This morning we woke up bright and early! We had to be down and ready for the taxi at 7:15. We met outside the front doors of the hotel and waited to be picked up. We split into two groups. Each group went off to two different nursing homes. 

When we arrived to the nursing home we spoke to a few different nurses. We got a tour and learned all of the different places and wings of the nursing home. All of their rooms are filled at the moment. There are 50 current people living there. We had the chance to read a lot about the opportunities and activities that they have for the residents. Some people were even able to observe a nurse. With this they had a lot of fun and able to see more of their job. We talked to a nurse student who was doing her placement. She was on her 4th week of being in this nursing home. This was not her first interest. She first wanted to be child nurse but she did not get in. She ended up in adult nursing and she absolutely loves it! She told us they do not have an NCLEX exam before they become a nurse. Everyone loved to hear that because of the stress that the exam brings. We then went and talked to some of the residents before lunch. They all gathered at different tables. Everyone spread out and started to chat with them. We even played a miniature corn hole game and everyone seemed to enjoy it! Most of the patients surrounding us had dementia, but we were still able to get a very good conversation out of it. We asked them their favorite movies, hobbies, sports, and more! They loved our questions so we continued to ask. A nurse gave us a list of questions to ask each other. Through this we learned the three necessities they would bring on a deserted island and the funniest thing that happened to them this week. We also learned that the two people sitting with us were former teachers. One was an art teacher and the other was a philosophy teacher. I found this very interesting that we met two teachers considering my major is education. We then had lunch and were able to talk to everyone and catch up about the day. After lunch we watched the activity person prepare an activity for everyone. We were then off to catch our ubers to Birmingham City University. 

We were excited to return back here after a great presentation last night. We went to the campus shop to pick up some fun snacks to try. We tried many different chips. The salt and vinegar hola hoops were my favorite, although I do not usually like salt and vinegar chips. Next up was a talk about endometriosis. We learned about the “Career Women’s Disease”. We learned how the research is continuing to expand to learn more. Most importantly we learned what enigmatic disease and how the underlying cause is not yet defined. As we speak we are continually discovering more. The definition is not just on the pelvis but is far beyond that. It is the entire body and the side effects that behind that are extremely painful. There are a lot of unknowns that still remain. The treatment is still being used from the 1960’s. If that does not work, then a surgery can be held. The pain can still come back after this. The only way to know is if we cut patients open. It has been found in girls who have no started their cycle and women who no longer have a cycle. It is still unknown if it is genetic and still needs to have studies done to get more information. In a study with women with endometriosis, researchers found how much it has affected people’s lives. Whether it is in work or their outside world. Hearing videos of women who are suffering is heart breaking and more awareness and funding needs to be done to support these women. 

After the speaker we were able to head back to the hotel to pack up for London tomorrow! I had such a great time in Birmingham and I am so sad to leave! I am so thankful for everyone being here to help us learn more! Overall our day was great! We had a great time at the nursing home and learned some new fun facts how nursing. Everyone was so positive and willing to share the information they knew.