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.

Author Biography

Peter Ardern's early life was spent in Sheffield. He began a career in psychiatric nursing at Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield, before completing his general nurse training at Barnsley. In 1994 he gained an MSc in social studies and in the same year won the Nursing Times' 'Nurse of the Year' award. Retiring in 1994 after thirty years in the National Health Service, he went on to complete a PhD in health studies in 1997. With his wife, June, Peter Ardern lives near Portsmouth. He is the author of When Matron Ruled, also published by Hale.