Journey of a Student Nurse: July 2015

So today is the day that I embark on my International Placement experience. I am feeling excited, nervous and perhaps a feeling I am not even able to express. When I originally set off on my travels around the world in 2011, I had this exact feeling and what I learned to realise is that it is the fear of the unknown. Fear can be a dominant feeling, in the respect that it impacts my sleep, my thought processes and how I am feeling within myself. Reflecting upon my original adventure I am now able to absorb this fear more easily and perhaps even empower it and turn it into something else. I am able to focus on my inner self and take time to consider a more relaxed and calm way of thinking which in turn relaxes my physical state of being.

In society and routine of life especially in the UK we love structure, fast-pace, organisation and having set patterns to everyday life. In planning for this trip, I began to realise that the way of life in Asia is very different to the UK. I was liaising with my link at ChildFund Laos consistently and at times asking for particular aspects of information. When I did not hear back from my link immediately, I would fret slightly and then begin to worry. However, once the information arrived and was confirmed a couple days later, I reflected upon how urgent I felt I needed the information when in fact it was not needed immediately and that perhaps I am caught up in a way of feeling urgency, speed and closed-focus. It enabled me to consider the Asian culture and particularly in Laos, life is a lot slower paced and aspects of routine of life can be a lot different; almost the opposite at times to the UK. So, a small voice expressed to myself....take a breath, relax and take my time. Time importantly for myself, being able to not feel so uptight but more laid-back yet still in control. This approach in my planning process will hopefully help me once I arrive in Asia to settle into way of life and embrace all aspects of culture.

I will begin my journey will my allocated annual leave. This will enable me to have time to relax, recoup and reflect upon my life both professionally and personally. I am sharing this journey with my partner and will excitingly meet up with my best friend and her partner in Thailand at the beginning of our trip. Quality time to share life stories, ponder upon life and explore Asian cultures together is an important element I am thrilled to embark upon.

I will then venture back towards Bangkok and begin my journey upto Laos. Laos is an enchanting country and one that holds a special place in my heart. Laos is relatively untouched and being landlocked between China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar it is at the heart of South East Asia. The Mekong River traverses through the whole of Laos and plays an important role in the life and living of the Lao People. The population is small around nearly 7 million compared to it's neighbour of Vietnam who stands around nearly 90 million. The country remains communist and standards around healthcare and education remain extremely poor. Despite these factors of hardship upon such a aesthetically pleasing landscape; the power of beauty the people express is phenomenal. The people are so caring, compassionate and deeply thoughtful. The focus is within the community settings and community living is strong, embracing traditional approaches to beliefs and cultures across all aspects of life.

I know my natural apprehensive feelings will be extinguished the moment I arrive and I am excited and happy to begin my journey as a student nurse. I will be reflecting deep into my own soul continually as I open my inner self up to the wonders of Laos. I will hopefully keep you updated on my journey, experiences and reflections (internet dependent) once I arrive in Asia. I promise to stay safe, absorb, embrace and enjoy it all.