Beginning her ground-breaking work in the 1980s, and publishing her findings in 1992, Pam’s research exploring emotional labour in nursing has been taken up by a multitude of researchers. Her work has also been praised by educational institutions across the UK for striking a chord with nursing students as it reflects their everyday reality, explaining how emotions in nursing can be managed to enable learning to take place, and for them to feel safe in such demanding jobs.
Pam’s commitment to humanitarian values and actions has also been a golden thread throughout her life, exemplified by her work in Tanzania and Mozambique where, with colleagues, she provides politically informed support for development policy and practice, empowering people in poverty in the global south. This work continues to this day.
Pam is also celebrated by colleagues who have worked with her over the years for her committed, careful and inspiring role as a lecturer, supervisor and teacher.
Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director, said:
“This is a thoroughly deserved award for Pam. Nursing led research and policy development is vitally important in improving direct nursing care, and Pam is at the forefront of not only leading vital research but inspiring future nursing researchers through her Professorship at the University of Edinburgh.
“Pam’s courage and conviction to further nursing practice is crucial to making sure that the profession continues to move forward and continues to show what nursing is capable of with solid research, resources and passion.
“I look forward to working with her in her new role as an RCN Fellow as the College continues on our ambitious professional agenda.’
