Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist)

© irene waters 2014

The funny thing about interviews is that you don’t really remember them. I have had oodles of interviews throughout my life as no doubt most of us had. The first interviews were with the headmistress always as a result of either our playing up in French lessons or for refusing to do as told in our gym lessons. I can remember the fear as we waited for the summons but have absolutely no recollection of what went on in the room when the call finally arrived.

Then there was the interview for my first job as a potato peeler. Again no recollection. I do recall the interview I had with Sister Capell after I had dyed the scrambled eggs green. I was lucky not to lose my job.

Following that was the interview which must have gone with my acceptance to the first hospital I applied to do my nursing. Again no recollection.  My next interview at Royal North Shore I do have some memory of.

I couldn’t wait. I was accepted to start my nurse training at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in January. Then, I visited a patient in the Royal North Shore Hospital. The nurses there wore traditional uniforms with white aprons and looked like nurses. I decided I would apply there instead. 

All the application forms and medical, psychological and vocational testing were completed and I had been granted an interview. My nerves were strung tight as I had heard that the Royal North Shore rejected more girls than they took. I entered to face the severe, non-smiling matron. 

“What is your father’s occupation?” 

“A minister of the church.” I answered.

“What did your brother achieve in the higher school certificate?” 

“All high distinctions.”

” What is he studying?”

“I don’t see the relevance what my brother is doing. It’s me applying for the job.”

I started in March.

My interviews continued in this vein. Most I can remember before the event, and even after the event but except for a couple of notable interviews such as when I told the interviewer when asked why did I want to do midwifery  I replied “because I want your job”. Another interview the panel of four sat in four different corners of the room making it impossible to be inclusive when answering questions. Definitely a tactic to put the poor applicant at a disadvantage. Most I have no recollection of the interview itself at all.

Why is this so? Is it the effect of the adrenaline in a fear riddled body and like childbirth the pain of it is forgotten soon after?

This is in response to Lisa’s Bite Size memoir