Saturday February 2nd: Saturday! With no classes or clinical placements, we took the opportunity to head to Edinburgh for the day. We rose early, bundled ourselves in the van, and left Inverness for the 3.5 hour drive to Edinburgh. Leaving before dark not only afforded us an early start on our day, but also gave us front row seats to the sun rising over the highlands.

We finally arrived in Edinburgh and began walking “The Royal Mile”, a mile long stretch between Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh castle, so named because the royal family frequently travelled the mile between the castle and the palace. Turning off the royal mile onto a side street, we walked for a short distance and came to The Elephant House, better known as “The birthplace of Harry Potter”, where J.K. Rowling wrote the series.

A little further down the same street was a monument to a dog named “Bobby” who, after his owner died of tuberculosis, refused to leave his owner’s grave regardless of the weather. For fourteen years Bobby stayed at the grave, leaving only for food. After rubbing Bobby’s nose for good luck, as is tradition, we returned to the royal mile and finished our walk to Edinburgh Castle. 

The view from the castle was incredible. Rubbing Bobby’s nose must have worked, because luckily, we had a beautifully clear day to explore the castle and experience the view of Edinburgh. At the castle we were able to see Scotland’s crown jewels, which Mary, Queen of Scots wore, and learn the history behind them.

After exploring the castle further, we made our way to a popular Edinburgh attraction, The Edinburgh Dungeon. This attraction weaves a little bit of history with dramatic flair and humor as you tour from room to room waiting to see if you will be convicted in a medieval trial. More laughs than screams were had by our group and we finished the tour as exonerated criminals eager to be reunited with Dr. McGhee.

After driving back to Inverness from Edinburgh, we picked up traditional fish and chips for dinner and ate a satisfying dinner together in our accommodations. For desert it was revealed that an elaborate ruse had been concocted to collect a birthday cake for Taylor! Our day finished with sharing the delicious cake as we celebrated Taylor and his birthday!

Kaitlyn Ricci

Tuesday February 5th: Today we began with a tour of Maggie’s Centre in Forth Valley. The facility was beautifully constructed by architects and was tranquil and homelike. We learned about how Maggie’s came about, and discussed how difficult it must be to receive such life changing news like a cancer diagnosis. Maggie’s supports both individuals who are diagnosed with cancer as well as their family and close friends by providing a space where they can feel calm, collect their thoughts, and engage with others. We discussed the importance of embracing the uncertainty that any diagnosis, especially cancer, can bring, but how important it is to concentrate on the now. The only real certainty in life is that we will all die someday, so the best choice is to find joy in living. It was emphasized that Maggie’s is not alternative to therapy, but is complementary and evidence based. It is run by charity and is not government funded. Drop ins are preferred, because getting support when you need it at the moment is much more helpful than scheduling appointments for certain times. We greatly enjoyed learning about Maggie’s Centre and were in total awe. We even spoke to a few gentleman who were visiting the Centre and gathered around the kitchen table. They had a wonderful sense of humor and were happy to share some details about their lives with us. 

We also toured the maternity unit at the hospital as well as some of the pediatric units. What stuck out the most was how supportive they were of women making choices about the birth of their child and the widespread use of midwives. Most low risk women may go their whole pregnancy without seeing a doctor and are supervised up until the birth by a midwife. They greatly emphasize continuity of care here in Scotland, especially for pregnant women and children. Some of the rooms even had birthing pools in which women can labor or deliver in if they chose to do so. The rooms were decorated very peacefully with murals on the walls in pastel colors. 

After the educational tours, we each set of to our placements across Stirling in Forth Valley Royal Hospital and Falkirk Community Hospital. Each of us saw specialized dementia care throughout the placements as well as units such as A&E (accidents and emergencies), AAU (acute assessment unit), ITU (similar to ICU) and theatres, which we would call the OR. All of us enjoyed seeing the differences in care compared to back home in the states as well as the differences between hospitals/care centers in NHS Highlands and NHS Forth Valley. 

At the end of the day, we visited the Kelpies and relaxed at the hotel. We have had a very busy week already.

Cheers!

Madison Lindemulder

Tuesday January 29th: This morning was the first time we put on scrubs in Scotland, and it was quite surreal (and chilly)! After yesterday’s orientation to NHS Highlands and Raigmore Hospital, we felt excited to compare the healthcare we know in the United States to the healthcare here in Scotland. The nurses and clinical staff were more than welcoming and even offered us tea throughout the day. We were placed both in a hospital setting and a community setting, so each of us had experiences a little bit different from one another. Placement locations included the emergency room, coronary care, hospice, home health, family team, and mental health services.

