The hospice in Lourdes, founded in 1836 had a dual purpose ; to provide primary education for girls from poor families and to give a home to elderly people for whom nobody cared. Hence the name"hospice". Bernadette came to the Hospice towards the end of January 1858 a few days before the apparitions.

The Sisters would also provide her with the possibility of learning a trade - dressmaking.
Through her work with the sick people she discovered her vocation as a nurse. During these years the Sisters had great respect for Bernadette allowing her to develop in every way, accepting her as she was even after the apparitions.

Bernadette with the Sisters of Charity of Nevers -
Community of the Hospital in Lourdes in 1866

The Sisters left her free to work out for herself what she planned for the future. This period of reflection raised many questions in Bernadette's mind. Her decision to become a Sister of Nevers would also be the result of a lengthy and thoughtful process. What Bernadette most appreciated among other things was the Sisters' discretion towards her.
In April 1866, she wrote her letter of application asking to enter the Noviciate.

"I came because the Sisters did not exert any influence on my decision."

She was to be admitted there either as a day pupil or a boarder in the class reserved for poor girls, then as an au pair girl and finally as a postulant until her departure for Nevers in July 1866.