Yes Sister, No Sister: My Life as a Trainee Nurse in 1950s Yorkshire

Ever since I read the Sue Barton: Nurse books as a girl, I’ve been interested in reading books about nursing, particularly in the ‘olden’ days when there were Sisters and Matrons and nurses wore caps. (I’m sure some of my nurse friends would be horrified with my thoughts). This book appeared on Kobo and I had to have it. It tells the story of Jennifer’s training as a nurse at the Leeds General Infirmary in the 1950s – the highs, the lows and the friends. This book is very funny in places (eg. climbing up a rope ladder after being locked out of the nurses’ home) and very sad in others (eg. death of a baby, a colleague being diagnosed with schizophrenia).

It also highlights the differences in nursing today and back then – show more in Jennifer’s days, nurses did some of the cooking for the patients, cleaned the ward (including dusting) and were expected to be subservient to the ward sister and Matron. These days, nurses don’t cook generally (that’s why there’s kitchen staff) or clean (orderlies and cleaners are employed) and everyone’s pretty much on first name terms. I’m not a nurse, but being called ‘Sister’ in my hospital is a term that you’re one of the gang, rather than a sign of authority.

It was interesting to read that about 30% of the other students Jennifer (or Jenny) started with actually completed the course. Nursing seems like hard work – long day shifts, split shifts, night shifts – and then study as well. There was bullying of nurses and restrictions on dress, code of conduct etc. It was heartening though to read about the strong friendships made during her time at LGI.

Easy to read and well written, this is a good read for an insight into those times. Although it wraps up rather quickly and abruptly, it is still an interesting one. show less

What a lovely book this is. Giving great detail of the life of a trainee nurse in the 1950s. A true story of a way of nursing long past.

Back Cover Blurb:
A trainee nurse in the 1950s had a lot to bear. In Jennifer Craig's enchanting memoir, we meet these warm-hearted yet naive young girls as they get to grips with strict discipline, long hours and bodily fluids. But we also see the camaraderie that develops in late-night study sessions, sneaked trips to the cinema and mischievous escapades with twinkly-eyed young doctors.

Excellent memoir. Takes her from first day as a trainee up to her experience as a ward Sister. She then emigrates to Canada. 2010. Most of her training and work experience take place at Leeds General Infirmary.