The nursing history museum...

My class was also given the opportunity to visit the Danish museum of nursing history located in Korlding, Denmark. There we were able to see how care and nursing of patients had developed through the centuries. We were able to see the founding's of the Danish Organization, psychiatry, education, hygiene, living conditions as well as a reconstruction of hospital wards and living quarters for nurses in the 19th Century. It was fascinating to see how much nursing has developed and changed throughout the century. Some photos from the museum can be seen below.

Study visits...

• This part had to be my favorite part of the module. At the end of each course, we were given the opportunity to go on study visits relating to our course topic. The first trip we went on was to a place called Forskeparken to a company called Calebro where Welfare Technology for the healthcare system is created and developed.

•  It was an interesting experience as we were able to have a go at some of the technology and see how it would have an impact on patients lives.  It was also fascinating to see these technologies as I was completely unaware of how advanced technology was in Denmark. Some of the technologies seen at Calebro had never been seen in the UK so it makes me start to question the technology facilities we have in the UK. 

Methods and techniques Group work + 45 mins...

Classes here in Denmark seem to fly by so quickly. They usually tend to be 45 minutes with a 15 minute break.  When I asked why classes were set this way, they replied that it because humans tend to lose concentration after 45 minutes, so it is an effective way to ensure that we stay focused. A typical day would
One downside to this however, was that at times, I felt that 45 minutes was not long enough especially in certain topics such as health promotion.
tend to have about 3-4 classes all 45 minutes long with 15 minutes for each break and 45 for lunch.

Another difference is the method of teaching. There has not been one session where we were not asked to work in groups. The groups were already set by the lecturers before starting the course. Very often, we are asked to get into groups and create a discussion on the topic, it seems as though all lecturers encourage discussion and participation in class. This is very useful as it keeps me alert and makes the session more interesting as oppose to just sitting and listening. 

Learning with the MDT team...

One of the most enjoyable experiences whilst on this exchange was learning through an interdisciplinary style. There were physiotherapists, nurses from Norway , Germany, Philippines and Cameroon, radiographers, microbiologists, occupational therapists session. Each role had a session to describe their responsibility in the healthcare system, how an individual could work as one in Denmark and what it involved. Each day was filled with many activities and scenarios where we had to create solutions to the problems from each perspective.  For instance, my first lesson was about the radiographers. Here they had described what radiologists were, what it involved and what students learn. There was also a presentation by students from Italy describing what radiologists was like from their country. On this same day, we had the opportunity to try out different machines such as CT scans and Ultrasound.
By having these sessions, it had developed my knowledge of the other healthcare team and had enhanced my respect for them. It had also opened my mind to the different ways of treating a patient. It was a great way of sharing knowledge, experience and meeting new people.

First day at the University College of Lillebealt...

1^st day at our class was not nerve wrecking at all. I had received an e-mail prior to classes that we would be allocated host students who would ensure that I knew where the rooms were, what classes to go and that I had all the necessary equipment. Again, this made me feel welcome and reduced the fear of getting lost. They showed me around the whole university, where to find the toilets, the canteen, and the gym and where our classes would be held.  I really appreciate it! 

Bike bike bike...

As you all are aware, the Danes love to cycle whether it’s cold, sunny or raining. We were given bicycles of our own and I must say, it is very different than what I am usually use to in the UK. Firstly, the wheels are quite big, and being 5 ft 3/4 it was quite a struggle for me to get on in the beginning. Secondly, the pedals work differently by rotating the pedals backwards, the bike will come to a halt, meaning that whenever I stop, I can not always set the pedals to my preference. However, I feel very safe cycling from place to place, there isn't a constant worry about being run over by cars or trucks because of the wide lane for cyclists and in Denmark, the bicycles always have the right of way. In addition, it is a great way of getting fit and staying warm in a cold country which may get to -20 degrees!

CPR card...

Shortly after settling in, we were advised to sign up for a CPR card. This is the Danish Personal Identification number which containts information regarding an individuals current and previous addresses, names, civil status, name of your main doctor,citizenship as well as the CPR number. The CPR number is composed of 10 digits, 6 of which are the individuals date of birth and the remaining 4 are numbers unique to that person. The last digit often refers to the individuals gender: 

  even number = female and odd = male. 

The CPR number enables efficient communication between danish national registers and is required to access all services some of which are publicly funded care, opening a bank account, signing up for the gym, making payments to accounts and connecting utilities. 

Settling in..

Upon arrival, we met our landlords who kindly carried our heavy luggage’s upstairs. She showed us around the house, the rooms where we would be staying, the bathroom and the kitchen. She even cooked us a welcome 3 course meal.  She kindly told us where we would find the essential places e.g. grocery shopping, station.

I will have to admit, the first few nights were not easy. I was feeling extremely homesick and constantly asked myself, whether I made the right decision in coming here. I continuously longed for home and wanted to be in a familiar environment. However, after talking with some lecturers and friends, I was able to overcome the sentimental feelings and enjoy my stay, even up till now, I do not regret one decision made so far. 

Buddy..

After arriving in Odense, we met our buddy Jannie. A buddy is a Danish student who voluntarily helps international students from the day we arrive to the day we leave. It is a useful system to have and one that should be used for exchange students all over the world as it helps to reduce anxiety and nice to know that you’re not going to be alone in foreign country, support is always on hand. She kindly booked us a taxi which was paid by the university college Lillebaelt and took us to the house where we would be staying for the next 7-8 months.

In the afternoon, she showed us around town, shopping center and took us to a sandwich shop which reminded me of Subway back in the UK.