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certain lack of enthusiasm among nurses for such classes, often accompanied by the excuse of, “We are just too busy taking care of patients.” But she also noticed that when nurses did have the rare quiet moment on break, they were often found reading, whether it was a newspaper or the newest bestseller. How then, mused Vega, could she use that inclination to provide meaningful professional education in a way that might be more appealing than the traditional classroom experience? The answer is a series of intriguingly- titled novellas, well-written by Vega, that tell a story as they address issues of great importance to the rapidly- evolving profession of nursing. The stories, involving several well-developed characters, appeal to individual nurses, whether they are male or female, black or white, experienced or new to the profession. The first two novellas are already published and enlightening nurses in this area and beyond; the third in the series, dealing with cultural diversity, is in final editing; and she’s at work already on the fourth, which will no doubt embed its lessons on teamwork and leadership in an entertaining story. One might wonder at the title of Vega’s first novella, “Lions and Tigers and Nurses.” “The one thing they all have in common is that they eat their young,” Vega says with a twinkle in her eye. “Senior experienced nurses do not always make it easy for newer, younger nurses to join their ranks.” That first novella deals with the Want to know more? Visit Amy Glenn Vega at www.nursingnovellas.com issue of “lateral violence” or workplace hostility; not so much physical violence as the more subtle kind of undermining that one nurse might direct toward another. Mary Holtschneider of the North Carolina Nurses Association says, “For those who have never personally experienced aspects of lateral violence, it will be not only educational but a bit disturbing to learn that such things can and do happen. The general public consistently ranks nursing as the most trusted profession, but this internal abuse still abounds.” The second novella, “Broken Heart,” 22 | June/July • 2010

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