12 of May 1980, we started our course
Do you remember that day as a scared student nurse?
Young and naïve, thrilled to leave home
Anxious, excited and a wee bit alone
But soon we made friendships
That have lasted for ever
We’ve steered our own courses
It’s been quite the endeavour

Led by Dr Collingwood
Who captained the ship
Through seas calm and stormy
We were safe in her grip

The accommodation was dodgy and falling to bits,
West, Red and Flo homes, It was all a bit shit
Communal kitchens, where no food was safe
and frequent visits from the fire brigade
Shared manky bathrooms, corridors with drafts
Where someone kept watch so another could bath
Young men were found lurking smuggled in by Donella
Or someone else who was hiding a fella
One phone in the corridor, how long did we wait?
A mobile back then would’ve been great

Preparing to party, music on full
jeans, zipped up with coat hangers as we tried to look cool
A night in the Grassmarket, just a short trip
Snakebites and babysham then chicken and chips
For the canteen was open back in those days
We were pissed munching carbs under the night sister’s gaze
We remember our first wards, and the characters who led:
The old school wards sisters who scared us to death
With envelope corners and wheels facing straight
Hiding in sluices, never daring to be late
We learnt on our feet, riding the wave
3rd year charge nights, Christ we were brave!
And then we were qualified, thrown into the deep
A brand new adventure, the learning curve steep

We were in theatres, in acute wards, Ortho, cardiology
Midwives and DN’s, practitioners in reflexology
Social workers, Nurse specialists, palliative care
GP practice nurses, nurse practitioners, we covered everywhere!
Hospital at night, and private care homes
Children, neonates, genetics chromosomes
Academics with Masters and then PhDs
Teaching the next generation to be the best they can be
We’re in management and counselling we’ve been medical reps
We’re brilliant strong woman with rock hard biceps

We’re in Mauritius and Norway, the Highlands and Kent
Wales and New Zealand, Berlin and Tranent
We’re musicians and artists, designers and potters,
We’re mothers who’re proud of our sons and our daughters
We’re grannies who’re revelling in The next generation
We’re storytellers, standing up delivering orations!
We’re authors and photographers, runners and rowers
We’re cyclists and horsewomen and carers and growers
We’ve fostered and supported at home and in church
Walking alongside others who continue to search
For safe waters, and a boat, that will weather the tides
For we’ve a wealth of experience that helps us to guide

I’ve touched upon highlights of 43 years
We’ve covered all areas and our awesome careers
So stand up you brilliant, wonderful woman
Look round and salute these amazing humans
Raise your glasses, a toast, It’s great to be here
May 1980, we’re the best, so then, CHEERS!