The phrase, “Because I can make a difference,” seems to be what most nurses say when asked why they continue to do the work they do. The ability to influence an individual’s life at a time when he/she needs help and support is a fundamental driver for nurses, whether they are working in a state penitentiary, neonatal intensive care unit, ambulatory oncology unit, long-term care facility, hospice house, VA hospital, or in a community health setting. The American Nurse is a beautiful coffee-table book that shares the inspirational stories of 75 nurses and complements these stories with stunning black and white photos of the nurses.
This book by photographer Carolyn Jones is a result of her travels across the United States to learn more about nursing. On her journey she discovered the complexity of what it means “to be a nurse.” Carolyn shares her own story of connecting with a...