Dish washing translated to scrubbing bedpans, product promotion helped me to sweet talk post ops to take first steps, and modelling had me arrive on the ward at 6am with mascara, lipstick, and a dab of French perfume to cheer up the moribund sick. Don’t recall what use wrapping newspapers was. Not everything is a life lesson. Hard, but also joyful, years of training followed, full of adventures and high jinks (as 18-year-old girls required to live in the Nurses Home are wont to have).

I learnt that laying on of hands is a privilege, and can save lives many ways. These days health professionals, and teachers, are not encouraged to touch their patients and charges therapeutically, but the ministering of touch by someone who cares when you’re anxious, sick, or sad, can release endorphin and make life that bit easier. 

Through my effort to make patients comfortable and their surroundings pleasant, I sensed there was co-relation between order and harmony, beauty and wellbeing.  Whilst Sister in Charge of a surgical ward I encouraged patients to bring in one loved item from home - a painting, favourite drinking mug or throw rug.

I learnt that the dynamics of our living space can affect health and happiness. This informed and guided me in the wonderful 25 years that followed with my second career as an interior designer. Your first job always instructs you, somehow.