An NHS Angel

Uplifting, heart-breaking,(particularly the children with terminal illnesses), heart-warming, horrifying (the liquids which can torrent from a human body!), frightening (the reality of some deaths), heart-stopping... I'm in awe of Christie Watson's super-humanity, resilience, patience and above all her love, tenderness and kindness towards all her patients from little scraps of premature babies to the desperately sick and those ravaged by mental illness and even those who are violent. She has given out all this caring for 20 years whilst struggling with her own difficulties (becoming a broken-hearted single parent reliant on after-school clubs), utterly selfless, making the difference between life or death, or merely helping someone drink or holding a hand. The whole book is a wonderful affirmation of human goodness.

It's totally scandalous that she and all other nurses often struggling to pay household bills and travelling long distances to work at all hours should be paid so little, but Christie never complains even as she lays bare the shortcomings of our present state of affairs.

Christie reads well but I gave her only a 4 because her voice is that of a very young woman and it doesn't fit with her many years of experience. I'm sure it's very charming in real life, but I found it disconcerting in the audiobook.

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2 people found this helpful

So emotional - so true

What an amazing book!
Can relate to it all being a nurse myself
Cried so much during this book, expressing what some of us can’t speak as we hide in a box in our brains to get through our daily work ♥️
Thank u!!

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1 person found this helpful

I really enjoyed this book

I found this book thought provoking and given me more understanding of hospital life and death. very well written and narrator also author excellent

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Moving, funny, thought provoking

This was a wonderful insight into the life of a nurse. Christie makes you realise how tough the life of a nurse is. I laughed and I cried. An amazing true life story.

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Breathtakingly penetrating

Haunting, astonishing, powerful, beautiful, humbling, critical, heartbreaking. One of the most difficult reads of my life, but also one of the best and most essential. I will never forget this book, the author and the impact her story has had on me.

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So beautiful, so powerful

This is a tenderly written account of Christie’s experiences, much akin to what all nurses will encounter in their roles. I feel humbled and educated by the stories she has shared so gracefully. I really enjoyed listening to the book.

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Beautiful

Definitely one of my favourite authors in nursing. Beautifully written and a pleasure to read

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A MUST read and listen

A superbly written book - filled with heartfelt stories and an incredible insight into the Nursing and Healthcare profession which is so sadly, not appreciated enough. Death, births, love and laughter are all parts of this book but what I loved most was its sheer honesty.
I absolutely loved every moment of it - thank you Christie Watson - amazing work and thank you to every healthcare professional who works within this selfless industry - we/I salute you.

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listen and learn

This book simply confirms what most of us know...simply indispensable .
you get the care and attention you expect when your in hospital.
do you return the kindness?
say thank you to the nurse's who gave you kindness .with a card' handshake a cuddle next time you visit any NHS establishment .
and finally as my late mother said
"listen to the doctor but trust the nurse"

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Involved tear jerker

Wow what an insight was a journey of laughter and lots of tears. With a scary fact or 2 chucked in. Left me thinking of others more and really buying into each person.
Even my 5 year old listened with intent in the car !

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