On your first day report to the Sister in charge of the ward. Your apron must be well starched and your cuffs three inches above your elbow. Your hair off your face and collar. You will show fear – for believe me you will be afraid.
In order not to be found fidgeting you will place your hands behind your back and you will stand straight and tall. Your shoes will be black with laces and shine. Your cap pulled well down over your hair and never placed jauntily exposing latest style. No jewellery is allowed. Face powder is not recommended as it will rub off, soiling starched white collar.
Boyfriends are not allowed in the Nurses home and any Nurse found conspiring to hide said boyfriend in wardrobe or assisting him to escape down drainpipe will be dismissed. Lights must be out by ten-o-clock and midnight indulgences are forbidden.
Your first duty will be to assist the ancient Auxiliary to clean flower vases and arrange flowers. You will take orders from Auxiliary and show obedience and respect at all times averting your eyes from her white nicotine stained hair. Once she is satisfied with your work you will be taught how to clean and sterilize both the ceramic and stainless steel bedpans and glass urinals. At the end of this part of your training you will be able to eat your dinner off the sluice work-tops.
You will be aware at all times of tubes delivering oxygen to your patients. If you notice your patient becoming cyanosed it is imperative to ensure that you are not standing on said tube.
Upon the sad demise of your patient it is not acceptable to be found behind the bed screens with forceps in one hand and text book in the other. You will familiarize yourself beforehand of the correct procedure.
When on theatre duty it is wise to keep out of Surgeons way. Do not hide in the autoclave; as this could kill you. Do not purposely inhale the sterilization preparations however pleasant, as this could leave you damaged. If the Surgeon requests you to alter examination lamp above his head; ensure you are aware of which way to turn the knob – or be prepared to have instruments thrown at you or even more humiliating – to be banished from theatre. At all times be attentive when on ‘bucket’ duty. One wrong move and the thrown severed appendage or limb could end up on the floor – even with gloved hands; to retrieve said appendage or limb is not pleasant.
When on the Male ward you will ignore the many requests for bed baths. Bed baths are allowed once a week only and this procedure will be entered in the bath book.
At the Christmas service you will wear your uniform cloak inside out exposing the scarlet lining, the straps crossing your chest. This will further your popularity with the public as an administrating angel. But any repeat of last Christmas, when empty gin and vodka bottles were found behind the hassocks then the nurses responsible will be dismissed.
When your training is complete and you are able to call yourself a Registered Nurse, you will soon forget all the trauma of the last three years…or maybe you won’t forget them? The intimidation; the bullying and threats; shocks; sleep deprivation, the conflicts and clashes – as standing in front of you – her apron well starched; her cuffs three inch above her elbow and visibly shaking, you are able to smile at her. You have endured all these things and yet despite them, you will show compassion and kindness; because that is who you are.
You will then proceed to instruct her!
(Instructions for a student nurse in 1963)
(c) 2024 Lillian Bradbury.
“On Your First Day” is a poignant and humorous piece that takes us back to the 1960s, offering a glimpse into the life of a student nurse. The story paints a vivid picture of the strict rules and expectations placed on young women entering the nursing profession. From starched aprons and polished shoes to the fear-inducing instructions on how to behave in various situations, the narrative captures the essence of a bygone era in healthcare. The author’s witty observations and attention to detail bring to life the challenges and absurdities faced by these aspiring nurses, making it both an entertaining and enlightening read.
This delightful story is part of Lillian Bradbury’s collection “Welcome to my World,” a charming anthology of short stories and poems inspired by life in the picturesque Yorkshire town of Pickering. Bradbury’s writing style is both engaging and relatable, offering readers a window into a world filled with warmth, humor, and nostalgia. If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, while also providing moments of reflection and laughter, “Welcome to my World” is a perfect choice. Why not treat yourself or a loved one to this wonderful collection and experience the magic of Bradbury’s storytelling?
