Question About The Term "Sister"

Published

Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

I have heard of positions in UK hospitals like "Junior Sister". Are male nurses in those positions also refered to as "sisters"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

No they would be deputy ward managers or charge nurses.

Most jobs are advertised as a ward manager, deputy ward manager, team leader or charge nurse anyway now, it's at ward level you would be called sister.

Have to be honest whenever I'm called Sister Sharrie it makes me cringe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
No they would be deputy ward managers or charge nurses.

Most jobs are advertised as a ward manager, deputy ward manager, team leader or charge nurse anyway now, it's at ward level you would be called sister.

Have to be honest whenever I'm called Sister Sharrie it makes me cringe

*** SO male nurses at the ward level are called "sister"? Are there men working in these positions and don't people feel silly addressing a man as "sister"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
*** SO male nurses at the ward level are called "sister"? Are there men working in these positions and don't people feel silly addressing a man as "sister"?

Umm no you've misunderstood me. The female ward managers would be addressed as sister, males would be generally called charge

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

OK, that makes more sence. Thank you for explaining it to me. Are there any circumstances where a male RN would be adressed as sister?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
OK, that makes more sence. Thank you for explaining it to me. Are there any circumstances where a male RN would be adressed as sister?

None at all

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med/surg.
OK, that makes more sence. Thank you for explaining it to me. Are there any circumstances where a male RN would be adressed as sister?

Well actually when I did the psychiatry part of my training (many, many moons ago) our male ward manager liked to be addressed as "Sister (insert last name)" he was truly a fantastic charge nurse and was a cross-dresser outside of work. So that was how he liked it. It was, honestly, all done in good spirit but there's the answer to your question.

So it's not a complete "NO" but I wouldn't be surprised if he was the only ever exception to the rule! :lol2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
Well actually when I did the psychiatry part of my training (many, many moons ago) our male ward manager liked to be addressed as "Sister (insert last name)" he was truly a fantastic charge nurse and was a cross-dresser outside of work. So that was how he liked it. It was, honestly, all done in good spirit but there's the answer to your question.

So it's not a complete "NO" but I wouldn't be surprised if he was the only ever exception to the rule! :lol2:

:D thanks RGN

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Well actually when I did the psychiatry part of my training (many, many moons ago) our male ward manager liked to be addressed as "Sister (insert last name)" he was truly a fantastic charge nurse and was a cross-dresser outside of work. So that was how he liked it. It was, honestly, all done in good spirit but there's the answer to your question.

So it's not a complete "NO" but I wouldn't be surprised if he was the only ever exception to the rule! :lol2:

Why am I seeing Cpl. Klinger of MASH fame as I read this?:D:idea:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Obs & gynae theatres.

What are male Matrons called? :confused::confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Haemodialysis, acute medicine and s.

in my health board no-one is called sister anymore. The band 7 are called senior charge nurse, and the band 6 are charge nurses and registered nurses are staff nurses. My SCN hates being called 'sister'. In fact for the most part everyone is on first name terms anyway

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion