9 Months to birthing my BESTSELLER!

The Naked Invisibility of Michelle Obama

kracked, originally uploaded by my_placebo.

Recently, I have noted the lack of feminist/feminista support for Michelle Obama in light of the overarching ‘white male’ media attacks against Mrs. Obama. Sadly, Mrs. Obama has had her ‘blackness’ questioned as perhaps being too black, Mr.Obama was referred to as her ‘baby’s daddy’ and other racially directed assaults have been levied against Mrs. Obama. 

I for one am not surprised at the lack of feminist/feminista (f/f) response. The f/f’s appear to still be pouting for Hillary. Not only that to be truthful, the f/f’s are...hypocrites! You see the f/f’s are more than willing to go full force for what they perceive to be a strong and powerful woman...as long as she is white. Yes. There, I said it. The f/f’s hypocrisy is exposed.

I, as a Black woman can only imagine the collective rage of feminists/feminstas, if say a white male had ‘hurt a puppy,’ (of course a bitch). Or stated that Lilith Fair was meaningless and a feel good exercise for white women. Or, if Michelle Obama herself had said that female circumcision, oh,excuse me, female-genital-mutilation (the term used by those outside the culture and generally within the safety of suburbia) is okay with her. Or even better yet, that Hillary Clinton was not actually a feminist but Machiavellian in her use of the feminist mantle; essentially trying to win by ‘any means necessary.’ Oh Heavens! 

The Feminist outrage, comments, and action would be...deafening! 

Yet, Michelle Obama, a woman, a BLACK woman is subject to media attempts (mostly by white males) to discredit her, undermine her, and disrespect her and...nothing. Nothing from the Feminista’s. Nothing from the Feminists. A perfect Ouroboros of impotence and disinterest from the bitches.

The lack of ‘voice’ from the f/f’s is nothing new. The problem with feminism, let me correct myself here, the problem with some feminists and now some feminista’s is still the old problem of inclusion. Listen bitches, this is not just a little fight with your men. Girls! This not a sexual tug-of-war! 

The Weltanschauung of feminist/feministas is seemingly myopic and mired in me-me-me thinking; me meaning us white women. These women are more invested in platitudes than action.

Modern Feminism should embrace the dignity of, call for the respect of, and champion the collective socioeconomic-political-cultural empowerment of-all-women! It is a shame that feminists and feministas have to be prompted and prodded to ‘do the right thing.’  We are still waiting.

Fortunately, many Black women and other women of color do not rely on the actions and/or (delayed) socially conscious efforts of f/f women. For hundreds of years, we as women of color have known that our progress is based on our own steady might, focused resolve and yes, intelligence. I know that Michelle Obama,being intelligent, well-spoken and outspoken and not the embodiment of any stereotype, poses a decided threat not only to the familiar and comfortable labeling by some white men and women, but to the shifting power tectonics of both. 

Yet, I know too, that Michelle Obama is used to ‘holding her own’ and ‘maintaining’ (in the vernacular) in a society that offers continual disrespect, constant devaluation as a woman and as a Black woman, as well as the inevitable racial assaults. 

A ‘Naked Invisible' is someone, notably a woman who puts herself out there and makes herself vulnerable in word, person and deed and no one appreciates her, or sees her for what she is and consequently, actively seeks to devalue and denigrate her efforts and her life. Bitches, come on! 

I have always considered myself a ‘Womanist.’ I know there are many women of color who assign themselves as feminist. I wish them well and sincerely hope their ‘inclusion’ is not tokenism but activism for all.

What I would like feminists/feministas to do is simply embrace fully the principles, humanism and beliefs they espouse through the feminist mantle and to act fully in that regard...for all! 

Adrienne Zurub

Author, 'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles'

http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

My Essay, 'The Great Vaginal Hope.'

Now, that Hillary and Barack are holding hands and skipping, here is my perspective of Hillary's failed campaign for the Presidential nomination. Follow the link or cut and paste:

http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/60/the-great-vaginal-hope

A Black Woman in Captivity.

Captivity meaning: marriage, mortgage payments, bills, a tween-ager, an the pursuit of....

