Imogen Brown

I wanted to experience the juggle of practising my profession and travel, which I was, and I am even more interested in doing once I graduate from Cardiff University. 

Spending five weeks in Nepal, four in the capital, Kathmandu, and one at a remote village was the perfect opportunity to explore healthcare, life and culture in a different country. 

After reading reviews about the hospital and researching Dar es Salaam, I was inspired to undertake an overseas placement in Tanzania. 

I had never visited Tanzania before my elective placement but had always wanted to visit. All my placements during my nursing course had been in the UK, and I wanted to experience a placement away from home, where the resources and funds are much lower. 

I was in awe during my hospital orientation—the hospital was beautifully laid out and had lots of greenery and many buildings on site. I was placed in the emergency department, where I saw many different presentations. 

A lot of road traffic accidents are due to the high volume of traffic on the roads. What surprised me was how many people would be taken care of at home for as long as possible before coming to the emergency department. Most people attending the emergency department would be very unwell. The department was very well run, and they did the best they could with limited resources.

During my placement, it was important to become resourceful with equipment. It was important to learn some Swahili so I could communicate with staff, patients, and their families. I made every effort to attend Swahili lessons at the Work the World house, and whilst on placement, staff would also help me with my Swahili, which I found very useful.

In the hospital I could practice clinical skills I had learnt in the UK from university, which was very helpful during busy times in resus. The team was very thankful for my efforts whilst in the emergency department.

A man entered the emergency department and went into one of the resuscitation bays. The man had been in a road traffic accident and was severely poorly and needed surgery. I made basic observations of the man and was told we needed to make sure he was able to pay for his treatment before continuing any care. People attending the emergency department would need either insurance or the funds to pay for treatment or have a family member available to pay for treatment. It shocked me that we had to wait before starting any treatment. The man remained in resus for 3 hours and was finally taken down to surgery.

The hospital staff taught me a lot and were very welcoming and friendly. They taught me more Swahili and would explain what was happening. I also found it very useful that notes were written in English on the computer, so I was easily able to read about each patient.

I arrived at the house with three other friends from my university. We met many different people at the house and have made amazing friendships that will stay with us forever. 

On the first weekend, a group of us from the house went to Zanzibar, where we were able to do different activities such as visiting Stone Town, prison island, different islands, turtles, tortoises, and snorkelling.

During the week, the whole house would meet at Samaki Samaki and have a go at the karaoke and dance the night away.

I truly met the best group of people in the house, and there was non-stop laughter among our new friends.

Book the placement abroad — otherwise, you will regret not booking it! I will never forget this amazing opportunity, and am so glad I did it.

I would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff in the house. They put long hours in to make sure that your stay is perfect. They are the loveliest and most helpful people I have ever come across.

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