When Matron Ruled - Hardcover

Ardern, Peter

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0709068581 ISBN 13: 9780709068587

Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd, 2002

Synopsis

'A strict disciplinarian, my matron had all the right qualities in all the right quantities,' said a retired nurse on interview. When Matron Ruled explores those qualities and values that set matron apart as a leader of nurses, and looks at individual personalities, from the time of Nightingale's matrons to their demise three decades ago, as well as anticipating their heralded revival. The role of matron evolved over many years and was influenced by changes in social attitudes and conditions. In her commanding role within the hospital, matron was both feared and revered, but a dragon she was not. Her main abilities were her organizational skills, maintenance of nursing standards within the hospital and resolution of the problems of her staff and patients. With many direct accounts from matrons and their nurses, this book dispels the myths about these remarkable leaders of nurses. The stories reveal the other side of matron and the fun in nursing, as well as the hard work and adversities. With the current plans to bring back matrons, When Matron Ruled will delight all those interested in the years when the traditional matron walked the corridors of our hospitals.

About this title

About the Author

Peter Ardern was born and educated in Sheffield. He began his career in psychiatric nursing at Middlewood Hospital, Sheffield before completing his general nurse training at Barnsley. He moved to Portsmouth in 1969 and was promoted to charge nurse in 1971. Working as a counsellor for the elderly, he co-presented a bereavement video package. In 1994 he gained an MSc in social studies and won the Nursing Times's 'Nurse of the Year' award. Retiring in 1994 as a senior nurse after thirty years in the National Health Service, he studied for a PhD in health studies. Peter Ardern lives in Portsmouth with his wife, June, where they are involved in charity work for deaf children, and are researching a further book on nursing.

Edition details

• Publisher: Robert Hale Ltd
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0709068581
• ISBN 13: 9780709068587
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256