For the undecided voters meaning 'swing' voters, independents, and those women still upset because Hillary did not win, who may not have had exposure to Black persons, I am offering glimpses of myself to acclimate those who want to know intelligent Black people but from a 'safe' non-committal distance.

This project if you will started when I watched a morning political pundit show on Sunday. The 'statistics' presented stated that people who know of, socialize with, and invest in social intercourse with Black people and other persons of color, tend to vote for Obama. But, not only that I think they are socially, emotionally, and intellectually richer.

I offer myself as a proud Black American for your perusal. 

(Okay, okay maybe not average...maybe not normal. Decide for yourself).

And NO, Mr. Obama is not connected with my videos, opinions nor am I being paid to do this by the Democratic party or the Republican party for that matter.

I offer myself (and at times my family) for your perusal

June 26. 2008

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Ohio Nurses Fight for Patients Rights

Yes, I am an Author/Speaker/Comedian and Registered Nurse! 

As an RN Activist/Speaker, I and we (NNOC Nurses) as a commited group kicked it 'Big Time' for the progressive & righteous causes of 

Patient advocacy and 

Nurse Advocacy

outside the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. 

This press conference was covered by a lot of media! 

NPR.org, the Columbus, Ohio website covered the press conference as well.

I was very proud of what we Nurses accomplished...public awareness!

NBC4i.com - Columbus,OH

 

 

 

Nurses Rally For Smaller, Safer Ratios

 

Tuesday, Jun 17, 2008 - 01:48 PM Updated: 03:31 PM

 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio nurses and patients called for legislative action Tuesday in hopes of making the state's hospitals safer for patients.

A House bill will be introduced that will require limits on how many patients a nurse could have on her floor at one time,NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported.

Nurses rallied at the Statehouse for smaller nurse-to-patient ratios.

They claimed that in some units, the nurse-to-patient ratio was 14:1. They said a safe ratio is more like a quarter of that.

"In order for patients to enter the hospital setting safely and exit safely, there needs to a 1:4 or less of nursing care assigned to a patient clientele," said Adrienne Zurub with National Nurses Organizing Committee.

"The demographic is usually of high acuity. It is even more important for the sake of patients and for the sake of nurses to do their direct care to ensure those ratios are met."

One patient in attendance claimed to have suffered through nine days without having a wound dressed, Bowersock reported.

Ohio nurses fight for patient rights

Author: Bruce Bostick 

People's Weekly World Newspaper, 06/17/08 21:53

 CLEVELAND - Patients are dying because nurses are being mistreated and overworked,” stated Adrian Zurup, a registered nurse from Cleveland, as she kicked off a June 15 rally here by the National Nurse’s Organizing Committee. 

The NNOC is supporting a bill in the state legislature, titled the Ohio Patients’ Protection Act, which would raise the ratio of nurses to patients in hospitals. 

“Some nurses are forced to care for as many as 13 patients at one time. We say that this just cannot be safe for patients, said Michelle Mahon. “We work with the patients, we advocate for them and we said that we cannot do an adequate job for 13 patients at one time. We need standards that establish three to four patients per nurse.” 

“We have restrictions on the number of kids in a classroom, on the number of fish we can catch and on how many can ride a bus,” said Terry Gallagher, another nurse. “But there are no standards on how many patients nurses can be assigned to take care of. Our priorities are off.” 

Linda Fear of Youngstown, spoke about her husband’s death, after being released prematurely from the hospital. “The nurse on duty said that there was no way that he should’ve been released, but the hospital is interested only in the bottom line, not people.” 

When asked by a corporate media representative whether “passing the legislation would just lead hospitals to cut other jobs, Michelle Mahon replied that “the press should be asking hospitals what their spending priorities are. These are multi-million dollar hospitals that are providing inadequate care because they overwork and understaff but the top officials are becoming rich at our expense.” 

Steve Cagan, a recent hospital patient from Cleveland, described how the overworking/understaffing of nurses affected him. “There is absolutely no shortage of nurses. There are plenty of nurses in Ohio, but they are treated miserably by hospitals and don’t stay.” 

