This story follows Sue Barton's first year as a probationer and student nurse. With her red hair and eager spirit, Sue is a likable character—direct, outspoken, and capable of both mistakes and warm attachments. Alongside her friends Kit and Connie, she endures the discipline and rigorous training essential for a good hospital nurse. Her love of humor leads to several amusing situations, including a tumble into the laundry chute and an entertaining encounter with a non-English-speaking Italian patient. Sue's warm heart and delightful spirit earn her friends among patients and even occasional praise from the stern staff. Her femininity notably influences Dr. Barry, a talented young intern. Sue's student years are filled with vibrant experiences: the tests she must pass to earn her cap, human errors that threaten her career, and a challenging encounter with a delirious patient that tests her courage. The story also captures the joy of Christmas in the hospital, where the entire staff comes together for a spontaneous celebration. Readers, whether aspiring nurses or not, will find a true depiction of life in a training school and a heartwarming friendship with a fun, joyous young woman.
