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How has nursing changed from the eigties to the present and would you consider these changes to be for the better or for the worse? Also, is it easier today to have choices in the way we are eased into the dying process? Is it easier to get adequate pain control for instance? Thank You Francine Quebec, Canada
Hi Echo! I just finished Condition Critical and loved it! I could not put the book down. You are a fantastic writer and what a sense of humor! My husband would agree to let me read this book at bedtime only if I promised not to keep laughing out loud while he was trying to sleep. I am not in nursing at all and I thoroughly enjoyed the book (which was handed down to me by my father - an attorney - who also loved it!)
Hi Echo, I love your books! I can relate to many of your feelings of frustration as I was a nurse for many years. The beginning of the end for me, was one day while working on a cardiac step down unit and I had seven very high acuity patients, and one lovely elderly lady who was a lower acuity patient. After doing my morning assessments and dealing with issues for the next few hours, I went back to check on this wonderful lady who said to me "Dear, where have you been? I've missed you all morning." My heart broke, and I realized that nursing was getting to be about the almighty dollar, and not the care and attention my patients should have been getting. I am now on my way to completing an MBA with an emphasis on finance. I wish you well in all your future endeavors, and look forward to reading your next book! Katie N., Oregon.
Echo has there been any talk about taking your book and turning them into a movie - dig out your cap and whites!!! I also want to say a big THANK YOU for all you have done for the nursing profession - if you ever get the itch to practice again come to Michigan we'll take a good Critical Care Nurse any day - besides with your personallity you'd just be one of the crew Justin S., EMT Open Heart Unit / ER
I read your books many years ago, when I was a CNA, and now, I have become an LPN, and again, people are speaking of your books at allnurses.com. I enjoyed them then, and wish to purchase them again to compare to some of my own experiences. If it is ever possible, would you mention how the roles of LPNs contribute to nursing?
Ms. Heron, I am so thrilled to have found you! :o) I am taking my pre-req's for the nursing program right now and my psychology professor asked us to read a biography of someone in our field of interest. I am sooo glad he did! I found your book Intensive Care The Story of a Nurse and I was gripped with excitement, fear, anxiety, tears... I couldn't read the book in public for fear I'd be sitting in the Dr's office or somewhere else and just start to cry or laugh hysterically. As it was I drove my little ones crazy with curiousity. THANK YOU SO much for writing that book, I plan to read all your other books. I am telling all of my classmates to read your books. My eyes have been opened! You are a blessing! Maura, Colorado
As I'm finishing up nursing school, how I wish my teachers would have told me the things you said in the beginning in Tending Lives. It would have made no difference in my choice to pursue the emergency room, it would have just made me more eager. I work as a student nurse in the e.r. now and am constantly searching for the cool, trauma stuff. My father passed away nearly a year ago from cancer and neither my mom, who is an RN, nor I could read with enjoyment since then....but now we nearly fight over who has the book so we can continue to read it! I'm ordering your older books and anxiously awaiting new ones! Thank you so much!! Paige, IN
Ms. Heron -- Just finished Condition Critical (a ragged well-read paperback my mother gave me) and it epitomizes the love/hate relationship most nurses have with this profession. It's so funny and honest. I'm a male nurse, by the way. I just went back to hospital work after three years in hospice and I truly hate it. Corporate healthcare is an atrocity. Like you, I have a problem keeping my mouth shut. I think I'd rather drive a truck these days. Thanks for your voice. I'm sure you are heartbroken over Montserrat. Keep on encouraging those of us who chose compassion as our life's road. Martin in NJ
Dear Echo, I read all your books while I was in nursing school, and I am so thankful that you were so honest. I was able to see the joys and hardships and use your experience as a guide. I have now been an R.N. for almost 2 years. Thank you for the gifts you bring to people. A. Lowe, R.N.
Oh, WOMAN -- I was so happy to see there are more projects coming. I've been reading your books for years, I'll keep my eyes open . . .
I love your books. I hope the others will be published soon. I am starting to read the old ones for the 3rd time. I have introduced your books to my co-workers and they are waiting for more.
