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Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
Derek Hadinger’s 10 Years of Strong Black Coffee and Strong-Willed Patients is a brutally frank memoir of his time inside the U.S. health system, as a nurse in Columbus, Ohio. Derek describes his interactions with patients from all walks of life during his time as a nurse, often with patients from marginalized sections of the community. He pulls no punches when describing the lack of care, the greed of the hospital and insurance system, the frequent arrogance of medical professionals, and the sad way in which many patients are left to die alone and lost in a giant bureaucracy. Running through his incredible anecdotes of hope, joy, and peace is an underlying faith that he credits for pointing him into the career of nursing. As well as caring for general surgical and dying patients, the author also takes readers inside a hospice, where patients pass in a caring, loving, and dignified manner. From violent patients, drug and alcohol addicts, sexual abuse victims, through to beautiful and joyous homeless souls, the author has seen all of them over the past ten years.
This is not a book you can read and put down without it having a profound effect on your psyche. I was particularly moved by Derek Hadinger’s absolute professionalism and his total commitment to his patients. He genuinely cared about these patients in a very human way that made him stand out in a profession that is notable for its clinical nature. What makes these stories so compelling is that many of Derek’s patients were at death’s door and many did indeed die on his watch, but he was able to bond with them, to reach them emotionally, and often to bring them the succor they so desperately needed. He doesn’t hold back in his criticisms of the entire medical system in the United States. It is rare to see someone in his profession openly criticize his colleagues and the system. There is an overriding Christian element, but this just enhances and explains his underlying philosophy. It certainly doesn’t detract from the many incredible anecdotes and end-of-life stories presented. I was deeply moved by 10 Years of Strong Black Coffee and Strong-Willed Patients and highly recommend it.