“We’ll face powerful corporate opponents when this bill is introduced, and we’ll be attacked by them,” said Rhonda Risner Hanos, a registered nurse from Dayton. “Nurses will lead this fight and we’ll have powerful friends, as well.” It is expected that the Ohio Patient Protection Act will be introduced, with strong support from the AFL-CIO and others, within a month.

 

Kentucky Post - Covington,KY

Ohio Nurses Call For Action On Hospital Safety

Last Update: 6/17 8:44 pm
Web produced by: Ian Preuth Contributor: Kevin Delaney Ohio nurses gathered with patients and lawmakers in Columbus on Tuesday to speak out about hospital safety. The National Nurses Organizing Committee spoke to reporters at the Ohio Statehouse. The group wants legislators to make hospitals safer for patients and give nurses the ability to expose unsafe conditions. A northeast Ohio lawmaker plans to introduce a proposal to establish nurse-to-patient ratios for acute-care hospitals. Tubbs Jones Addresses Health Disparities Issue During Hearing For Immediate Release June 10, 2008 CONTACT: Nicole Y. Williams (202) 225-7032   Tubbs Jones Addresses Health Disparities Issue During Hearing   Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones addressed the issue of health disparities during a Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Hearing. Her opening remarks in part are as follows.   "Mr. Chairman, I am appreciative of the opportunity to address the important issue of health disparities as we continue to move forward with health reform discussions.   "This is an issue of great importance, not just to my district, but to districts across the country. The time has arrived to give health disparities a voice in health reform discussions.  The IOM report, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in Healthcare, studied the health gap between minority and non-minority Americans. Unequal Treatment was released over 5 years ago. Sadly, not much has changed.   "Some say that health disparities are a 'myth'.  They are not a myth in the 11th Congressional District of Ohio or any other part of the United States. Racial and ethnic minorities disproportionately suffer from certain health conditions, many do not have access to a regular source of care, and they are a large number of the 47 million uninsured Americans.  They are diagnosed for cancer at later stages, and as a result of a lack of access coverage, are more likely to die from preventable, treatable cancers. Diabetes rates for racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately higher. As a result, End Stage Renal Disease disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities.   "As we move forward on health reform, stakeholders need to be aware that the health care is not a level playing field. Racial and ethnic minorities suffer disproportionately from certain illnesses, often lack access to care, and do not receive the same quality of care. Do we blame people for this, or take the necessary steps to reduce the burden of chronic conditions and diseases?

   

I am Nelson Mandela. Wow!

I took the Revolutionary test and guess what? I am Nelson Mandela! Hot Damn! 

Yes, that is awesome. I think I'll go and try to give him a call. 

See what Revolutionary YOU are...<table border=0 bgcolor=black cellspacing=2 cellpadding=10><tr bgcolor=white><td align=center><B><font face=verdana size=2><a target=_top href=http://www.youthink.com/quiz.cfm?action=go_detail&sub_action=take&obj_id=768><font color=2D3562>Which Famous Revolutionary Are You?</font></a></B><p><font color=2D3562 size=4><b>Nelson Mandela</b></font><p>“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities." <p><a target=_top href=http://www.youthink.com/quiz.cfm?action=go_detail&sub_action=take&obj_id=768><img alt='Personality Test Results' border=0 src='http://www.youthink.com/quiz_images/quiz768outcome4.JPG'></a></td></tr><tr><td align=center><a target=_top href=http://www.youthink.com/quiz.cfm?action=go_detail&sub_action=take&obj_id=768><font face=verdana size=2 color=white><b>Click Here to Take This Quiz</B></font></a><br><font size=1 color=C0C0C0 face=verdana>Brought to you by <a href=http://www.youthink.com/quiz.cfm><font color=white>YouThink.com</font></a> quizzes and personality tests.</font></td></tr></table>

How Does One Counter the 'Oprah' Effect?

On May 12, 2008, Oprah spoke at Cleveland Clinic on 'Leadership.' No doubt she came at the request (perhaps urging) of Mike Roizen, the Williams College crony of Toby Cosgrove and frequent guest on the Oprah show. Without a doubt, Roizen respects and admires Oprah, and not only for her power to propel him resoundingly as a millionaire bestselling author. 

