Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You! A Little Book of Big Things Nursing School Forgot to Teach You by Sonja Schwartzbach Summary

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You by Sonja Schwartzbach is a motivational memoir for nurses that explores the emotional and psychological realities of nursing practice. Rather than providing clinical instruction, the book shares personal stories, reflections on the nursing profession, and advice on self-care and avoiding burnout. Sonja Schwartzbach draws from her experience as a cardiac surgery ICU nurse to address the challenges nursing school cannot fully prepare graduates for.

Sonja Schwartzbach, also known as Sonja Mitrevska-Schwartzbach, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) and best-selling author. She worked as a registered nurse in the Cardiac Surgery ICU before becoming a nurse anesthetist. Her personal blog about nursing adventures was picked up by the Huffington Post, establishing her as a social influencer and advocate for the nursing profession.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You is primarily written for new nursing graduates and nursing students approaching the end of their training. The book resonates most with nurses entering their first clinical roles or those in their early career years. However, experienced nurses may find the content repetitive or less valuable if they already understand the emotional realities of bedside nursing.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You receives mixed reviews with an average rating of 3.73 out of 5 stars. New nurses often find the book motivational and reassuring, appreciating its honest portrayal of nursing challenges and emotional validation. However, readers seeking clinical instruction or advanced nursing techniques may be disappointed, as the book focuses more on personal experiences and motivational content rather than practical clinical skills.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You by Sonja Schwartzbach addresses several key nursing themes including the emotional and psychological challenges of nursing practice, the importance of self-care to prevent burnout, and coping with workplace trauma. The book also discusses nurse bullying, maintaining empathy in difficult situations, and the dangers of self-medicating to cope with job stress. Schwartzbach emphasizes finding balance and purpose while remaining passionate about the nursing profession.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You helps new nurses by providing emotional validation that fear and mistakes are normal parts of the nursing journey. Sonja Schwartzbach shares real experiences that nursing school cannot fully prepare students for, helping graduates feel less alone in their anxieties. The book serves as a motivational resource when instructors are no longer available to provide encouragement, reigniting passion for the nursing profession during challenging early career moments.

Critics of Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You note that the title is misleading, as the book does not provide clinical instruction on safe nursing practice. Readers frequently mention grammatical errors, repetitive content, and clichéd advice that lacks depth. Some reviewers found the book contained inappropriate content and transphobic discussions, while others felt it was too substance-less and focused excessively on the author's personal life rather than actionable nursing advice.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You does not provide clinical nursing skills or instruction on safe patient care practices. Despite the title suggesting near-miss experiences, Sonja Schwartzbach's book focuses on motivational content, personal reflections, and emotional aspects of nursing rather than technical clinical knowledge. Readers expecting to learn important clinical facets of nursing practice will find the book does not meet those expectations.

Sonja Schwartzbach emphasizes that nursing self-care is essential to prevent burnout and substance abuse among healthcare professionals. In Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You, she advocates for practical self-care strategies like:

• taking walks
• journaling
• meditation
• avoiding self-medication

Schwartzbach warns that workplace trauma is common in nursing and encourages nurses to utilize counseling services covered by healthcare benefits to process difficult experiences.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You differs from traditional nursing reference books by taking a memoir-style, motivational approach rather than providing clinical education. Unlike instructional nursing texts, Sonja Schwartzbach's book reads more like a personal letter or motivational speech focused on the emotional journey of nursing. This makes it less suitable for nurses seeking evidence-based practice guidance but valuable for those needing encouragement and validation during career transitions.

Sonja Schwartzbach writes Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You in a conversational, personal style blending humor with candid reflections on nursing experiences. The audiobook, narrated by Schwartzbach herself, allows her authentic voice and sincerity to shine through. However, multiple reviewers note significant grammatical errors and typos throughout the book, with some describing it as resembling a first draft rather than a polished publication.

Oh Sh*t, I Almost Killed You is frequently recommended to nursing graduates because it addresses the emotional realities and fears that new nurses commonly experience. The book serves as emotional support during the vulnerable transition from student to practicing nurse, reminding graduates why they chose nursing when facing challenging situations. Sonja Schwartzbach's personal stories help new nurses understand that making mistakes and feeling overwhelmed are universal experiences in the profession.