I was on the coronary care unit, which was very similar to the cardiac ICU I had worked as a student nurse in previous semesters. The unit could only hold six patients but specialized in care of people who suffered a myocardial infarction, had a cardiac dysrhythmia, and other conditions that required constant monitoring and treatment.  It seemed to me that the nurses were able to spend more time connecting with and caring for their patients because their charting system is on paper and is much less tedious/ time consuming. It was clear that each of the nurses working on this unit really cared about their patients, and I constantly saw them as advocates. While I was used to seeing nurses back home roll computers to patient rooms and pull medications from the Pyxis, here I saw nurses walk without pushing around a WOW and removing their medications from a locked medicine cabinet. I also saw a general cardiac unit on this floor with six beds in one room, which is typical at this hospital for patients who require less intensive care. It was interesting to hear what things were referred to differently; for example, a code cart is called a crash trolley here! Though some aspects of healthcare such as the funding & environment were different than in the states, the nursing role remained the same.

After placements were finished for the day, we went out to explore the town and even ate gelato in 0° weather! We still can’t believe that we are here in Scotland and feel so welcomed by the locals in Inverness.

Cheers!

Madison Lindemulder

Monday February 4th: Today the USF nursing students were familiarized to the University of the Highlands and Islands. After a brief introduction with Neil Angus we were introduced to Michelle Roxburgh who familiarized us with the Highlands health services. Following our introductions we submitted to occupational health screenings at the OH service to validate our clinical prerequisites in order to participate in the Highlands, Scotland.

Following our completion of our registration in Inverness, we were privileged enough to end our full first day at Loch Ness. Words can not describe how beautiful the Urquhart castle and Loch Ness were.

Each of us remained in awe of the beauty that the natural surroundings of Loch Ness had to offer. It was a truly wonderful day and we look forward to our clinical day and explorations we have tomorrow here in Inverness.

Kathleen Monahan

Friday February 1st: Today is bittersweet, as it is our group’s last day at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness. After breakfast, our morning began with a presentation on the Scotland Dementia Framework. One main takeaway from the presentation was that, as nurses, it is our responsibility to identify weak areas in regard to patient care. After we do that, we will be able to contribute to the development of future goals and positive patient outcomes.

Next up was our SLP presentation on Scotland’s recently enacted Minimum Unit Price (MUP) law. We discussed Scotland’s relationship with alcohol as well as the public health impact of the MUP law. The presentation went very well, and one faculty member even said it was “exceptional.” As a group, we all felt very proud that it was a success!

After a farewell lunch of pickle and cheese sandwiches, we left to explore the Culloden battlefield. We learned from Dr. McGhee that the battlefield was home to the final Jacobite rising in April 1746, where hundreds of Scottish clansmen fought to the death in an hour-long battle against the government soldiers. Being there had an eerie feel as we learned the history that occurred in the place beneath our feet.

On the drive back to our accommodations, we drove by some areas in the countryside that had received about 6 inches of snow. Naturally, we had to stop so some of us could make snow angels. That’s something we can never do back home! Today was a great wrap up to our week and Inverness, and we all look forward to our weekend in Edinburgh and Glasgow the next two days!

Natalina Argento

Sunday February 3rd: Our time in Inverness has come to an end.  As part of the itinerary for the trip, we rotate between University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness and University of Stirling in Stirling.  Our day began before the sun was up by piling in the van with all our luggage to head down to Stirling – a three-hour drive from Inverness.  On the way down to Stirling we stopped at Gregg’s, a bakery chain, to get coffee.  We have noticed throughout our time in Scotland that there are fire hazard signs everywhere. 

At Gregg’s they left the front door open to the cold because it is the only entrance to the whole store and must remain open in case of an emergency.  Snow followed us down to Stirling and once arrived we dropped off our suitcase and quickly caught a train to the city of Glasgow in order to do some site seeing.  We ate lunch at a small bistro, went to the Kelvingrove art museum to see a Da Vinci, and took pictures at the University of Glasgow which is nicknamed Hogwarts as J.K. Rowling used the campus as inspiration for her novels.  While the day was long and full of travel, it turned out to be another picturesque day in Scotland. 

Ramsey Valdes

Sunday February 3rd: Today consisted of adventuring from Stirling to Inverness. Our first pitstop was the Stirling Castle- embodying Renaissance architecture and sharing its history with everyone lucky enough to see it. The castle is surrounded by steep cliffs symbolizing the strength it possesses. 

Although the landscape was covered with snow, it was a nice change from the Florida heat. A tourist attraction it may be, but the essence of history of kings and queens remain a lingering memory.

Our next visit was to an outdoor-indoor centre market that had everything from local authentic food to clothing and accessories. We walked around the market where we bought local jams, sauces, chocolates, and anything Scotland produces directly. To experience local shops was an eye-opening experience that shifted perspectives from the home we know back in the United States. Early evening we reached Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, where we briefly toured the facility and settled in to our dorms.

Amanda Kallen

Saturday February 2nd: Today we had quite the adventure.  We started our mourning off with a brisk hike to Wallace Monument.  Once we reached the monument, we hiked the several hundred stairs of the winding and narrow staircase for an opportunity to appreciate the magnificent views of the University of Stirling and the surrounding community!  Our hard work was not only rewarded with visual stimulation, but also with knowledge of William Wallace, the inspiration behind the creation of the Wallace monument.  One thing we learned was the famous quote “all men die, not all men live” was a saying by the great William Wallace.

