Publisher's Synopsis
WHEN MATRON RULED explores the qualities and values that set Matron apart as a leader of nurses. Ardern looks at individual personalities, from the time of Nightingale's matrons to the demise of the role three decades ago, and anticipates their heralded revival. In her commanding role within the hospital, Matron was both feared and revered, but a dragon she was not. Her main abilities were her high organisational skills, maintenance of nursing standards within the hospital and resolving the problems of her staff and patients. With many direct accounts from matrons and their nurses, this book dispels the myths about these remarkable women. The stories reveal the other side of matron and the fun in nursing as well as the hard work and adversities.
