Remembrance Day, Invisibility and Emotions: Reclaiming nurses’ work in the World War One
The last 11th November at 11 am in the wonderful Playfair Library Hall, the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University joined for a Remembrance Day Service to commemorate the centenary of the end of WW1.
Professor Tonks Fawcett participated in the Service representing Nursing Studies in the occasion, beautiful and touching ceremony to remember all the brave souls who lost their lives, their relatives, and all those who still go to the frontline. The University Chaplain, Reverend Harriet Harris led the service giving a moving and thoughtful address. She honoured and recalled some heart-breaking events in Scotland as well as the heroic role of the forgotten women in the front line. In particular, the role of nursing. Reverend Harriet said ‘Nurses were regarded as both ‘invisible and invincible’ in the culture of the war, says Professor Yvonne McEwen, but they also suffered death, maiming and shell shock. They used their medical expertise and also their courage and emotional labour to heal the wounded’.
Units on parade will be the City of Edinburgh Universities Officers Training Corps, the Royal Naval Reserve and the East of Scotland Universities’ Air Squadron. The Pipes and Drums of the Universities Officers Training Corps attended the event for the Silence and the laying of wreaths. After the Silence, a small reception took place in the Raeburn Room, where a stunning presentation called ‘Invisibility and Emotions: Reclaiming nurses’ work in the World War One’ created by Professor Pam Smith was run.
The presentation promoted the discussion about the role of nurses during the conflict, and its invaluable contribution to better understand the role of emotions in nursing work. The PhD student in Nursing Studies, Lissette Aviles participated in the presentation and talked with the attendees about Professor Smith’s work and its implication in daily practice.
Post by: Lissette Aviles R
PhD Student Nursing Studies
Lissette.Aviles@ed.ac.uk
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