As a nurse, you might be saying, “Who has time to read?” Like many of us, you are probably up to your eyeballs in charting, family, hobbies, and who knows what else. Well, let me save you some time and share 5 amazing books for nurses to read.
Personally, I would consider myself to be a bit of a NERD.
Yes, I love to read and I take advantage of the local library any chance I can get. While I was in nursing school, I worked at the library and realized how much money I could save by checking out books from them.
Of course, there are books that I read and absolutely needed to add to my personal collection.
You can check out my virtual bookshelf to take a look at the books that I love. I’ve even read a couple of them twice. I have found that reading books is a great way to stay current on a variety of topics from leadership to happiness.
And, to be quite honest, I don’t stop at books. One of the many joys that I have found over the years is journaling.
For instance, there are some great guided journals that can lead you on the journey to wellness, wholeness, and happiness. In recent years, I’ve been into bullet journals. These journals serve as a great way to express your creative and artistic side.
Now, back to the reason you came here in the first place. BOOKS! These are listed in no particular order.
5 Amazing Books for Nurses
1. Being Mortal by Antul Gawande
Of course, I couldn’t write this list without this book. Written by Dr. Gawande, Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End contains a compelling look at hospice and end-of-life care. In it, he shares his own personal stories and delves into the taboo of speaking honestly about death.
(How & Why do we get this so wrong in the medical field? )
If you’ve ever wondered how to start the conversation or ways to handle talking with your own loved ones, this book is perfect. Although I’ve worked in hospice for years, I still walked away after reading this book feeling like I learned something that I can apply to my own practice. Personally, I think it should be on everyone’s must read list.
2. The Last Lecture by Jeffrey Zaslow and Randy Pausch
Admittedly, when I read this book and then visited the video of Randy’s lecture, I went back and forth from laughing to crying and cheering. What a profound look at life and the importance of seizing the moment. Honestly, I read this book and within days painted my daughter’s room hot pink with purple and green accents (Read the book and you will get it!)
Sadly, Randy ( a pancreatic cancer patient), lost his battle to cancer but his legacy continues through the work of Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. The Randy Pausch Memorial Bridge is lit in his honor at the university to symbolize his life.
3. Crucial Conversations by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan
Let me start by saying that his book is great for everyone and not just nurses! Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High delivers on its title. Personally, I have read this book at least 3 times.
It contains practical examples and tools to tackle even the most difficult conversations. One interesting fact that makes this resource so appealing is that it is backed by science. As a self-proclaimed nerd, I like knowing that the strategies work and are scientifically backed.
Specifically, as a nurse, you will always face challenging conversations. It’s part of the job and this book can help you navigate conversations with your co-workers, leadership, and patients with confidence.
Don’t miss out on this one. Furthermore, if you ever get the opportunity to attend Crucial Conversation training, jump on it.
This is one of the amazing books and training that is too good to pass up.
4. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace by Gary Chapman and Paul White
The best way that I can describe this book is “insightful.” A few years ago, I gave a talk to hospice leaders about employee engagement and this book was one of my top recommendations. Why?
This book reveals the truth behind how to motivate others and ways to show gratitude that really works. For instance, some people value time while others want recognition. Using this can help you connect with others and engage your peeps.
Not only that, there is a connection between employee satisfaction and retention rates. This is so important considering that the national average turnover rate is 8.8% for nurses. This books offers great insight and includes a free inventory assessment that you or your team could take to highlight your preference of appreciation.
LOVED IT, highlighted it, tabbed it!
5. I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Now, if you thought that I was only going to talk about medical books, you might be disappointed. I am an avid reader and I will only recommend books that I love. So I couldn’t omit this one.
If you want to make sure that you are on top of your financial game then you need to get this book. My favorite part of this book is that Ramit doesn’t try to shove gimmicky tactics down your throat! He doesn’t ask me to give up my coffee!! (Like that was ever going to work for me.)
Instead, he offers simple and straightforward tips that anyone can apply. For instance, I was able to get rid of the annual fee on my credit card using the script that he suggests using with your creditors. This makes my list of amazing books for nurses because it is straightforward and easy to implement
Let’s face it, we can all use sound advice about finance and this book is fresh and relevant. LOVED IT, highlighted it, tabbed it. Admittedly, one of the best finance books I’ve ever read.
Summary
So there you have it folks! A look at 5 amazing books for nurses and heck, anyone who wants to grow personally and professionally. As you can see, diversity is the name of the game with nursing and these titles are a great place to start. Honestly, this list was easy to make because they are so relevant to nursing and life in general. As a nurse, expand your reading beyond the medical books and you will find a plethora of juicy content. In the meantime, visit and support your local library!
I’d love to hear what other books you find interesting. Feel free to share your comments below and don’t forget to sign up for email updates from Hospice Nurse Hero!- Rochelle