I've been in deep procrastination since returning from Finland, but I'm forcing myself to write this evaluation now.
The MINE project was a remarkable experience, I applied for it with little knowledge or expectation, and in fact I didn't really think about what it would involve until I was sat on the runway about to leave Heathrow.
However, this is always the case with me, I try not to think about things until their happening, I make a decision and then decide not to think about the consequences until it becomes absolutely necessary. It was by this method that I decided to study Nursing and although I'm ultimately happy with my decision, I have struggled with the course and I have struggled to find a common ground within nursing culture. The MINE project opened my eyes to how many other students share my frustrations and ambitions which has been invaluable to me as the NHS is a scary place to be at the moment and student nurses need all the optimism and solidarity we can muster!
I thought the way the MINE project was delivered was particularly clever. On reflection the anxiety we experienced at having such a flexible and limitless task, really demonstrated the limitations of our previous education. We almost couldn't believe we were free to explore the subject matter and present it however we saw fit. We are so used to being told what to do in order to pass that we all seemed a little lost at times during the project.
However, I really enjoyed the group work and felt very proud of the work produced by every group. In our sub-groups we worked in a group of 12, and I thought we worked very well together. The biggest challenge for me was trying to not take control, this was difficult, partly because of different levels of English and partly because I always tend to be a group leader, as I'm quite happy taking charge. Luckily our group had some really strong personalities and I think we all worked hard for equal contribution. It was of course stressful but we worked well as a group which I'm really proud of.
Learning about each different countries healthcare systems was truly revolutionary for me, I was beginning to feel entirely assimilated into the UK system and had almost stopped questioning it but after my time in Finland I feel more capable for challenging these systems and ideals. I think my time on the Erasmus exchange will further encourage my ability to see the bigger picture and not lose sight of the need for progress in healthcare.
The MINE project was a unique experience that will stay with us for the rest of our careers and will remind us to question our perceptions and to remind us what we're capable of. I met some really wonderful people, that I'm very proud to share a profession with.
By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Confucius.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Sunday, 12 February 2012
MINE project- Captains blog no.3
The first week of the MINE project has come to an end, and I honestly don't know where the time has gone.
On Tuesday we embarked upon a virtual tour of Europe, viewing all the student made video's from each country. I found this really interesting as each country had such a unique style, and a very different balance of university information and local information.
After the virtual tours each country prepared a food market stall packed with their traditional specialities and of course lots of alcohol. I spent most of my time gravitating towards the Italian stall, feeling a little embarrassed about our pork pies and Marmite (Although I do love pork pies and Marmite!) This was a great opportunity to socialise with the group on the whole.
On Wednesday we learnt about learning theories, it made me think about how much I've changed as a learner. I found school impossible as I have a fairly weird way of absorbing information and it wasn't until I became an adult learner that I learnt how to effectively structure my learning. This structure is of course influenced by who I am and how I see the world, and I would imagine everyone learns in a slightly different way due to individual perceptions and within this individual perceptions there are both strengths and limitations. The reflective process is helpful in considering the limitations of perception and has made me think about the importance of good communication skills.
In fact the MINE project so far has made me very thoughtful indeed!
Thanks for reading.
On Tuesday we embarked upon a virtual tour of Europe, viewing all the student made video's from each country. I found this really interesting as each country had such a unique style, and a very different balance of university information and local information.
After the virtual tours each country prepared a food market stall packed with their traditional specialities and of course lots of alcohol. I spent most of my time gravitating towards the Italian stall, feeling a little embarrassed about our pork pies and Marmite (Although I do love pork pies and Marmite!) This was a great opportunity to socialise with the group on the whole.
On Wednesday we learnt about learning theories, it made me think about how much I've changed as a learner. I found school impossible as I have a fairly weird way of absorbing information and it wasn't until I became an adult learner that I learnt how to effectively structure my learning. This structure is of course influenced by who I am and how I see the world, and I would imagine everyone learns in a slightly different way due to individual perceptions and within this individual perceptions there are both strengths and limitations. The reflective process is helpful in considering the limitations of perception and has made me think about the importance of good communication skills.
