Book Review: The Nurse's Secret

The Nurse’s Secret by Amanda Skenandore is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a mystery with a sharp, resourceful protagonist determined to turn her life around while being pursued for a crime she didn’t commit. Una Kelly, the main character, begins her journey as a street-smart pickpocket surviving the streets of New York City. Her cunning lands her a spot in Bellevue Hospital’s Training School for Nurses, where she starts to value relationships, education, and the meaningful work of nursing.

But before she can truly transform her life, Una must unravel the mystery of a murder and prove—to herself and others—that she’s more than her past. Without giving too much away, you’ll root for Una as she navigates her challenges, seeks redemption, and even explores the possibility of love.

The historical details, especially about the nursing school’s entrance requirements and training, add an intriguing layer to the story. Whether you’re reading it or listening on Audible, this is a book you won’t want to put down!

History of Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing

A little history about Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing, founded in 1873. It was the first nursing school in the United States to replicate the principles of Florence Nightingale’s idea for nursing education. One of the overarching principles of their training was strict hygiene and cleanliness. Having the nurses well versed in this practice and supervised by a “head nurse,” the care administered in the hospital would improve significantly. Dr. W. Gil Wylie was on the medical staff at the hospital and was a staunch supporter of this initiative. He went so far as to travel abroad to study nursing schools in Europe. He returned with a letter from Florence Nightingale on advice and support for the school, and he also gathered many ideas from the visits he made to the established nursing schools there. 

The training program began on a trial basis, with six students administering care in five wards. The first Superintendent of Nurses was Sister Helen Bowdin of the All Saints Sisterhood in London. She came to New York City and worked as the school's administrator from 1873 - 1876. The program was such a huge success that it was extended to all wards of the hospital. The student enrollment grew, and lectures went from only focusing on cleanliness and basic comfort to Anatomy, Physiology, and hygiene. 

Bellevue Hospital also played a pioneering role in shaping the nursing profession by training midwives and male nurses. In 1911, it established the Bellevue School for Midwives, the first official school dedicated to this specialized training. This program continued till 1936.  Earlier, in 1888, the Mills Training School for Men opened to prepare male nurses for work in the hospital’s men’s wards. In 1929, the Mills and Bellevue Schools of Nursing merged, forming the Bellevue Schools of Nursing, continuing Bellevue’s legacy of advancing nursing education.

Since its inception, the nursing curriculum at the Bellevue Schools of Nursing evolved. The program helped during war times and eventually led the school to transfer its facilities to Hunter College, which offered the students a Baccalaureate Degree after four years of study. The final Diploma class from Bellevue and Mills Schools of Nursing graduated in 1969. 

The history of the Bellevue Schools of Nursing came from the following website: 

https://www.cfnny.org/archives/bellevue-hospital-school-of-nursing-alumnae-association-records/

We all remember our days in nursing school and the highs and lows of completing the rigorous curriculum to graduate. The nursing profession is one of the most trusted and valued healthcare professionals. It is interesting to see where we have come from in our educational process. The Nures’s Secret gives a glimpse into what it was like in nursing school, working in the hospital, the long study sessions, the friendships made with classmates, and the thrill of graduating. Let us know what you think of this book and your most memorable moment while in nursing school. 

Cynthia’s Memorable Moment from Nursing School

The most memorable part of earning my initial nursing degree—a Bachelor’s from Mississippi University for Women—was the friendships I made. That degree was one of the most challenging experiences of my life, but also one of my most significant accomplishments. My classmates were incredible, and my roommate, though not a nursing major herself, deserves sainthood for supporting me when I felt like I might lose my mind trying to survive nursing classes.

For my master’s and doctoral degrees, my study and support groups once again made the journey meaningful. They not only enhanced my learning process but also made the experience enjoyable. These friendships were invaluable and remain a highlight of my nursing education.

Laura’s Memorable Moments from Nursing School

Let’s face it—you can not get through nursing school without a support system. That support system usually involves the other students in the program! We helped one another by studying together, preparing, and going to clinicals, and critiqued one another as we prepared for our skills check in the nursing lab. So, I agree—friendships made during nursing school are precious and seem to last the test of time.