International Placement for Mental Health Nursing Student

Bethan, a current MA Mental Health Nursing student at the University of Salford, shares her enriching experiences from two international placements.

Last May, she joined students from around the world in Utrecht for International Week and International Nurse's Day, contributing to a lecture on the UK perspective of sexual health and young people. This event offered valuable networking and cultural insights, along with practical skills from a disaster emergency simulation.

In January, Bethan embarked on a solo six-week placement in Finland with a home-based rehabilitation team for the elderly, focusing on substance misuse. This experience not only enhanced her academic knowledge but also significantly boosted her confidence and cultural competence.

"In May last year, as part of International Week (and International Nurse's Day!), I went to Utrecht with students from Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, and Chile to listen to a series of lectures regarding healthcare. Salford did a lecture on the UK perspective of sexual health and young people, which I also helped to provide research towards. During this week, as well as being able to network and learn about different cultures, particularly in relation to healthcare, I was also able to take part in a disaster emergency simulation, equipping me with skills for the future. I've attached three images from this experience.

"Then in January this year, I went to Finland for six weeks on a solo nursing placement, which was my first time travelling alone. My placement was with a home-based rehabilitation team for the elderly, with a particular focus on substance misuse. Whilst here, I also travelled to Estonia, which is the picture of me with the colourful background. I learnt so much during this placement, both academically and on a personal level, and I'm so glad I did it. I really wanted to build my confidence and improve my cultural competence, to help me be a more open-minded nurse in the future and to be able to establish meaningful relationships with my patients. I've attached six images of my time in Finland.

"These were both huge steps out of my comfort zone, but ones that I'm so glad I did!"