Lucy Crowther

I went travelling earlier in the year, but I wanted to travel again and take my nursing degree with me. This would give me a chance to experience healthcare in a different country and gain insight into the challenges faced by different cultures around the world. It would also help me appreciate healthcare in Australia. 

At the start of my placement, everything in the hospital felt completely different. After a few days and many conversations with friendly hospital staff, I realised there were many similarities regarding systems, procedures, and the overall picture. 

There were also many differences, but over time, I learnt to adapt to the hospital and understand why they did things differently. 

I learnt about new conditions (ones I would not see in Australia) and various cases and treatments. I learnt a lot about Vietnamese healthcare and how different nursing procedures are undertaken in Vietnam. 

It was also a good opportunity to build upon and apply the nursing skills I had learnt in Australia. 

I observed lots of wounds from road traffic accidents, lots of fracture cases, dengue fever cases, and complex cases in the ICU. 

One of the most memorable cases I observed was a C-section being performed from beginning to end. It was amazing to watch and something I may not get to see in Australia. 

In Vietnam, the family is very involved in patients’ care, especially regarding hygiene, support, and feeding. In Australia, that is the responsibility of the nurses. 

Infection control practices are very different between the countries. Generally, people in Vietnam go to the hospital when they are very sick in comparison to Australia where people may go to the hospital when they are a little unwell. 

The funding for healthcare and the costs associated with patients are very different between the two countries. 

In the evenings, I’d go out with my housemates to explore Hue, have dinner, play card games, play pool, or go out for a drink. 

We also explored Hoi An, Bach Ma National Park, and Ba Na Hills on the weekends. We did a lot of sightseeing, ate a lot of food, and drank a lot of coffee. 

My time overseas allowed me to experience and gain a greater understanding of healthcare in a different country and improved my cultural awareness and sensitivity. 

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — you will not regret it! You are supported every step of the way!

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