MINE project- Captains blog no.3

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.