Today was another great day. The lessons were all hands on and considered a skills lab. As a first year nursing student, we don’t get clinical experience until sophomore year so being able to practice tasks we will actually be doing in the hospital truly was exciting and acted as a reminder of why I want to be a nurse. Our first lesson was on catheter insertion on both males and females. I personally did my practice on a female manquin and got a better understanding of not only female anatomy but also how nurses preform this “procedure”. Our second skills lab was all about feeding tubes. For me personally, I really enjoyed learning more of the “deatils” that go into it. I had a personal experience in watching a loved one get nutrients though a feeding tube after suffering a stroke.

We also had a lesson on properly dressing wounds. I considered this session was equally valuable because it demonstrated how proper care can prevent complications and support healing. I learned how to assess wounds, use the correct cleaning techniques, and apply dressings safely and effectively. The practical experience helped connect the theory I had studied in class with real-life clinical practice. It also showed me the importance of compassion and reassurance when caring for patients that our instructor did a great job demonstrating.

Overall, the skills lab experience improved both my practical abilities and my confidence. It gave me the opportunity to practice essential clinical skills in a safe environment where mistakes could be corrected and discussed. I left the session feeling more prepared for future placements and more aware of the responsibility healthcare professionals have in providing safe, respectful, and effective patient care. This just proved to me that I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing, and can really envision my goals for the future.

I’m also still in awe that the medical field has progressed as much as it has. I couldn’t imagine not being able to practice in a safe and controlled setting that encourages you to make mistakes so that you can avoid preforming the same mistakes on a real patient.

We also attened a ghost tour that included reported paranormal and the darker history of the city of Birmingham. The atmosphere of the tour made the experience even more exciting as our tour guide did a great job at giving details and adding a spooky twist. The cold evening air really did add to the suspense as we moved from one location to another. Peter, the guide, described reported paranormal sightings and strange occurrences that locals still talk about today. I’m extremely grateful it didn’t rain while we were walking because it would have made the tour much less enjoyable.

I’m very excited for tommorow because we are going into the hospitals. I want to see how the UK health systems function and even being able to talk to nurses there that are in the exact position I want to be.

I also wanted to include a picture of Peter, because he was the absolute cutest and had the best “Brummy” accent I’ve ever heard. I loved his orange jacket and his umbrella he used to point to buildings and add sound effects to his scary stories.