Nursing Background

Prior to nursing I attended a particular school, Marist Brothers Dundas. It would have been in the late 1960's. I was sitting in class quite bored and so I started to stare at the wall next to me. On this wall was a poster advertising volunteer work required at St John of God Hospital, Grose Vale Rd, North Richmond. (see picture below) Well I pondered for sometime and shortly afterwards, with the help of my parents, I contacted them to see if I could assist.

I started working there when I was about 13 years of age. It was a beautiful old place out in the bush. The patients were from the rich and famous. The others, also famous in their own way, where retired brothers. priests, bishops etc, I think you get the drift. I worked there for many years and quite often during school holidays or on weekends. My father would drive me up and drop me off, all the way from Ryde. The picture is where the brothers lived.

The accommodation was basic and comfortable. The brothers looked after me quite well. They had a pool and large gardens (see picture below)to entertain me. The place had these large green frogs all over the place. They were fun to play with but they did not like me, but that is another story. The other thing that got my attention was this one ward with large walls around it so the patients could not get out. Some strange behaviour there I can tell you. But they seemed happy and contented.

Well I worked there so often the brothers would give me pocket money most times for helping out. I also did a few days at St John of God Hospital Burwood as well. This was pretty good. I had fun there, learnt alot about adults, work ethics and saving a bit of money for the luxuries of life. Such as lollies, fanta soft drink and football cards.

Some years later I decided to become a St John of God brother, which is a nursing order. I went through all the background checks and interviews. The brothers were happy with the results. Everything was done for them to take me in.

I was told to order the black pants etc. for the brother hood. At this point I was working as a wardsmen at St Vincent's Hospital Darlinghurst. Still living with my parents, but now at Matraville, in order to wait out my time till I could start nursing and join the brothers.

Then BANG! I had second thoughts and chickened out. A disappointment for all, not so much the brothers, they understood but my parents were shocked. The reason, I had discovered GIRLS! at St Vincent's. There was much more to life that I did not know about.

To be continued...