On the other hand Toby was simply worshipping at the altar of a billionaire. As the emperor (with a small 'e') he secretly desired and received the validation he desperately craves and needs regardless of his studied insouciant posturing. I suspect that the rare show of public drooling by Toby had to be a sight to see for the Cleveland Clinic audience lucky enough to get the 'golden ticket.' 

What bothers me about Oprah's appearance at the Cleveland Clinic other than for medicinal purposes, is it provides the Cleveland Clinic with the 'Oprah Effect.' Her speaking engagement (more than McCain's appearance) serves to validate in some way Cleveland Clinic, with its faults, scars and ongoing problems. She is not only their speaker but a patient! The 'Oprah Effect' in a sense 'cleanses' Cleveland Clinic of its internal woes and a meaningful impetus to change...albeit temporarily. This psychological cleansing works on both the public and perhaps the Clinic employees, as they may collectively think, 'maybe it is not so bad here afterall, Oprah likes it.' 

It seems that Oprah for all of her wisdom and worldliness is still quite human in that she continually choses the 'wrong men,' (EXCEPT for Obama, lets make that perfectly clear!) Actually, she tends to chose the wrong doctors: Dr. Phil, Bubble Boy-Roizen, and Toby Cosgrove 'to represent' in the vernacular. I call Roizen 'Bubble Boy' as it appears he has successfully encapsulated Oprah from the foibles occurring at Cleveland Clinic (sexism, gender wage disparities, sexual harassment, conflict of interest issues, the rash of firings, the leaching of talent from the department of cardiology, most notably The Talented Dr. Pradav; the fact that the community surrounding Cleveland Clinic appears not to benefit from it's fortress-like presence; U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley investigating the Clinic's nonprofit and tax exempt status and failure to provide enough care to the poor. BTW, did that guy ever get his section of skull back?! Etc. and so forth and so on). 

The 'Queen of Media' has essentially validated the 'culture of impunity' at Cleveland Clinic. Having Oprah speak at the Clinic was a brilliant, absolutely BRILLIANT marketing move (Dr. Roizen's connections and staff position have paid off a thousand fold!) Furthermore, this Oprah appearance lets any disruptive 'little peon(s)' who dare question who and what the Clinic is or should strive to be, know first hand the type of 'ammunition' the Clinic has. The Clinic, through wellness czar Mike Roizen, has Oprah in their arsenal! Be afraid. Be-very-afraid. (Note to self:Shudder).

Actually, and perhaps as expected, Oprah did not really talk about 'Leadership.' Oprah talked about herself and therefore implied leadership. She spoke of her philanthropic interests, and a bit about Obama. Essentially nothing new. It DID NOT matter people! The coup was 'Oprah's' presence! She was there and that was all that was needed. I venture to say that Toby never listened to nor truly heard any meaningful thing Oprah said. His seeming star struck glaze was simply his recognizance of the importance of that moment to his empire. Cosgrove bathed fully in the baptismal aura that Oprah provided. It may be akin to watching someone furtively touch himself in bridled excitement and getting away with the act. 

The sad thing is that for all of Oprah's deeds relative to empowerment for women and inspiring women through leadership, nurses and other health care professionals will continue to be treated as second and third class citizens, not only in the culture of Cleveland Clinic but within other hospitals and health care settings around the nation. Colloquially, nurses at Cleveland Clinic, specifically in the department of cardiac surgery were referred to as 'trained monkeys' by some staff surgeons, and most notably by the now affable Toby. As Oprah, in her regality, walked passed all the so-called, so-perceived 'trained monkeys,' I wonder if she realized that 'Toby and Company' are producing a show...just for her! 

Now, am I trying to sell my book, 'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles'? 

Of Course! 

Does that negate my observations and opinions? 

No. 

Am I bitter at being terminated from the Clinic? 

No! 

Am I a disgruntled former employee? 

Absolutely not! 

I will state again that Cleveland Clinic and the majority of its employees are hard-working, committed, and dedicated professionals. 

Although, I have heard that I am banned from the premises of Cleveland Clinic, I would still recommend their heart center and resources to any person needing a cardiac diagnosis and intervention. 

Adrienne Zurub, RN,MA,CNOR 

Author,'Notes From the MotherShip ~ The Naked Invisibles' 

http://adriennezurub.typepad.com 

http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

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Whatz Up Wit-cha?!

Upcoming Events:

May 12, 2008, at the main branch (downtown)
of The Cleveland Public Library, 325 Superior Avenue, Stokes Wing, Room 218, 5:00pm
I will speak at the Ohio Patient's Rights meeting. Please stop by and support this group.

May 28, 2008, I will be speaking to the group, NA'AMAT. NA'AMAT is a Jewish Women's group that champions the efforts of women in business and life!

May 29, 2008, Book Signing at CROOKED RIVER Bookstore! 11:00am -- 1:30pm, at the GALLERIA AT ERIEVIEW!
1301 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114
216 830-BOOK. This is a FABULOUS bookstore! I am proud and honored to have a book signing here!

While at the Galleria stop by ARTIST REVIEW TODAY GALLERY at GALLERIA MALL (E.9th & St. Clair)
They have some cool-azz Yarek Godfrey pieces...I have a cool-azz signed Yarek form years ago!)
Come support this gallery and some fantastic Cleveland based talent!

June 14, 2008, BORDERS at Crocker Park, 30121 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio.

June 28, 2008, Come to the Larchmere Festival! I will be at Loganberry Books as part of their Author Book Fair! This is the annual fair/festival and is always a great time!

The Joseph-Beth Book Signing (April 24, 2008) was an AB-FAB event!
Lots of support, enthusiasm, and a great crowd! Thank YOU! Thank you!

Thanks to THE CLEVELAND COUNCIL OF BLACK NURSES, Inc., and their President, Linda Dove-McIntyre, for having me at their meeting and workshop May 3, 2008. What a proud and supportive group of professionals!

I attended the COOLCLEVELAND Event at Sammy's Saturday night (5-3-08) as part of Fashion Week Cleveland! Hanging with the fabulous Thomas Mulready of CoolCleveland.com.
The event at Sammy's in the Flats was 'Unclothed: A Mixed -Media Runway Event'!
All the beautiful people and beautiful clothing were there dahling! How COOL!

Books are also available at http://amazon.com, Borders-Strongsville, Borders-Mentor! and of course, BORDERS at Westlake on the Promenade! 30121 Detroit Road!

What a head rush, the Book Signing at Joseph-Beth's was!! Large Crowd! Lots of Sales! Supportive and Incredible people! Loved It!

See you at a book signing or speech! Ohhhhhhhh!

This too, reminds me of 'Notes'

Book Signing! and some Q&A's

The books are here!
'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles' is back!
Available at:
http://amazon.com, ASIN: 0979286301
&
http://chasewunderlickpublishers.com.cn

BOOK SIGNING!
April 24, 2008
7-9pm
Joseph-Beth Booksellers
Legacy Village
24519 Cedar Road
Lynhurst, Ohio 44124
I hope to meet YOU at the book signing!

Borders Bookstore in Westlake, Ohio
30121 Detroit Road
Westlake, Ohio 44145 (440) 892-7667
has copies!

Many thanks to all that have offered me overwhelming encouragement, support, phone calls, and purchases. Thank you so very much!...Adrienne

Please briefly explain your book and what happened when the Cleveland Clinic found out about it?

Answer:

My book, 'Notes From the Mothership The Naked Invisibles' is a memoir, actually a collage of my life. Part of that holistic and global collage are my experiences as a RN and particularly on the open heart/heart transplant team for 26 years at Cleveland Clinic.
There are so many elements of the book as there are in my life. So many experiences and evolutions comprise me! I chose to authentically and truthfully put myself in my book. I took the chance to make myself completely vulnerable. The book is deeply personal without the stench of voyeurism.

On January 21, 2008, approximately two weeks after my book was published I was terminated from my job of 26 years as a Registered Nurse on the open heart team at Cleveland Clinic. Up to that date, my employee evaluations at work were stellar. I was a resource person. I precepted others on the service. At times I was the charge nurse. I am an excellent cardiothoracic surgical nurse. I could not have survived in that department being anything less...not me!
Until that day, January 21st, I had never been fired from a job in my entire life. I have always worked since the age of eighteen in some capacity or other (college work-study, part-time, in graduate school, etc).

