A Proud Man.

[Jock Scot]

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.

OK from the "horses mouth" so to speak.

A general nurse that is not a qualified SRN is called an "AUXILIARY NURSE".

A nurse qualifying to be a SRN is called a "STUDANT NURSE".

A nurse that has fully qualified as a State Registered Nurse(SRN) is in the UK called a "STAFF NURSE".
To specialise----A&E, intensive care, theatre, etc., you have to be an SRN(although Auxiliaries may assist)
To gain further promotion you also have to be an SRN

In England and Wales the next "rank" is called "SISTER" for females and "CHARGE NURSE" for males.
In Scotland this "rank" for both male and females are called a "CHARGE NURSE".

All of the above have various grades depending on experience and job requirements and the general term is "NURSE"

"MATRON" no longer exists and now sails under various management titles although "SENIOR NURSING OFFICER" would be the nearest.