'Sister'

'Sister'is a title which denotes a nurse's position in the nurse hierachy in British hospitals. A 'Sister' is currently the highest ranking nurse. The order is as follows: 'Sister', 'Staff nurse' 'State Registered Nurse', 'State Enrolled Nurse and 'Student Nurse'. 'Matrons' used to at the top of the hierachy, above 'Sister' but the Tory (Conservative) goverment dispensed with them which, in my opinion, has lead to the increase in infections (such as MRSI) being spread to patients in hospital due to lack of adequate cleaning and hygienic practices within a hospital ward. Matrons used be ultimately responsible for the cleanliness of the wards and were very efficient and affective. However, as they were 'paid too much' (according to the right wing Tories)they were made redundent and the role of cleaning was privatised and given to any cheap firm which cut corners who are not accountable to the 'Sisters'in the wards.

To answer your question - yes, nurses were, in days gone by, nuns however this is no longer the practice in NHS (National Health Service) hospitals.