Today was a very interactive and hands-on day. As a freshman nursing student from the United States who has not even started clinicals yet, I felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend the day at Birmingham City University participating in simulation labs and learning directly from nurses and educators in the UK. Today truly reminded me that nursing uses not only your hands, but also your heart and your head. Every skill we practiced required critical thinking, compassion, and attention to detail, and I learned so much that I hope to carry with me into my future nursing career.
We started the morning by walking to BCU, where we spent most of the day completing skills labs. Right away, we were introduced to the “Simbulance,” which is the simulation ambulance room used to teach paramedic and nursing students how to respond to emergency situations in an ambulance setting. I thought this was such a creative and realistic learning environment because it exposed students to the pressure and challenges they may experience in real emergency situations. We also got to wear the emergency packs paramedics carry on their backs when patients are in places ambulances cannot easily reach, like upstairs in homes or tight spaces. I honestly did not realize how heavy the packs were until I tried one on myself. It made me think about the physical strength and endurance healthcare workers need every single day. One interesting thing I learned was that ambulances in the UK are equipped with cameras that can provide evidence if accusations of misconduct happen. I had never thought about that before, but it showed me how healthcare workers must protect both their patients and themselves professionally.
After that, we split into groups, and my group first attended the catheter and NG tube simulation lab. I have learned about these procedures in lectures back in the States, but today was the first time I had actually seen them demonstrated and practiced them myself. I was so excited because this was the type of hands-on experience I had been looking forward to since starting nursing school. We first learned about male and female catheter insertion, including why catheters are used, how to safely insert and remove them, and how to maintain a sterile field throughout the procedure. I practiced male catheter insertion with two of my peers, and I found the process both challenging and fascinating. One major difference I noticed between the UK and the US was how lubricant is applied. In the US, we are taught to place lubricant directly on the catheter, while in the UK, they insert lubricant into the urethra and allow it to sit for several minutes before insertion. I also noticed that UK nurses use rolling trolleys as sterile fields rather than placing supplies directly on the patient’s bed, like we are taught in the States.
Beyond the technical skills, I learned several important safety considerations. We were reminded to always ask about allergies before beginning procedures to avoid reactions from gloves or lubricants. We were also taught to always offer a chaperone during catheter insertion to protect both the patient and healthcare provider from accusations of misconduct. That really stood out to me because it showed how nursing is not just about performing procedures correctly, but also about maintaining professionalism, trust, and patient dignity.
Next, we practiced inserting NG tubes. We learned the purpose of NG tubes, complications that can occur, sizing differences for adults versus children, and how to measure placement correctly. The mannequins we used had transparent organs and abdomens so we could actually see where the tube was traveling inside the body, which was something I had never seen before. One of the biggest takeaways from this simulation lab came from the nurse teaching us. She repeatedly reminded us to “always be kind.” She explained that as nurses we will encounter patients from many different backgrounds, and not everyone will always be cooperative or kind to us, but we should still lead with kindness and compassion. That really stayed with me because nursing is about treating the person, not just the condition.
Later, we attended a wound care lab with Chinenye, who was incredibly passionate and engaging. She taught us how to assess wounds by measuring diameter and depth and observing things like bruising, drainage, and necrotic tissue. We also learned about different wound closure methods, including staples, sutures, glue, and dressings, and when each would be appropriate. One skill I found especially interesting was staple removal. We learned how to safely remove alternating staples to assess healing, how to count staples carefully, and how to pinch the center of the staple to lift it into an “M” shape for easier and less painful removal. We also practiced maintaining sterile technique while putting on gloves and opening sterile fields. Honestly, I was surprised by how difficult it was not to contaminate the sterile field. It made me realize how much focus and precision nursing requires.
The most shocking thing I learned all day was about larvae therapy, also called maggot debridement therapy (MDT). This treatment uses sterile maggots to consume dead or infected tissue while leaving healthy tissue untouched. I never imagined maggots could be used in healthcare, but hearing how effective they can be for chronic wounds completely changed my perspective. We even got to meet “Marvin,” one of the “larvae” used in the introduction of demonstrations, which definitely made the lesson memorable.
Toward the end of the lab, Chinenye taught us how to properly wrap wrists, ankles, and amputated limbs while still allowing for movement and blood flow. We practiced techniques like the figure-eight wrap on our classmates. I practiced wrapping my friend’s arm, and it was such a positive and supportive learning environment. Everyone encouraged each other, and it felt safe to make mistakes and learn from them.
After leaving BCU, a few friends and I stopped at a café called Boston Tea Party, where I tried English breakfast tea for the first time. It was delicious, and I really enjoyed sitting and relaxing together after such an intense day of learning. One thing I have noticed in Birmingham is how many cafés and pubs use QR codes at the table for ordering food and drinks. You simply scan the code, type in your table number, pay online, and the food is brought to you. It feels much faster and more convenient than the traditional restaurant experience I am used to in the United States.
To end the day, a few of us had tried a revolving sushi plate restaurant! I’ve always wanted to try a sushi plate with this conveyor belt of plates of various sushi, desserts, and starters as well. Afterwards, our group headed out on a Birmingham ghost tour. It was definitely eerie learning about the darker side of Birmingham’s history, but it was also such a fun and unique experience to do together at night. After spending the day learning serious nursing skills and thinking critically in simulations, it was nice to relax, laugh, and explore another side of Birmingham’s history.
Today definitely heightened my excitement for clinicals this fall and reminded me why I chose nursing in the first place. Nursing requires technical skills and critical thinking, but it also requires empathy, patience, and kindness. I hope to carry all of those lessons with me as I continue my education and eventually care for patients of my own.