I had an extra interest in reading Critical Care, as I underwent cancer treatment in 2008 and thus spent a great deal of time in the oncology ward of the local hospital. I found Theresa Brown's story to be a compelling one, both from the sense of her choosing nursing as a second career and her experiences working with cancer patients. As you might expect from a former university English professor, Brown has a gift for language that made this book very readable despite the difficult subject matter.

I've read a few "cancer memoirs" over the past few years, and found the vast majority of them lacking. This was the only book that dealt with the experience of having cancer that I felt I could really relate to, even when Brown was writing about other types of cancer than the one I had. Her thoughtfulness and compassion for her patients also reflects the vast majority of nurses I was lucky enough to have care for me while I was sick.

I've since read several of Brown's op-ed columns in the New York Times, and it's always like getting back in touch with an old friend. I'm glad she's still writing about her experiences with patients and the struggle to find a dignified end to life. ( )

If you know someone who wants to be a nurse, not matter what area of intrest they are in or a career switcher, pass this book onto them. This book was deeply engrossing. For me, it confirmed my career switch. ( )

It was hard for me to get motivated to read Critical Care, because it encompasses one of the hardest things that we have to deal with in life - death. Once I mustered up the courage to face the type of challenges that nurses face everyday, I couldn't put it down. This book is emotionally charged. It is filled with compassion, one of the greatest traits of a nurse, and helped me to learn more about the types of challenges and rewards that nurses face everyday. It tends to have some of the jargon that comes along with hospital and cancer patient care, but it does not take over the story that lies behind what inspired this book - people. I don't ever expect to go into the nursing profession, but this book has given me more knowledge on how to be a better patient. I would encourage anyone to read this book as it covers issues that undoubtedly we will have to face in our lives, whether it be through our own health or that of a loved one. Theresa Brown did a great job of using her voice to share the stories of her experience with patients, while still respecting their privacy and anonymity. ( )

Recieved this book from the early reviewers program.
I read this book, and didnt enjoy it simply because of how technical it seemed to be. However, I gave it to my sister, who is a nurse, and she loved it. So a book about nursing for nurses :)

Written by a former English professor this book records a year in the life of a nurse in training, spent working on an oncology unit. Wonderfully told-- these essay-like chapters chronicle the trials, difficulties and misunderstandings but also chronicles the joys and rewards. ( )