Quote Originally Posted by davidlpope View Post
Jock,

Congratulations to your lovely wife!

I once worked with a nurse from Scotland. She had explained that nurses in Scotland were sometimes referred to as "Sister". I'm guessing this is a reference to nuns (Sisters of Mercy?) who were members of the profession. Is that still the practice?

Cordially,

David
In the UK, sister is a job title, one level up from nurse. The male equivalent is charge nurse, not brother, however. And yes, I believe it does derive originally from nuns being called sister.

The level above sister used to be matron, but I'm not sure they use that title anymore, probably because it sounds ... matronly! I think instead they now call both genders by what used to be the male job title for matron, but I can't recall what it is. My wife would know.

The main thing to remember is that if you refer to an entry-level nurse as sister you have accidentally 'promoted' her by one pay grade. And if you call a male nurse 'sister' then you need to see an optician.