Silent Struggle

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

Synopsis

Katie, a stoic young Native American, faces family pressures, a developing distant romantic relationship, and stress from nursing school clinicals during her junior year at Crestmont University in Dallas. Her dream of becoming a nurse is challenged when her mother suffers an injury that could force her to stay on the farm, assume her mother’s duties, and postpone her education, perhaps permanently. Compounding her stress, Katie’s childhood friend and soulmate’s demand for a greater level of commitment drives her into an emotional spiral as she tries to balance her dream of becoming a nurse and her love for John. The academically sound Katie finds that book learning is not sufficient for success in the clinical setting. Her frustration grows as she encounters difficulty in implementing her carefully crafted patient care plans. Her relationship with the Nurseketeers, her best friends and support system, deteriorates as she tries unsuccessfully to cope. She struggles in silence, turning in secret to alcohol to quell the chaos of clinical practice and putting herself in jeopardy of failing out of nursing school.

bio

Author Biography

Joy Don Baker & Terri Goodman, nursing students in the ‘70s like the fictional characters in their Nurseketeers series, are both writers in professional nursing literature. They met in the ‘80s and have remained friends for years. As co-authors, their mission is to share enjoyment, writing, and learning through meaningful stories about diverse nursing characters. Both are well-established leaders in perioperative nursing. Dr. Baker teaches at the University of Texas at Arlington and served as the editor-in-chief of AORN Journal. Dr. Goodman is an entrepreneur and an approved provider of continuing education as the principal at Terri Goodman & Associates. Baker & Goodman have produced the award-winning book A, B, & Cs of Author Partnering, the definitive how-to guide that leads readers through creating a partnership, establishing a productive work environment, and producing a work of fiction, non-fiction, or journal article.

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Author Insight

Stress

The first step in dealing with a stressful situation is recognizing it early enough to respond constructively. The body reacts to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. If the stressful situation continues unaddressed, these useful chemicals begin to make sleep elusive, eroding resilience and mental clarity. This marks the beginning of a downhill spiral of increased anxiety and irritability, difficulty in focusing, and diminishing performance. As the spiral continues, physical issues like headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues leave them feeling trapped and exhausted. This is a destructive process that is difficult to interrupt and can lead to severe physical and mental issues. Responding early to a stressful situation is the best approach.

Book Excerpt

Silent Struggle

Katie pulled a bottle of orange juice from the small countertop refrigerator Frannie’s parents had purchased for them. She took several swallows as she carried the bottle to her room. “Be right back,” she called over her shoulder, then rummaged in her underwear drawer for the bottle of vodka Sheila had given her. She added a shot to the juice.

Katie settled into her chair in the lounge and took a long pull from the OJ bottle.

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JD and T Baker and Goodman

Silent Struggle

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Stress

Book Excerpt

Silent Struggle

Comment on this Bubble