email protected].

  Charlene Vance graduated with a B.S. in nursing from the University of Tulsa. She is a nationally registered paramedic and certified flight registered nurse. For over twenty years she has practiced nursing in a rotor-wing aircraft flying within a 150-mile radius of Tulsa.

  Andrea Watson received her practical nursing degree in 1976. She completed her B.S.N. from Eastern Michigan University in 1989. She works in cardiology at W. Beaumont Hospital in Southeastern Michigan. Andrea enjoys traveling, boating and spending time with her husband and two daughters. She plans to pursue her M.S.N. at E.M.U. in the fall. Please reach her at [email protected].

  Ana Wehipeihana is a pediatric nurse in New Zealand. She received her diploma in nursing in 1992, and her B.S.N. in 1996. She enjoys diving, water-skiing, wake-boarding, writing and traveling. She would like to become more involved in journalism/writing in the future. Please contact her at [email protected].

  Mary Saxon Wilburn is a weekly contributor to The Times-Georgian and The Carroll Star News, and has been published in nursing and religious magazines. She also teaches writing workshops and is working on two novels. She and her husband, Larry share five children and ten grandchildren. Mary may be reached at [email protected].

  John Wise is a registered nurse and a freelance cartoonist living in Clearwater, Florida. Creator of the Tales from the Bedside cartoons and books, he boasts a large collection of rejection slips and letters from the world’s most prestigious publications. He can be reached at [email protected].

  Permissions

  We would like to acknowledge the following publishers and individuals for permission to reprint the following material. (Note: The stories that were penned anonymously, that are public domain, or that were written by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Nancy Mitchell-Autio and LeAnn Thieman are not included in this listing.)

  Working Christmas Day. Reprinted by permission of Victoria Schlintz. ©2000 Victoria Schlintz.

  Proud to Be a Nurse and New Job. Reprinted by permission of Barbara A. Brady. ©2000, 2001 Barbara A. Brady.

  Nellie. Reprinted by permission of Joan M. Filbin. ©2000 Joan M. Filbin.

  All in a Day’s Work. Reprinted by permission of Naomi Rhode. ©1998 Naomi Rhode.

  Jack. Reprinted by permission of Kathryn Kimzey Judkins. ©2000 Kathryn Kimzey Judkins.

  Olivia. Reprinted by permission of Heather Black and Denise W. Lewis. ©1993 Heather Black and Denise W. Lewis.

  A Matter of Believing. Reprinted by permission of Scot Thurman. © 1996 Scot Thurman.

  Wake Up! Reprinted by permission of Kathleen M. Dahle. © 2000 Kathleen M. Dahle.

  The Night Al Heel Broke Loose. Reprinted by permission of Elizabeth Turner. © 2000 Elizabeth Turner.

  Jelly Hearts. Reprinted by permission of Joyce C. Mueller. © 1998 Joyce C. Mueller.

  Boarder Baby. Reprinted by permission of Zaphra Reskakis. © 2000 Zaphra Reskakis.

  What Day Is Today? Reprinted by permission of Allen Klein and Dennis Sibley. © 1998 Allen Klein and Dennis Sibley.

  Fresh Sample. Reprinted by permission of Donna McDonnall. © 2000 Donna McDonnall.

  Codes for the Holidays. Reprinted with permission from RN. Copyright © 1999 Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NJ. All world rights reserved.

  Christmas Magic and First Injection. Reprinted by permission of Barbara Bartlein. © 1999 Barbara Bartlein.

  A Forever Kind of Love. Reprinted by permission of Christy M. Martin. © 2000 Christy M. Martin.

  Happy Birthday, Grace. Reprinted by permission of Nancy B. Gibbs. © 2000 Nancy B. Gibbs.

  In the Arms of an Angel. Reprinted by permission of Elaine Gray Dumler and Linda Plano. © 1999 Elaine Gray Dumler and Linda Plano.

  The Greatest of These Is Love. Reprinted by permission of Roberta L. Messner. © 1985 Roberta L. Messner.

  You Held My Hand. Reprinted by permission of Frederick A. Thompson. © 2000 Frederick A. Thompson.

  Love in Its Purest Form. Reprinted by permission of Maryjo Relampagos Pulmano. © 2000 Maryjo Relampagos Pulmano.

  A Single Act of Love. Reprinted by permission of Laura Hayes Lagana. © 1998 Laura Hayes Lagana.

  My Promise. Reprinted by permission of Linda C. Bird. © 2000 Linda C. Bird.

  Billy’s Good-Bye Gift. Reprinted by permission of Susan Spence. © 1999 Susan Spence.

  All Our Hearts Have to Offer. Reprinted by permission of Janie K. Ford. © 1999 Janie K. Ford.

  The Touch of Kindness. Reprinted by permission of Tricia Caliguire. © 1998 Tricia Caliguire.

  A Part of the Team. Reprinted by permission of Viola Ruelke Gommer. © 2000 Viola Ruelke Gommer.

  To Care for Them. Reprinted by permission of Christine M. Ehlers. © 2000 Christine M. Ehlers.

  The Hip in 46B. Reprinted by permission of Linda McNeil. © 2000 Linda McNeil.

  I Baptize You. . . . Reprinted by permission of Beverly Houseman. © 1997 Beverly Houseman.

  A Visit from an Angel. Reprinted by permission of Sarah Webb Johnson. © 1987 Sarah Webb Johnson.

  The Depth of This Career. Reprinted by permission of Diane Stallings. © 2000 Diane Stallings.