Love your books...Thanks for all you are doing for nurses. Elizabeth, Maryville, TN
Echo, I just picked up "Condition Critical" and can't put it down. I am currently in school for nursing and your writing is such an inspiration to me. I hope to make you proud one day. Brooke (a hopeful "RN to be")
I've loved your books for years. Read Intensive Care when it first came out and recently bought it again to reread. After 24 years as a nurse, mainly in critical care, your books are honest and timeless. Lisa in Philly, Pa
Echo, love your books, waiting for lots more. Especially Adele series. Allison, Maryville,TN
Great website! I love the previews of your new books. Someone needs to pick up your work really fast before we all go into withdrawal!
Echo, I love your books but it's becoming a problem - I'm always late for work because I can't put your books down. Once I start reading, I end up reading until dawn! You are a fantastic writer. Eight books aren't enough! Please Miss, may I have some more? -
Sleepless in Kansas City
Miss Heron, I have enjoyed all of your books for years. Just purchased a new set because my others had fallen apart. Your clarity and detail in your nonfiction novels have me laughing out loud!! My dogs don't get any sleep if I am re-reading one of your books because I can't contain my laughter. Thank you so much for your gifted prose!! Mitzi in DC
Echo, I loved your books Intensive Care and Condition Critical, but it was Tending Lives that sealed the deal for me in wanting to become a nurse. I wondered what had become of you and was happy to find your great website...you seem to be as busy and interesting as ever. It's good to know you're still alive and kickin'!
PULEEEZE tell your publisher to get on the ball! We are DYING for more Echo Heron books. Your BLUE NOTES book sounds fantastic! I am a 55 year old boomer and love epistolary novels! I'll be first in line for that one! CR
found your website (from computer at work). Would love to see the New Works in print. Keep on goin', gal! (JB)
Ms. Heron: You are a fantastic writer. Why the hell isn't your publisher putting out more of your work, and why have they taken the Adele Monsarrat series out of print?! Shame on Ballantine Books!
Echo, I find your work very inspiring - you are truly one of my favorite authors. I'm hoping to see some of your work published soon. Could you please let us know via this website when a new work has been picked up and about to be published? I'm hoping to read a new work from you soon!
Echo, As a registered nurse for 39 years, I have loved and totally related to all of your books. In fact I am rereading some of the non-fiction because it helps me keep perspective and keep on going. I wish I had the courage to try something else, but at 60, I just want the final years of my career to continue to be caring and compassionate, try to stay away from all the "politics and back stabbing", and make some decent money to retire on!!! Thank you for your books--they are all "keepers" Donna George
Echo, I came across your book while an "undeclared major" at college. After reading "Intensive Care; The Story of a Nurse", I pursued my BSN and worked in many of the leading ERs and ICUs in the nation, as well as served as a military nurse corps officer. Now as a senior flight nurse and nurse educator, I am about to leave nursing and try my hand at becoming a physician. I would like to thank you for all you have done for me as a caregiver. I will continue to refer those interested in nursing to your writing. Thank you for the inspiration as well as the sobering truth to nursing. R. W., RN, BSN, CFRN, CEN
Echo - I wrote you an email about a year ago in need of encouragement, and I wanted to thank you for your inspiring reply. I have now spent the past eight months as a staff nurse in a pediatric cardiac ICU at a hospital in Miami and I absolutely LOVE it! Thanks for giving me that extra needed push to go for it! Love your books and your website! Keep writing!
Greetings!! Echo I love your books! I've been an RN for 13 years. I'm working on a med-surg floor in a VA hospital,(the stories that I could tell you!!). I can so relate to your Adele series. When I applied for nursing school, I also applied to the police academy. I really wanted to be a detective,but the nursing school got to me first. I still love a good mystery. Keep up the good work,but I NEED the next book. pretty please!!! Thanks Melissa RN
Your work inspires me, makes me laugh and brings me to tears. I spent 35 years in the entertainment industry before finally deciding to follow a decades-long call to Nursing. I'm currently in my second year of school, and have not looked back. Thank you for all you have done!!!
