Three years ago we moved to Oxford and I decided, after six years away from hospital, to return to my chosen career. I had a husband and two daughters, the younger only 2 years old, to consider but after much thought I plucked up courage to write to the Matron of the Radcliffe Infirmary.

I attended my interview in 'much trepidation, because the only hours I could offer were from 6.30p.m to 10p.m. on three evenings a week. However, to my surprise and joy I was accepted as a part-time staff nurse and was sent to work in the Male Accident Ward.

During many of the school holidays I was able to work on a full-time basis, as my children enjoy spending time with their grandparents. I really got to know the hospital, and my Ward Sister was very encouraging and gave me every opportunity to act as her relief when she was off duty. This, in turn, enabled me to meet the Consultants and other 'members of the Medical Staff. They appeared quite happy to work with a" part-timer".

Gradually, over the next two and a half years, I increased my hours of service, until I was working twenty-five hours a week, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

I was accepted, and since 1st June I have been a member of the teaching department and have been given the opportunity for revising in all aspects of nursing, and have attended doctors' lectures and tutorials, and had a great deal of help from all the Tutors. Understandably, I have had to learn the Radcliffe methods, which do differ from those of " The London", and of course equipment has changed, and with progress in medical knowledge treatments are different, but the patient and his family remain the same. They still look to the nurse for encouragement during difficult illnesses and they expect skilful bed-side nursing from kind and thoughtful nurses.

I am really enjoying my new-found responsibility, but have not quite recovered from the shock of finding myself one rung higher on the promotion ladder! I have of course "The London" to thank for my good grounding, but also the Radcliffe for giving me the opportunity to continue my career in addition to managing a home and bringing up a family.

A final word to married nurses who read this and I am sure those who have already "come back" will agree with me-the married nurse really has the best of both worlds. She has satisfaction in her family and in her career. It is a very busy life but a rewarding and happy one. The family too will appreciate a really contented Mum". So why not take my advice and try being a "part-timer "-they are needed and will, I am sure, derive great stimulus from the experience.

Patricia J. E. Mills (Nee Hunt).