  How Could I Stay in This Profession? Reprinted by permission of Kathleen Brewer-Smyth. © 2000 Kathleen Brewer-Smyth.

  Women in the Military. Reprinted by permission of Janis Nark. © 1998 Janis Nark.

  Diabetic Teaching. Reprinted by permission of Johanna M. Tracy. © 2000 Johanna M. Tracy.

  Peppy. Reprinted by permission of Lini R. Grol. © 1970 Lini R. Grol.

  A Healing Truth and The Call. Reprinted by permission of Virginia L. Clark. © 2000 Virginia L. Clark.

  Finding Your Easter Sunrise. Reprinted by permission of Cindy Bollinger. © 2000 Cindy Bollinger.

  The Old Woman. Reprinted by permission of Mitzi M. Chandler. © 1992 Mitzi M. Chandler.

  Communication Is the Key and The Crisis of Today. Reprinted by permission of Karyn Buxman, Motivational Humorist. © 2000 Karyn Buxman, Motivational Humorist.

  Meeting Her Needs. Originally appeared as Can I Have Pretzels with That? Reprinted with permission from RN. Copyright © 2001 Medical Economics Company, Montvale, NJ. All world rights reserved.

  Rose. Reprinted by permission of Susan Pearson. © 1999 Susan Pearson.

  Where Do Babies Come From? Reprinted by permission of Elaine Stallman. © 2000 Elaine Stallman.

  Raspberries and Cream. Reprinted by permission of Marie D. Jones. © 2000 Marie D. Jones.

  Now We’re Talkin’. Reprinted by permission of Denise Casaubon. © 2000 Denise Casaubon.

  You Can Do Anything! Reprinted by permission of Susan M. Goldberg. © 2000 Susan M. Goldberg.

  “I Am,” I Said. Reprinted by permission of Shirley J. McCullough. © 2000 Shirley J. McCullough.

  One Smile at a Time. Reprinted by permission of Rita Kluny. © 1992 Rita Kluny.

  Do Your Best and the Lord Will Bless. Taken from How to Become a Sweet Old Lady Instead of a Grumpy Old Grouch by Marilynn Carlson Webber. © 1996 by Marilynn Carlson Webber. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

  Pony. Reprinted by permission of Mary Jane Holman. © 1992 Mary Jane Holman.

  Sadie, Sadie, Special Lady. Reprinted by permission of Andrea Watson. © 2000 Andrea Watson.

  Lucky. Reprinted by permission of Charlene Vance. © 2000 Charlene Vance.

  The Race. Reprinted by permission of Anne Riffenburgh. © 1995 Anne Riffenburgh.

  He Conquered It. From It’s Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong, © 2000 by Lance Armstrong. Used by permission of G. P. Putnam’s Sons, a division of Penguin Putnam, Inc. This story also appeared on www.NurseZone.com.

  Mr. Jackson and the Angel Pin. Reprinted by permission of Linda C. Apple. © 2000 Linda C. Apple.

  Will She Ever Smile Again? Reprinted
by permission of Ana Wehipeihana. © 1999 Ana Wehipeihana.

  Stormy Delivery. Reprinted by permission of Debbie Lukasiewicz. © 2000 Debbie Lukasiewicz.

  Summons to the Danger Zone. From the book Where Miracles Happen: True Stories of Heavenly Encounters by Joan Wester Anderson. © 1994 by Joan Wester Anderson. Published by Brett Books, Inc. Abridged and reprinted with permission.

  The Hand of God. Reprinted by permission of Josephine E. Stickley. © 2000 Josephine E. Stickley.

  Forgiven. Reprinted by permission of Bernie Siegel. © 2001 Bernie Siegel.

  Afraid of the Night. Reprinted by permission of Nancy L. Harless. © 1999 Nancy L. Harless.

  And the Angels Sang. Reprinted by permission of Mary Saxon Wilburn. © 2000 Mary Saxon Wilburn.

  A Cherished Angel. Reprinted by permission of Margie Seyfer. © 2000 Margie Seyfer.

  Lori’s Wish. Reprinted by permission of Gwen Fosse. © 2000 Gwen Fosse.

  By Accident. Reprinted by permission of Candace L. Calvert. © 2000 Candace L. Calvert.

  CPR. Reprinted by permission of Johnnie Dowdy. © 2000 Johnnie Dowdy.

  Voice in the Night. Reprinted by permission of Carin Klabbers. © 2000 Carin Klabbers.

  Impacting the Process. Reprinted by permission of Catherine Hoe Harwood. © 2000 Catherine Hoe Harwood.

  Just What I Needed to Hear. Reprinted by permission of Marianne Ruth Neifert. © 2001 Marianne Ruth Neifert.

  All Pain Being Equal. Reprinted by permission of Corinne Pratz. © 2000 Corinne Pratz.

  The Nurse’s Best Medicine. Reprinted by permission of Donald L. Haines. © 2000 Donald L. Haines.

  Always a Nurse. Reprinted by permission of Shelly Burke. © 1995 Shelly Burke.

  A Nurse Named Gloria. Reprinted by permission of Lisa Ray Turner. © 1995 Lisa Ray Turner.

  Dumbo. Reprinted by permission of Laura Vickery Hart. © 2000 Laura Vickery Hart.

  Bringing the Cows Home. Reprinted by permission of Susan Townsend. © 2000 Susan Townsend.

  The Assessment. Reprinted by permission of Rebecca L. Skowronski. © 1988 Rebecca L. Skowronski.