To start off the day, I got out of bed and went for breakfast, preparing myself for the long and insightful day ahead. There was something refreshing about enjoying a meal before diving into a full schedule. Today, we spent the entire day at Birmingham City University’s (BCU) City South Campus, where we attended several lectures centered on nursing and public health. Again, I couldn’t help but admire the campus. The abundance of windows throughout the buildings created a sense of openness, inviting natural light inside, and connecting the indoors to the environment outside. This design made the space feel welcoming and comfortable.
We began with a lecture on public health, which provided valuable insights that I can carry into my future nursing career. The core principles of public health revolve around three key objectives: prolonging life, preventing disease, and promoting health. Unlike direct patient care, public health prioritizes the community as a whole rather than focusing solely on individuals. Some common examples of public health initiatives include seat belt laws, vaccinations, clean air regulations, and nutrition labeling—all of which contribute to maintaining the well-being of society. Initially, when I thought about public health, my mind immediately went to quarantine protocols and personal protective equipment. However, today’s lecture broadened my understanding, reminding me that there are numerous measures in place to protect the public, many of which we encounter daily without even realizing their significance.
In addition to discussing public health measures, we explored the benefits that stem from them. Some of the most impactful aspects include creating a happier society, reducing healthcare costs, increasing equity, and lowering hospital admission rates. Another concept we learned about was the social gradient, which refers to how various factors—such as income, education, location, gender, and ethnicity—can significantly influence an individual’s life expectancy. This concept shed light on the systemic challenges people face when accessing healthcare, reinforcing the importance of equity in medical practice.
Next, we delved into the topic of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a subject I previously knew very little about. The statistics alone were bewildering with approximately 5% of the female population, which translates to around 200 million women worldwide, are at risk. I learned that there are four distinct types of FGM, each of which can be extremely brutal. The details were difficult to hear, making the lecture particularly tough to sit through. Many young girls are subjected to this practice without sedatives, held down by strangers as they endure excruciating pain. The reasons behind FGM vary, often stemming from cultural traditions or religious beliefs. It was heartbreaking to learn how widespread this practice is, and the lecture opened my eyes to the severity of the issue. Moving forward, I will remain vigilant about recognizing the signs and advocating for awareness in clinical settings.
Another impactful session focused on HIV and sexual health. We heard heartbreaking stories of patients who faced discrimination and stigma simply because of their diagnosis. Some had been treated poorly by nurses who failed to uphold the principles of compassionate care. Hearing these stories served as a strong reminder of my responsibility as a future nurse—not only to provide medical assistance but also to fight against harmful stigmas in healthcare. Every patient deserves respect, dignity, and high-quality care, regardless of their condition.
Overall, today was deeply enlightening. The lectures challenged my understanding, broadened my perspective, and reinforced my commitment to making a positive difference in the field of nursing. I am eager to incorporate these lessons into my future practice, ensuring that I advocate for public health, challenge harmful norms, and provide compassionate care to those who need it most.