Diary of a Student Nurse: Love, death, friendship and ward rounds

A touching account of the life and death situations, friendships and affairs of the heart of a student nurse in the 1970s.

Suz Evasdaughter''s engaging style conjures a vivid picture of the hospital dramas, the procedures, the professional barriers and the camaraderie that became her world. From her first encounter with the dead, to the joy of seeing new life. From cancer wards and unexpected loss to canteen laughs and much-needed moral support.

Suz''s personal experience captures both an era and a wonderful profession - warts and all. I was allowed the privilege of being with people at their most vulnerable and painful moments and, I hope, brought them comfort. It was a great honour to be with people in their last moments. People who knew they were dying trusted me with their worst fears and their lost hopes. Nursing taught me compassion and provided a strong foundation for life. It brought me stability, a community, a base from which to find my way and an invaluable skill set.