The Good Nurse A True Story Of Medicine
The Good Nurse is a book written by Charles Graeber, detailing the true story of Charles Cullen, a nurse who is considered one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. Cullen is responsible for the deaths of at least 40 patients, although some believe the number could be much higher. The book is a chilling account of how Cullen was able to continue his killing spree for many years, despite being employed in various hospitals and nursing homes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Background
Charles Cullen was born in West Orange, New Jersey, in 1960. He was a registered nurse who worked in various healthcare facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania between 1987 and 2003. During this time, he was responsible for the deaths of at least 40 patients, although the exact number is unknown. He would administer lethal doses of medication to his patients, causing their deaths. Cullen was eventually caught and pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is currently serving multiple life sentences in prison.
The Story
The Good Nurse is a chilling account of Charles Cullen's killing spree. The book begins with Cullen's childhood and delves into his troubled past, including his history of suicide attempts and psychiatric hospitalizations. The book then details Cullen's employment in various healthcare facilities and how he was able to continue his killing spree for many years without being caught. The book also explores the failures of the healthcare system that allowed Cullen to continue working despite repeated warnings and suspicions from his coworkers and supervisors.
The Author
Charles Graeber is an American author and journalist. He has written for numerous publications, including Wired, GQ, and The New Yorker. In addition to The Good Nurse, he has also written a book called The Breakthrough: Immunotherapy and the Race to Cure Cancer.
Reviews
The Good Nurse has received widespread critical acclaim. It was a New York Times bestseller and was named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Publishers Weekly. The book has been praised for its meticulous research, compelling storytelling, and ability to shed light on the failures of the healthcare system.
Conclusion
The Good Nurse is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, healthcare, or the failures of the healthcare system. It is a chilling account of how one man was able to continue his killing spree for many years, despite repeated warnings and suspicions from his coworkers and supervisors. The book is a testament to the importance of patient safety and the need for reforms in the healthcare system.