The nurse administrator called me at home on Saturday (01-19-2008) and asked me to come in to 'discuss' my book. We agreed to January 21st. The nurse administrator immediately called me back that same Saturday and left a voice message for me that if any nurse or someone from the Saturday weekend shift/open heart team were to call me in to work that weekend, that I was to 'refuse' to come in!
I thought that was odd because if someone from the team on the weekends calls me it means that they have many emergencies (transplants, bleeders, and emergency open hearts) and need people fast. If they call me on a weekend, those nurses have exhausted the 'scheduled' on call people and really, truly need urgent help. I know this as I have responded before to these emergency calls from nurses on the weekends and throughout the week. So, I thought the comment from the nurse administrator was callous to the weekender staff and not well thought out.

When I came to the scheduled meeting on January 21st, a representative from Human Resources was in attendance. At that time, the nurse administrator told me that I was terminated and the reason was my book. I asked if either of the two had read the book and they both stated no. I found their answer incredible! I asked about the policy they said I had breached and they could not and did not produce any policy. I breached no patient privacy policy! I did not reveal any patient names. I did not breach nor violate HIPPA. I did not reveal any employee names other than the ones I received permission to use.

What do you think it means to be a patient advocate?

Answer:

I think and prefer to think of myself as a 'people advocate' who happens to work with patients. I have an affinity for the vulnerable and those who may be without a voice. As part of who and what I am and have always been I enjoy the opportunity to educate, instruct and advocate for a patient or anyone who is not able to advocate for themselves for whatever reason.
Advocacy is natural for me. I am the oldest of nine children. As the oldest, and a caregiver to my siblings at times, I have almost always assumed the posture of using my intelligence, wisdom and ability to 'speak up and speak out' to champion the needs of others, ususally those considered less fortunate. I tend to be the 'big sister' to those that I perceive as vulnerable and in need of what I may be able to provide, be it support, counsel, education or simply the currency of human touch.

Why did you write your book?

Answer:

I have been writing since about the age of ten years old. My present book (I am now working on two other manuscripts) is simply a natural extension of what I do and have always done. I made a commitment to myself to give life to my affirmation made some 40 years ago!
Why did I write my book...because I could not have lived my life without realizing that aspect of my self-evolution. My book is for me...as selfish as that may sound. It is my gift to myself. As I stated, I thought of the title, 'Notes From the Mothership' when I was eleven or twelve years old. This book, this baby within me essentially begged me for life. How could I refuse? How could I be afraid? How could I question and/or deny that which has always been a part of me?
This book of mine is both a completion and a start if you will of my life. I feel incredibly accomplished in having giving birth to this book!

Why do you think the Cleveland Clinic reacted to your book in the way they did?

Answer:

I really can not answer that question for Cleveland Clinic. I can offer this. The Clinic and some other hospitals tend to act with impunity towards some nurses, the majority which are women and even some female doctors, as well as men in perceived lower professional positions.
I tend to think that they,meaning the hospital and nursing administration, could not conceive that something I wrote and authored could ever have the ripple effect that this book has.
Hospitals and their adminstrations tend to be insular environments. As Arthur Schopenhauer one of my favorite philosophers states: "Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world."

Cleveland Clinic is very concerned and focused on their 'image' and 'branding' efforts. This concern and focus may be at the expense of experienced and valuable employees, particularly nurses, and generally all. The Clinic has invested large amounts of monies (incredible amounts for a hospital operating under the guise of a nonprofit institution) to create their brand, not only in Cleveland, but throughout the country and the world (they have a facility in the Middle East).
Recently, this 'nonprofit' paid approximately six million dollars to change their logo on all stationery, all buildings, all communications, and every bit of promotional material!

Yet, some experienced RN's, seasoned RN's (over ten years employment) in my former department received pay raises of three, five & ten cents per hour! NO, not percent, CENTS!
Those kind of raises are demoralizing in light of the highly touted 'Magnet Status' designation for nurses and begs investigation. The amounts of those raises are unethical (okay sickening) in light of utilizing six million dollars just to change logos and there are other examples of waste of resources and needless increasing costs, which in some cases the patients to bear those costs.