In fact the MINE project so far has made me very thoughtful indeed!
Thanks for reading.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
MINE project- Captain's blog no.2
So I'm glad I waited until the second day to blog, as Alex nicely explained what the reflective cycle is today, and before this point I thought it was just an excuse to rant.
Yesterday we were shown around the hospital in Pori, it was a very interesting experience partly because I kept thinking about the tag line for the TV show 'Generation Kill'- 'Observe everything, admire nothing'. However there was much to admire, the hospital felt calm and almost homely in comparison to my last hospital placement at North Middlesex Hospital in north London. The tag line from generation kill is relevant because I often think we forget how biased our perceptions can be, observations is possibly the most valuable tool that nurses have, but we are often influenced by our own value systems and do not observe but instead interpret.
As we walked around and I began thinking about nurse/patient ratio's, how much I'd like to kick David Cameron and about how my new career seemed like pushing a boulder up a hill, as all these thoughts spiralled and I started to feel a little angry.
At this point I remembered to 'observe everything', in this moment of observation it occurred to me that the entire population of Finland is 5.4 million in a space of 130,596 sq miles, and London has a population of 13.9 million in 607 sq miles, they are different places with very different cultural and healthcare issues. Simply looking at a quiet ward and assuming this means less sick people and better healthcare would be a naive assumption, it does however make me want to learn about their systems and their problems and here in lies the beauty of exchange programs! The process of comparison is paramount in assessing our individual strengths and weakness, through this experience we have the opportunity to look at our own healthcare systems with fresh eyes, learn from each other and allow our systems to grow and not just stagnate.
Yesterday we were shown around the hospital in Pori, it was a very interesting experience partly because I kept thinking about the tag line for the TV show 'Generation Kill'- 'Observe everything, admire nothing'. However there was much to admire, the hospital felt calm and almost homely in comparison to my last hospital placement at North Middlesex Hospital in north London. The tag line from generation kill is relevant because I often think we forget how biased our perceptions can be, observations is possibly the most valuable tool that nurses have, but we are often influenced by our own value systems and do not observe but instead interpret.
As we walked around and I began thinking about nurse/patient ratio's, how much I'd like to kick David Cameron and about how my new career seemed like pushing a boulder up a hill, as all these thoughts spiralled and I started to feel a little angry.
At this point I remembered to 'observe everything', in this moment of observation it occurred to me that the entire population of Finland is 5.4 million in a space of 130,596 sq miles, and London has a population of 13.9 million in 607 sq miles, they are different places with very different cultural and healthcare issues. Simply looking at a quiet ward and assuming this means less sick people and better healthcare would be a naive assumption, it does however make me want to learn about their systems and their problems and here in lies the beauty of exchange programs! The process of comparison is paramount in assessing our individual strengths and weakness, through this experience we have the opportunity to look at our own healthcare systems with fresh eyes, learn from each other and allow our systems to grow and not just stagnate.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
MINE project 2012
Hi Everyone
I've really enjoyed getting to know everyone though the Facebook mine project page. It opened my eyes to what a unique experience and course this is and also made me feel more prepared to go to Finland.
I think the use of social networking can only improve the exchange process for everyone, as the more information and communication that's available, the easier the exchange will be.
I found the wiki sight really interesting, especially the part about each countries customs and there was lot's of useful information there as well. It did however feel a little disjointed, the Facebook pages feel more organic as there is always new information being posted and the opertunity for discussion but I guess the wiki site serves a different purpose.
I had no idea blogging was so easy!
Thanks for reading
Rach
I've really enjoyed getting to know everyone though the Facebook mine project page. It opened my eyes to what a unique experience and course this is and also made me feel more prepared to go to Finland.
I think the use of social networking can only improve the exchange process for everyone, as the more information and communication that's available, the easier the exchange will be.
I found the wiki sight really interesting, especially the part about each countries customs and there was lot's of useful information there as well. It did however feel a little disjointed, the Facebook pages feel more organic as there is always new information being posted and the opertunity for discussion but I guess the wiki site serves a different purpose.
I had no idea blogging was so easy!
Thanks for reading
Rach
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