I started training as a nurse in 1980 after a struggle to achieve 5 'O' levels. On my first day, I had to learn how to make my hat, using a foot and 2 hands. It took some practice, but I managed eventually. I then did 8 weeks of introductory block, followed by my first ward, which was men's orthopaedics and thoracic at the Royal Masonic Hospital, Hammersmith. I loved the ward and the patients. My role as 1st year (or 'half belts') was to clean the sluice, polish the bedpans and do all the patients' observations. We were sometimes allowed to wash the patients and I even did a few dressings. I remember one man who had recently had thoracic surgery - he was smoking a pipe while I did his dressing!
My second ward was surgical, followed by medical. I don't remember much about the surgical ward, but the medical ward was brilliant. My job on medical involved a lot of rectal washouts; that was fine until I forgot the bucket once. The cleaner was not happy with me at all! The food at the Royal Masonic was brilliant and the lovely ward Sister on medical always gave me longer breaks and often came with me, because she was amazed at how much I could eat (nothing's changed there).
I'm pretty certain that was the end of my 1st year, oh yes, I forgot to say that we were paid a salary. I got £146 per month. I remember that well because it was the same as my room number in the nurses' home.
We then did our 1st year exams and I passed and became a 'white belt', which looked great without our starched white aprons.
2nd year was special surgery, care of the elderly (which was known as geriatrics then) and maternity.
Some funny stories will follow shortly - watch this blog....
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