2017 Volume 4 Issue 1 Pages 49-56
Aim: This original oral history research explores the motivation for, and experience of, humanitarian nursing. It demonstrates nursing’s role in relief work, offering a unique record of such remarkable nursing contributions in the late 20th and early 21st century. The formation of modern nursing is often associated with times of conflict, such as the Crimea and other wars, where nurses offered their services. This research adds understanding to the continuing attraction of such work and its place in nursing history and practice.
Methods: Following ethical approval, oral histories were recorded with seven nurses who worked for Médecins Sans Frontières during this period. Analysis used the Listening Guide, a feminist approach employing four related readings of the data.
Results: The histories of these nurses locate their extraordinary experiences within their life and identity as nurses; escapism and moral outrage, combined with a love of travel and thirst for adventure, influenced their decision to undertake humanitarian work. Once on a mission, their narrative captures the contrast between the ordinary and the extraordinary; familiar routine experiences side by side with mortal danger. Returning to normal life required resilience and a reappraisal of their life story in order to locate their experiences, finding meaning and peace in their post-mission world. An overarching theme of ‘dreams’ includes romance, nightmares and impossible dreams.
Conclusion: At a time of debate and challenge regarding the role and identity of nursing within society, this research records and analyses the oral histories of nurses working with Médecins Sans Frontières at this time.
