So, I'm new at this. Recently, I've had the realization that it's actually possible for nurses to retire, that there are MANY out there with decades of experience just counting down the hours until their last clock out, and that I really want to talk to them--about their history, how they've seen the profession change over time, their pearls of wisdom for the rest of us, and how they plan to spend retirement, i.e. where I'll be joining them for a mojito.

Sadly, Florence Nightingale was chronologically challenged in terms of technology. Thomas Edison only finished the first sound recording machine in 1877, and in 1890 Florence recorded a message supporting British veterans of the Crimean War she served in. Her message was one of three chosen to be sold for charity funds. I can only imagine if she had today's recording technology available, the things she would tell us. Granted, her writings in Notes on Nursing are prolific (if not sarcastic and bossy), and I have great respect for memoir writing--but there's just something really cool about hearing the story first hand. Any nurse can tell you, you can read a chart ALL DAY LONG but it's verbal shift report that really counts. 

I aim to preserve nursing history. And I need your help.

If you are an RN (or LPN/LVN/good ol' Diploma Nurse) approaching retirement, or have retired already, I'd love to speak with you! It's completely up to you whether or not I hit the record button. Email me at macmillanpages@gmail.com