Echo, I first read your book about Nurses on the Front, and I was hooked!! Anytime my family can't find me, they know I'm holed up somewhere deeply involved in one of your books. Thanks for the amazing,enthralling work. Keep them coming......
Loved Tending Lives -I'm still waiting for Emergency 24/7. Kyle from NYC
I love you
PULEEEZE tell your publisher to get on the ball! We are DYING for more Echo Heron books. Your BLUE NOTES book sounds fantastic! I am a 55 year old boomer and love epistolary novels! I'll be first in line for that one! CR
found your website (from computer at work). Would love to see the New Works in print. Keep on goin', gal! (JB)
BRAVO! All your books are quite exciting and very well done. It is a pleasure to read your work. Deborah (London)
You are such a great author! Your nonfiction work is inspiring and life-changing. Your fiction is riveting, hard to put down. Cory
The website is great! What a treat to find out you have more books on the go! I can't believe they (the publishers) aren't knocking your door down trying to get more! You are a great inspiration for any Nurse or student thinking about entering the field. Keep up the great work, because Canada loves you too! Judy P.S. your Mooshie is probably playing with my "Zaks cat the Siamese mouse trap" up there in kitty heaven...I hear it's great fun.
Echo, these publishers are CRAZY if they're not putting out your work! Whenever I've had time to comb the shelves of the public library, I instantly grab books with synopses such as those of your proposed new novels! KEEP UP THE AWESOME WORK!
Echo, You are a wonderful person and thank you so much for the opportunity to read your experiences. I too am a cat lover and felt I had a lot in common with you. K.B. Hampton, GA
Echo, I just want to say thank you for your books. I am a 45year old nursing student who will graduate this year, your books HAVE inspired me and scared me. I am grateful to you and your talent. I have worked in and out of intensive care, PACU, med surg and numerous other nursing jobs ( as an Assistant.) I am passing your work onto others. a grateful student, Tammy
Dear Echo, I am very glad I found your website. I'm a social worker and have worked alongside nurses in three different hospitals and a child welfare agency. Because of your books (and an aunt who was a nurse for many years), I felt prepared to advocate for patients and support the nursing staff whenever necessary. Needless to say, I have made enemies of some acting-out doctors and administrators along the way. At this point in my life I am ready to leave social work (which I've done for 18 years) and find another way to help people. Knowing you were able to leave nursing and go on inspires me. I'm sure Mooshie and Emilio have met my cats on the Rainbow Bridge. Take care. Guida Carroll Eldorado, MSW, LCSW. guidaeldorado10@hotmail.com
I am so glad I found this website! I am an aspiring nurse I hope...but yes I found your first book very interesting. Anyways you have to come to D.C. and give a presentation!-Shelley
When I graduated from High School in 1992, my P.E. teacher (who was also an RN and knew of my intentions to enter the Nursing Program)gave me Intensive Care for a gift. She handed it to me with a smile and said, "find out how it really is before to go for it!" Needless to say, I read it then went and got the Condition Critical and later Tending Lives! Nevertheless, my goals remained intact and although I haven't finished yet due to 4 children to raise, I still pick up your books every now and then and even check the bookshelves periodically for more of your books. I am so glad I found this website tonight as I had no idea you had fiction books and I plan to pick them up asap! I did want to say that even though I have not practiced nursing yet I can honestly say that your books have always been an integral part of my life and I am honored and thankful to be able to actually tell you so. Thank-you for shining the light on reality.
Hello, It has been 6 years since I read your books. I am a huge fan with no time to read anymore..So I recommend your books to anyone who will listen. I have given away my copies and am going to have to get them again to reread! I once talked to you on a radio talk show and was a complete babbling idiot! I brag about it all the time! Thank you for writing the truth! Good luck and I will try to find time for your fiction! Shawn
Echo, your books have been an inspiration to me! I am currently a nursing student and I re-read your books often. It would be an honor to meet you one day!
