Finding Themselves The Letters of an American Amy Chief Nurse in the British Hospital in France

"Finding Themselves" by Julia C. Stimson is a collection of personal letters offering a glimpse into the life of an American Army Chief Nurse at a British hospital in France during World War I. Through her letters, Stimson shares her experiences, the hardships of nurses on the front lines, and the era's overarching themes of global conflict and women's service. Beginning with Stimson's mobilization in May 1917, the letters recount the hurried preparations and deployment of her unit, revealing both her sense of duty and her nervousness regarding their crucial task. Stimson's writing showcases the challenges of organizing and leading her team, her compassion for the soldiers, her observations on the bonds between nurses, community support, and the deep emotions tied to their wartime mission.