Helen Dore Boylston documented her early experiences as a nurse in evocative and engaging narratives. Her prose is characterized by its unflinching realism, capturing the intense camaraderie and challenges faced under pressure. Through her work, Boylston explored themes of resilience, compassion, and the profound human connection forged in critical situations. Her writing stands as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring impact of the nursing profession.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, this diary offers a gripping firsthand perspective of a US Army nurse in France. Helen Boylston details her intense experiences in surgery, the chaos of German air-raids, and the resilience of the soldiers she cares for. Her unwavering commitment to her patients shines through, making this account not only a personal narrative but also a significant historical document that highlights the role of American medical personnel in early international combat operations.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the theater, Carol Page's journey explores her passion for performance and the camaraderie of the creative arts. Infused with humor and charm, her adventures encompass backstage antics, summer stock productions, Broadway dreams, and touring experiences. This four-book collection captures the excitement and romance of the theatrical world, showcasing Carol's growth and dedication to her craft as she navigates the challenges and joys of life in the spotlight.
Set against the backdrop of Phyllis Marlowe's Repertory Theater, the story follows green-eyed Carol Page as she embarks on her first professional theater job. Navigating the challenges of the industry, Carol's journey explores themes of ambition, creativity, and the complexities of artistic collaboration. As she steps into the spotlight, readers witness her growth and the dynamics of life behind the scenes in the theater world.
Determined to succeed on Broadway, Carol Page arrives with high hopes after her summer theater success, eager to accept any role, no matter how small. Motivated by her father's skepticism, she navigates the challenges of the theater alongside her friend Julia. Their journey reveals the struggles and rewards of pursuing a career in acting, capturing the vibrant essence of the theater world. This engaging tale resonates with anyone who has ever aspired to perform on stage, embodying the warmth and authenticity characteristic of Helen Dore Boylston's storytelling.
The story follows Carol as she embarks on a thrilling tour after achieving success on Broadway. Amid the whirlwind of fame and publicity, her friends help her stay grounded, leading her to accept a challenging role in Miss Marlowe's production of The Merchant of Venice. This journey involves extensive travel and the discipline of performing Shakespeare, pushing Carol to grow as an actress. Her experiences in the theater serve as an inspiring reminder for readers to pursue their dreams and ambitions.
The narrative follows Sue Barton, a spirited nurse navigating her career in a bustling modern hospital. As she transitions from student to professional, Sue encounters a mix of humorous and challenging situations alongside her friends, Kit and Connie. Her journey includes pivotal moments like her first time in the operating room and caring for newborns. Amidst her dedication to nursing, Sue grapples with her burgeoning feelings for the talented yet temperamental Dr. Barry, creating a compelling tension between her professional ambitions and personal desires.
Sue Barton left her position as Superintendent of Nurses at the Springdale, New Hampshire Hospital in order to raise a family. Now she and Dr. Bill have three children: six-year-old Tabitha and the four-year-old twins, Johnny and Jerry. Sue is happy in her job as wife and mother until she goes to a reunion of her class in nursing school where the accomplishments of others make her feel as if she is stagnating. Yet Sue finds herself using her talents in countless ways as she nurses the neighborhood. She finds work for a disabled farmer; she pinch-hits for the visiting nurse; she helps bring the famous artist, Mona Stuart and her teenage daughter Cal together. And always something is happening at home for Sue and Bill and their faithful Veazie Ann to cope with - Jerry's strange tantrums, Johnny's disappearance in the woods with his little friend Anne, Tabitha's attempt to run away. Are Sue's training and abilities wasted on all these daily and personal small problems? Her customary humor and warm good sense help her decide.
Nothing ever stands still in Sue Barton's household. Just when Sue thinks that she has everything under control, with Tabitha at school, the twins and baby Sue in good health, bang comes the discovery that Dr. Bill, her husband, is in trouble. He comes down with pneumonia on a fishing trip, and when they get him out of the woods he is ordered off to a sanatorium for six months. The emergency brings all of Sue's energy to the surface: she applies for and quickly receives a job as staff nurse at the Springdale Hospital, where she had once been Director of Nurses. She returns to the hospital feeling like an old fire horse, forgetting her troubles in the happiness of the old routine - temperatures, bed making, medicines, all the care of sick and frightened people. Sue enjoys working directly with patients far better than executive work, and it isn't long before she is involved in staff personalities and problems. Not all of those deal strictly with nursing. There is the love affair of a student nurse and a fancy-free intern which need an expert prod from Sue. Sue Barton's talent for getting into and out of a tangle of human relations propels her through her personal and professional ups and downs in this final tale of the enchanting red-headed nurse from New Hampshire.
The fourth in a series of four books which takes Sue Barton from the start of her training as a nurse in a city hospital, through her move to New York to become a Henry Street visiting nurse and then to the small rural town where she plans to carry on her work as a visiting nurse with her fiance.
