When Sister Ruled: The Nursing Sister

Self-sacrifice and devotion to duty were the bywords of the traditional nursing sister. Since the days of Florence Nightingale these women have been instrumental in setting the standards of care for which our hospitals have been renowned. Using first-hand as well as historical accounts, Peter Ardern examines this important role in nursing, from the religious sisterhoods of the nineteenth century and the martinets of the early twentieth century to the modern ward sister of today. The job satisfaction, respect for authority, camaraderie, teamwork, as well as the many restrictions and sacrifices associated with the job, are also explored, often with the help of amusing anecdotes.