Not Your Average Nurse cover art

Not Your Average Nurse

The Entertaining True Story of a Student Nurse in 1970s London

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Not Your Average Nurse

By: Maggie Groff
Narrated by: Catherine Milte
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About this listen

Award-winning novelist Maggie Groff shares stories of her richly varied and at times unusual former nursing career.

'Over time, I nursed victims of war, the posh, the poor, the famous and the infamous.... Oh, the stories I can tell!'

To a young girl, the life of a student nurse sounds exciting, but with long hours and short shrift it's never easy. So when Maggie Groff embarks as a student nurse at London's King's College Hospital, she must quickly get to grips with the demands of her chosen career. It's sink or swim.

In a delightful romp through time, played out against the march of feminism and the fashion, music and movies of almost half a century ago, we follow Maggie's highs and lows as, with trial and much error, she becomes a highly skilled nurse and sets sail for a new life in Australia.

From the watchful gaze of stern ward sisters and the ordeals of nursing at a poor housing estate to becoming an industrial nurse at the iconic Sydney Opera House, Maggie shares her stories of mistakes and mayhem, tea and sympathy and the life-affirming moments that make it all worthwhile.

©2017 Maggie Groff (P)2017 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd Student Career

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All stars
Most relevant  
Brought back many memories. Very relatable and many laugh out loud moments as a result. Beautifully written and probably there was a book in every chapter.

Very enjoyable read

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Left me wishing I’d chosen a career in nursing. And had the get up and go that Maggie had! What an adventure, enjoyed every chapter.

Such a good listen

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Loved it! What a great book. I love to hear true life stories. Great book

Fab!

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As a Registered Nurse who qualified the “nightingale” way, I was instantly transported back to my own training, living in residences, working for a pittance while studying in between copious amounts of alcohol & parties … I wouldn’t change a second of my time but I’m glad to be retired after a 33yr career as an RGN!
Beautifully narrated & highly recommended

I loved every minute!

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Ahh this really takes me back to my training days! I absolutely loved the book and the narrater

A great reflection of nurse training in that era

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What made the experience of listening to Not Your Average Nurse the most enjoyable?

the whole story really

What did you like best about this story?

the way it kept me coming back to see what happens next....

What about Catherine Milte’s performance did you like?

Yes!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

yes there were a few moments, you'll just have to listen to it to find them yourself

If you like a good story, this ones good

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The doggy accompanymemt and intermittent conversation on my recording was annoying and puzzling. Hopefully it was unique. It did not quite spoil a good yarn in

The Dog which did bark Often

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Oh my goodness, as a community nurse of many years this book resonated so much. What a fabulous, adventurous life. Catherine Milte is so engaging, I just didn't want it to end😪 it is so well written and might I say true for anyone having trained at that time. Thank You it won't be the last time I listen to this book.

Didn't want it to end!

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I absolutely loved this journey through time. Maggie has had a life well lived, and I enjoyed every minute of listening to her nursing career. Very well read too.

So brilliant!

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Much seemed familiar recalling my own experience of student nurse training in the nineteen-eighties; I think my favourite part of the book. Enjoyed the nostalgia! ‘The tea round! ‘- what a fixture of the culture back then? Some touching and memorable recollections (the nun asking for her fingernails to be painted and working with a legendary star from the silent film era). The book also exemplifies what possibilities have been/are open to nurses. Well narrated too.

What a career and CV?!

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