KEITH SCHULTZ
MY BOOK
What forms the perceptions of a nurse in the emergency room regarding a particular patient? In this book the memorable patients are not chosen by the “emergency” that brought them in for medical care, but for who they are, how they present themselves, and what they say.
As you read each of the 202 cases presented, you will meet these diverse people face to face. You will learn who they are. Whether it is the young girl who thinks she is about to die, or the man who is actually dying, the things they do and say are what make a story to be told. You will meet the couple from the back hills who reminds everyone of the Hillbilly’s show, and the elegant lady who strips to the waist and asks for the medicine that “stops my heart”.
Some of the people have a heartbreaking story, and others are comical– like the injured young boy volunteering to do the cutting of a stallion to make it a gelding. Some of the patients are brave, and others are scared like the man whose girlfriend fired a shotgun into his groin. You will fall in love with the sweet elderly lady who was embarrassed to have constipation, but proved she could make bold comments in the end.
To quote Dr Ashley in the book endorsement after she studied each case for medical accuracy, she wrote:
“Although concise, each story has a nice balance of medical accuracy and character that is easy to follow for those readers who have never worked in the medical field. Because the stories are told from a personal perspective rather than focusing on medical jargon, the reader sees the ER from a softer side where some important and often funny life lessons come to life.
There is plenty of entertainment for everyone with each chapter containing excitement, comedy, and heart- warming scenarios; this book makes a great conversation piece for any household. Once the reader experiences one story there is a desire to read more and move on to the next case as there is always something new ahead.”
202 Most Memorable Patients in the ER
ISBN-978-1490504582
Events that made this book possible
In the process of writing this book there were more memories flooding my mind than those that were recorded. These included the co-workers that will be family forever, every square inch of the halls and rooms; the supply rooms where I could find supplies blindfolded if necessary; and how each room had a special meaning. There wasn’t enough room to write everything about the emergency department that was a part of my career, but at least I was able to record some of it here.
Many times my patients would ask how I got into the health field and why. If their prognosis was good I had a stock story of facts with a twist. I would say, ‘I graduated from college with a degree in forestry at the height of the Dutch Elm Disease epidemic. It was my job to aggressively treat the elm trees to save them, but most died. Next I bought a Western Auto Store fixing tires, changing spark plugs, replacing batteries but all eventually died, and were junked.
So I thought I would try humans for a while!” Reactions were unanimously the same; laughter, and then wondering if they should get another nurse. But most would always want me to continue, even more then before.
My daughter is completing her RN training this August 2013. She is following in my footsteps getting her start in nursing late in life. I am proud of her for accomplishing the same goals I did, while raising a family with her husband’s support and a teenage son.
My son is also in the health field as a research specialist, finding ways to better take care of patients for Stryker Medical Corporation. Pride abounds as I watch him follow my love of health care.
I want to thank my wife for the sacrifices she made, and the support and encouragement she gave me so that I could pursue my ambitions and career changes to get to where I am today.
I also want to thank Cassandra Ashley, MD for editing the medical accuracy in all the cases represented and Kandace Schultz for the graphic designs.
Finally, I’d like to thank my editor, Diana Ross, for her contributions to the finalization of this book.
At least now, when I kick into a memory mode, I can pick up this book and quickly be transported to the “good old days”.