Thoughts and feelings on becoming a QA! by Rod Eldridge

 

I joined the RAMC as qualified mental health nurse (RMN) in 1986 and always aspired to become a general nurse or as some might say a proper nurse! My elder brother Malcolm was a serving general nurse (SRN) in the RAMC, and he was enjoying a varied and successful career, he was very much a role model to me in the early days of my army career.

In 1989 following a 2yr tour of Northern Ireland as a Cpl, I was successful in securing a place for my general nurse training being seconded to a civilian hospital namely St Peters Chertsey. I qualified in 1991 and went to work at QEMH on various wards and depts, I also did short stint in Belize C.A. with the FST. Later that year having been recommended I applied for my commission, it was at this time, the talk on the corridors of the QEMH about the changes to the nursing Cadre was rife with the notion that all nurses irrespective of gender were having to transfer to or join, the QARANC. This was mentioned many times in the interviews and panels during my commissioning process.

My answer was partly playing the game as it would be foolish to go against the decision which on the face of made entire sense as it was logical to put all nurses in one Corps, especially if I wanted to gain my commission. There was a bit of me which was sad to say goodbye to the RAMC, but we all serve side by side in the AMS and as nurses irrespective of our individual Corps histories, badges, and accoutrements, we still do the same job, a nurse is a nurse! I was asked how we should deal with the diehards, and I said, those currently opposed to the transfer should be listened to, acknowledging their concerns, recognising that it is difficult to adapt to change and correct any misunderstandings and reinforce the positives in terms of career progression etc.

Jokes about the QARANC nurses were abundant and strong and at times angry opinions were voiced from some loyal and long serving RAMC male nurses. I’m sure this significant change happened on 1st April 1992 which either was to reflect the new tax year or April Fool’s Day!

I heard stories of RAMC nurses handing in their old cap badges to the hospital CO and collecting a QARANC cap badge from the Matron, I think this was at CMH. I guess if true this a way of was marking the occasion.

I was successful in gaining my commission and the rest is history as they, I believe I personally benefitted from this change, as I had full and rewarding career. That said I did have a little bottom lip quiver when I was handed my AMS full rugby colours and it came with QARANC blazer badge (see pic)!

Lt Col (Rtd)  Rodney Eldridge