Outlook and Reflection

With this final blog post, I will dive into my outlook and overall reflection of my elective placement in Iloilo. I have gained so much more knowledge culturally, environmentally, medically and academically whilst in the Philippines. It has taught me a different way of life and the differences between the UK and East Asia. At first being in the medical environment was a shock. It was a lot different to my expectations because even though I was informed by colleagues from the Philippines of the differences (in the UK) it’s hard to imagine something you’ve never seen. Other time I felt more comfortable in the environment I learnt how involved the families of patients are and the importance of a nurses job. I felt with my student colleagues we were able to talk about our experiences easily which allowed more traumatic scenes I witness in the emergency department sink in better for my own mental health. 

It’s hard to change your own mind space; you’ve grown up in a certain place your whole life, you may believe you know better. It is important to go in with a open mind, which I found hard at first but over my time in Iloilo it felt more familiar. I myself am not religious but culturally religion is a huge factor in Iloilo but respect works both ways. It’s important to respect others cultures and relgious views no matter what you believe. This itself relates to any health care professional. You follow a code and respect is part of that code, respecting your patients is extremely important no matter where in the world you are. 

I feel so much more confidence after my elective placement, I believe I proved to myself how much knowledge I know and was able to express my passion for medicine. My passion has always been elderly medicine and I felt with the older patients I witnessed in the hospital. I was able to show my passion by discussing their condition, what the next step for them is and learning how the older population are looked after in the Philippines. Their family’s look after them and nursing homes are extremely rare which I found a shocked compared to what is available in the UK. These open discussions allowed me to build a rapport with my colleagues both students and medical staff on the wards. I still feel very passionate that Ward nursing is for me. Especially in the department of elderly care and a educating element has also sparked my interest which I hope I can put into place once I have students of my own (fingers crossed I pass my third year that is!!!) I was very worried regarding the language barrier but found it very easy to talk to people as English is spoken universally and I was able to practise the few phrases I learnt in my language classes which felt nice and I hope I pronounced it okay. 

After reflection I believe I have improved as a person. I feel academically ready for next year and clinically. I feel more confident in myself and feel ready for a challenge. I think being pushed out of my comfort zone even though it was scary. Was a amazing experience and was definitely needed after my year 2 blues. Regarding my employability after this placement, I believe I have interesting conversations and experiences to give to any future employment and feel I have experienced a once in a lifetime opportunity. I feel so grateful for this opportunity and that I can add my experience to any application I make in the future; even if that’s to work aboard ‘who knows’ (not against it but I love my south west town!!).

 I’m not one to plan my life so much as 10 years time but global employment may be in my future, it may not be but at this time and in the next 5 years I want to stay in my sea side town. I love where I work, the communities and individuals I look after are so interesting and the individuals I work with are amazing! Some from the Philippines themself so I was very fortunate to learn some cultural aspects from their experiences and I was able to try some of their food before my visit to the Philippines. 

This helped as I am a fussy eater !! 

Reflecting on my own self; if I could go back in time I’d tell myself to chill out! I was expremely anxious about meeting new people which is normal but I would tell myself it’s okay to have some alone time. Your social battery doesn’t need to be charged at all times. I would tell myself to believe in yourself and be confident asking questions. As much as I enjoyed my two placements if I could go back; I would of asked for a week in surgery just for the experience or pediatrics but thankfully I got that experience in the ER. If I could give some advice to students thinking about a placement aboard, I would say go for it! It was a once in a lifetime experience that I’ll never forget. I’ve made friends for life and got to witness such a difference in health care. It has shown me how important the NHS is and that it shouldn’t be taken for granted. It is important to research the country your thinking about travellling to. Learn some phrases before hand and try to corespond with other students going to the same place especially if your travelling alone! 

My greatest acheievement was getting on that plane! This may sound silly but few days before I left for the Philippines I thought about backing out but I didn’t. I wanted to do this so badly to prove to myself I have the confidence to do something alone and I did! I’ve learnt so much in the Philippines, my communication skills have improved, as well as my clinical knowledge and my understanding in the role of a nurse. 

If I was asked the questions ‘would I recommend this to other students?’ I would say absolutely! 

Thank you for reading my blog! (Little video of me leaving)