Our third day at Birmingham City University, and our second at the City South Campus, was busy and full of activities that helped us learn and made the day memorable.
We started the day with a presentation by Sue Brooks and Shelly Canes about General Practitioners (GPs) and Primary Care. They explained how important primary care is for the NHS in taking care of patients and easing the workload on hospitals. It was inspiring to hear about the many responsibilities GPs have. They don’t just treat illnesses; they also promote health, coordinate care over the long term, and build trust with their patients and their families.
Sue and Shelly shared real-life examples to show how different healthcare professionals work together in primary care. They also talked about the challenges GPs face, such as increasing patient demand and staffing issues, as well as the complexity of patient needs. Despite these difficulties, their main point was that primary care is essential for a strong healthcare system. It reminded us all that caring for the community is just as important and fulfilling as working in hospitals.
After that, we sat with Katie and Leanne, two adult nurses who shared their personal stories. Their honesty made their talk very impactful. They discussed the highs and lows of being a nurse, including the rewarding moments when they care for patients on their own and the tough times when they feel stressed or unsure. Their passion for their work really stood out. Katie and Leanne emphasized the importance of teamwork and finding your area of focus in nursing. They shared that whether working in hospitals, specialized wound care, or community settings, there are many opportunities in adult nursing. They reminded us that, while the path can be challenging, it is filled with meaningful moments that make it worthwhile.
After lunch, we participated in a fun escape room activity, which turned out to be a highlight of my day! We were divided into small groups and given healthcare-related puzzles to solve. This activity not only tested our knowledge but also encouraged us to work together. It was a lively and enjoyable way to reinforce our learning, filled with laughter as we raced against the clock to unlock different puzzles. It was a great chance to use our problem-solving skills in a new and exciting way.
The day wrapped up with an inspiring talk from Nikki Brockie, the Chief Nurse at the Royal Orthopedic Hospital. Nikki shared her journey from being a student nurse to becoming a leader in healthcare. Her story highlighted the importance of hard work, vision, and leadership. Nikki focused on the idea of growth – not just in medical skills, but also in mentoring others and thinking strategically. She spoke about the changing role of nurses in healthcare leadership and how important it is for nurses to have a say in decisions. Her experiences showed us that no matter where you start in your career, you can grow into positions that can significantly influence healthcare.
Overall, we felt motivated, connected, and curious throughout the day. We began to see how diverse the nursing field is – ranging from general practice to hospital leadership – and how each role contributes to better patient care and improvements in the healthcare system. Most importantly, we learned that the journey to becoming a nurse is not a straight line. It is shaped by various experiences, guidance from mentors, and the courage to move forward even when challenges arise. Every step along this journey helps us make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and our communities.