After our visit to Wallace Monument we caught a train into Glasgow.  The first experience we undertook in Glasgow was the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre.  The Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is a collection of kinetic sculptures created by Eduard Bersurdsky.  It was an amazingly weird composition of machinery, movement, imagination, and originality.  It was a one of a kind experience of “art in motion.” 

Following the kinetic theatre, we explored the shopping district of downtown Glasgow and Buchanan Street.  We shopped for souvenirs, were delighted by the street musicians, and enjoyed delicious cuisine.  We finished our fun filled day by visiting the equestrian Wellington Statue followed by having a cup of tea at the Purple Cat Café with 29 of the friendliest feline rescues, who now are privileged enough to call the café home. Our final stop of the day was the Shilling Brewing Company where we enjoyed decadent fresh snacks such as a “pickled beet and quinoa salad.”  We had an amazing time and our only complaint was not having more time to take in the magnificence of the culture and surroundings of Glasgow!

Amanda Rothman

Friday February 1st: Presentation run-through take 4, and ACTION.   Here we are in a small classroom presenting our research project of Scotland’s Baby Box in front of key members from the University of Stirling and their nursing students. As nervous as a leaf blowing in the wind, it was my turn to speak for the presentation regarding the implementation of the Baby Box. You see I am not much of a public speaker however, it was through repetition and my classmates’ support that I was able to push through my nervousness and deliver the content. As soon as I finished my part, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. Before I knew it, Padmini was concluding the presentation and asked the audience if they had any questions.

One of the nursing students in the audience, Fredrico introduced himself as a new parent and received his box a few months ago when the program initially started. He clarified to the group that he had to “opt-in” for the Baby Box and it was not an automatic process. He mentioned that the Baby Box was a quite a large box which they use now for moving and packing. He stated that the box was not used for sleeping and that one of the best items in the box was the “baby wrap”. His family unit appreciated receiving the box however, they were able to donate many of the items such as clothes to other organizations to redistribute to other families in need as this family already had a child and had many of the necessary items.  After his response, a small discussion started between the presenting group, Fredrico, and the key members of the university.

When the discussion ended, the University of Stirling nursing students presented us with a gift, “A Taste of Scotland” they said. The package included white fudge, a drink called “Irnbru”, and a tea biscuit.  After speaking with the Stirling students, we decided to have lunch with them at a local restaurant called “The Birds and Bees”.  In the states we would refer to this as a hidden gem, as we had to walk through many residential areas and a secondary school.  Per the choices on the menu, there was much debate on what to order.  Padmini’s decision of the Satay Chicken Fillet quickly became the fan favorite as half of the table ordered the same dish.  Lunch was filled with many laughs and meaningful discussions. 

After lunch, we attempted to see the Wallace Monument however, we were unable to go on as the last call to tour was 3:45pm.  It takes about 15 minutes to hike up to the monument and it takes another 45 minutes to walk up the narrow winding staircase to see the beautiful views of Scotland at the top.  Regardless of this minor setback, we decided to spend the evening getting to know the Stirling nursing students.

Christa Farkas

Wednesday January 30th: The drive to our clinical locations was extra beautiful Wednesday morning. It snowed the night prior, leaving a beautiful dusting of soft white. After experiencing home visits yesterday, I was very eager to see an inpatient side of Scotland’s healthcare system. Walking into Highland Hospice, I was immediately in awe of the facility. The building itself is beautiful and warm with a very inviting lobby. After checking in and getting a quick tour around the 10-bed facility, I went to speak with the day activities nurse. I learned that Hospice in Scotland is not portrayed as (end of life care), but instead as more of a rehabilitation facility and a place that one can improve their quality of life as the end draws near. The facility holds an art room, complete with a kiln and handmade décor from the residents, as well as a music room and an open sunroom with a window to the garden. It is in the sunroom that outpatient visitors can chat and play games. The two of us that were stationed at the facility that day were promptly invited for a game of “boccia”, the only Paralympic sport without an Olympic equivalent. The patients love it, and it acts as a social outlet and a simple physiotherapy exercise.

After our visit with the day activities nurse, we returned to the inpatient side and were invited for a “blether” with a resident and some staff. The puzzled look on our faces prompted an explanation from a staff member, clarifying to us that a “blether” is a chat. We discussed the goal of Hospice in Scotland, the joys and the challenges, the role of the occupational therapist within the facility, and the role of volunteers. There is an attached coffee shop run entirely by volunteers to raise funds for the Hospice center. It was refreshing to hear of the enormous community support this facility has acquired, and what a difference it makes to the residents and staff.

We ended the day attending an ECHO knowledge video conference on family involvement in care homes like the Hospice center. The teleconference brings together healthcare professionals and allows for the opportunity to collaborate and discuss different case studies. To end it here and display my appreciation for this blog, I will quote the conference facilitator and say “we don’t learn from experience alone, we learn from our ability to reflect on that experience”.

Cheers!

Autumn Fulop