A physician celebrates the nursing profession, offering a paean of praise to his countless nurse colleagues, friends, and mentors over almost fifty years of learning, teaching, and practicing at four universities. John’s opening words recall his earliest learning: “Two nurses—one very senior and one very junior—became my first teachers during my apprenticeship in the art and science of caring for those in need.”

From his compelling stories of encounters between patients, nurses, and himself, he draws these vital conclusions:

* Nurses are an essential resource for every doctor to learn the art and science of healthcare

* Through their every act of kindness, nurses make infinite contributions to our gift economy

* Everyone should pray there’ll be such nurses by our bedsides when our time of need comes