When I joined Nursing Studies as a researcher and then a lecturer in 2016, we were celebrating our 60th anniversary. With these celebrations, I realised, probably for the first time, the potential and possibilities within nursing and the pioneering spirit of those first nurses at the University of Edinburgh.
My background was in palliative care and care home nursing, and I had opportunities as a member of staff to pursue these specialities. I carried out research with the then current student nurses about the nature and perceptions of practice placements in care homes. Together with the students we made a film about the invaluable role of care home nurses (at the DIY film school!) and used our film to engage policy makers at the Scottish Government. Then Covid arrived.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this time with colleagues, and at a time when no-one was allowed in to support the staff in care homes, we secured funding to see if it was feasible to undertake online conversations and reflective sessions (OSCaRS) after Covid related deaths. From those tentative beginnings, OSCaRS are now embedded in practice in NHS Lothian to support the care home teams.
The personal and professional growth I experienced in Nursing Studies gave me the courage to take a post with Marie Curie in 2023 as their Clinical Lead for care homes in Scotland. I also have a ‘side hustle’ as a Parish Nurse in a church in Edinburgh which I set up in partnership with Parish Nursing Ministries UK. This keeps my ‘hand in’ and my feet on the ground working with people on the margins due to poverty, homelessness or traumatic life experiences. It reminds me of the importance of caring for the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
In my time in Nursing Studies, I grew in my understanding of the influence that nurses can have, as change makers, and thought leaders. At the same time, we always promoted the importance of the fundamental aspects of care, staying connected to those in our care, keeping our eyes on the innate value of each person and our ears open to learning from their experiences of illness. For this I am very grateful to Nursing Studies and so pleased to continue my connection, ten years on, as an Honorary Fellow.