People are literally talking about this book all over the nation! The incredible thing is that the book is not about Cleveland Clinic! Yet, they had the narcissistic impulse to make it about them.
Recently, I was a guest on a radio talk show in San Francisco and the host jokingly remarked that I 'breached the code' with my book, much like a police person telling on one of their 'dirty' own (that would make me Serpico Nurse, I guess).

Nurses (and hospitals) almost never let the public know what really happens in their respective workplaces. Nurses almost never talk collectively and effectively about the 'abuse' they encounter on their respective jobs. And yes, it is abuse in some form, manner and by definition.
My book offered only a glimpse behind the scenes and look what happened? My book has provoked discussions and conversations and a sense of unity over the nation. NOW is the time for nurses to speak up and speak out!

The fact is, being treated as disposable, devalued and demeaned is the norm for nurses in many hospitals throughout our nation. This reality should make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. There is no place, no hospital that is essentially 'safe' and I mean a safe environment and with great pay for nurses!

The verbal, sometimes physical, and demeaning treatment of nurses and others within the Clinic or any institution is an outrage and an affront to us all! Unless we take up the gaunlet and actively work to change the system, which is an 'old boys network' with the complicity and complacency of some nurse management.

What has been the reaction from other nurses to your book?

Answer:

Overwhelming positive! Hopeful! Inspirational! Nurses and other healthcare workers want their voices heard! They want their concerns and fears to be heard, taken seriously and addressed. They want to do good work. Many experienced nurses have invested themselves in their careers and many of them are disappointed. Not disgruntled, but disappointed that their efforts and their accumulated experiences and skills are not seriously part of the collaborative dynamic in some hospitals with medical staff.
Nurses are disappointed and distrustful of marketing efforts that extol a great workplace, even magnet status yet, the magnet status nurses are treated as 'less than.' These sentiments are not only relegated to the nursing staff! Younger doctors and surgeons have confided their surprise and unease with the culture of some hospitals and their administrations. I am not surprised.

The outpouring of comments, emails, phone calls, and letters is phenomenal! I received (and continue to receive) support, encouragement and good wishes from a large majority of nurses. People, not only nurses, have shared so much sensitive information with me. They trust me. Nurses, doctors, lawyers, a physicist, patients, and business persons have contacted me in some way, shape or form with support, encouragement and book purchases.
Nurses tell me that they are grateful that someone 'told the truth.' I hear that over and over again. I have been called a 'hero, brave, courageous' and just about every positive adjective. Nurses want (and need) a champion and a strong truthful voice.

There are nurses that are intimidated by what I have said. This is because what I have revealed may force them to defend their inaction, their participation (my participation) or their sense of just doing their job to retirement, or just having to rethink their positions on a number of issues. I understand that. I understand how we just want to come to work, do our respective jobs and get paid. We have so many other fights, wars and battles in our respective lives. I understand that.

Besides, fighting with HUGE tentacle-like hospitals is a David versus Goliath situation. I know this...firsthand! This is especially true when the public (and other nurses) do not know or understand the roles and practice of other nurses.
The prospect of change whether good or not is generally not comfortable. Believe me, I know what is it like to essentially stand alone and take the slings and arrows...even with support and encouragement.

Schopenhauer, "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, is is accepted as self-evident."

Would you have written your book differently based on what has happened to you?

Answer:

NO! The book I have authored is me! Regardless of my employment at Cleveland Clinic, which is/was only a part of my life. I am not Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic is not me.
As I stated before, my memoir is my self-evolution, my self-discovery, my weltanschauung.
A job or career may be part of that collage but a job or career does not truly define who and what you are.

I thought of the title of my book at the age of eleven or twelve years old. At that time, I had a collage that I created that hung on the wall at the foot of my bed in my small bedroom in our home in Cleveland, Ohio.
It is incredible to me today that the affirmation (now it is called an 'affirmation') I paste on that collage, essentially a talisman to my future self, has come true! The note I wrote to myself was that I promised myself that one day I would have a book that would be on 'The New York Times' Bestseller list. Of course, at the time, I had no idea of the necessary scarification I would have to go through to author something meaningful, truthful and authentic.
Fortunately, I, like many others, have actively taken that journey and my journey of discovery and evolution continues.