Dear Echo (Reverb?) My name is CeJay, and I very much enjoyed "Intensive Care" and "Critical Care". Haven't read "Tending Lives", but am looking forward to doing so. Please keep writing, and don't limit yourself to just fiction. Bye :)
I happened across your website. I WILL go and get your other books. I read your first before starting nursing school and it was the MOST real "advice" anyone could have given me. Thank you.
Dear Echo, I bought Intensive Care shortly after my father survived a risky coronary procedure. The whole time he was in the hospital he was so calm and comfortable due to the amazing nurses taking care of him. My career in the financial world is unfulfilling. Due to my father's experience and your books, I am considering joining the brave on the nursing front!
Hello. I got a used cc of INTENSIVE CARE last summer and like it very much. Due to you and the unexpected stillbirth of my only grandchild last Thanksgiving, I've just entered an accelerated BSN program. Milissa murphml@auburn.edu http://www.auburn.edu/~murphml
I'm so glad that I found your web site. I have read (and reread) all of your books and have often wondered what you were up to now. Glad to hear that you are doing well. You have been a true inspiration to those of us in the trenches. Thank you.
Dearest Echo, I am so thrilled I found your site. You are truly my inspiration. After reading all (yes, all of them) of your books, I decided to go back to college to pursue a career in nursing after getting my bachelor's degree. My first degree is in Forensic Science, however, I work as an Insurance Broker and need some fulfillment in my life. I have always thought about nursing as a career, however, your books cemented that decision and I enrolled in an Associate's degree program last year. I am happy to say that I am one course away from beginning my clinical rotations and am so excited. I am ready, thanks to you, for what's to come but I am so ready for it. I would love to read more of your books, especially the Adele Monsarrat series. I see Adele in you and love her dearly. She is strong, intelligent, and fiercely independent; this is everything I am. Best of luck to you in all you do. May Mooshie rest in Cat Heaven right next to the Cat God. (MM)
I bought your book Condition Critical at a garage sale for 50 cents last month and it was the best money I ever spent. What a page turner. I've just ordered Tending Lives, Pulse, Intensive care and Mercy. I can't wait to read them! And I am very sorry to hear about Mooshie although it was 10 years ago! :)
Hi Echo, I love your website. Have been waiting for a new Adele mystery for what seems like ever! Have passed your books round my office, as they are no longer in print (what a pity!) and we are all fans here in London. Please publish something new soon! You are a wonderful writer and I adore all your books. Susan Riaz
Do you have any plans for any more Adele Monsarate thrillers. I really enjoyed them
Thank you so much, This from a New Graduate working in an ICU in southern Georgia. I am finally happy to say that you put into words exactly how I feel most of the time. It boggles my mind to think how long you stayed in practice and that I am only in my 9th month. Thank you for helping me see that I don't have to take the crap they dish out and that it really is about the patients. Thank you for all that you have done for me as a RN now. JA in Georgia.
Echo...Thank you for "Tending Lives". That book set me on the path to become an EMT. After 12 years as a lab tech, I needed a change. Thank you for the inspiration to pursue my dream...I graduate in June 2004.
Hi Echo, I am a critical care nurse for about 9 months now and I just read "Intensive Care". I can't wait to start your other books. I'm hooked. I read while riding my stationary bike. Take care God Bless. Teri Rockwell RN BSN c
Serendipity led me to find your "true-life" books at just the right time in my (second) career as a nurse. Had I read them before having been in practice a couple of years I either would not have believed them or would've turned tail and run the other way as fast as I could!When I did read them I kept wanting to yell "Right on, Sister!" I can't help but feel sorrow that I will never work side by side with you on a unit but we need your voice-so strong and clear- even more than your skills in practice until such time when nurses are no longer invisible within the U.S. healthcare system.
great website...1st came across "intensive care" in a 2nd hand book shop back in the middle of my 1st year in nursing school - and couldn't deny it was inspiring - it still is one of my favorite books to date...
Echo you are one hell of a Woman! I love your writing. MERCY was the best! Can't wait for more!
Echo, This is great! Hope you get some serious interest in your works in progress. Lesa and the Freeport Fan Club (even Jack the poodle gave a big sigh just now)
