Lovepreet Kaur

As a third-year nursing student at the University of Bradford, I was inspired to undertake an overseas placement to broaden my clinical experience and challenge myself outside the familiar environment of the NHS. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare delivery in a resource-limited setting and learn how nurses and doctors adapt their skills to meet different challenges. 

Sri Lanka, with its rich culture and diverse healthcare needs, appealed to me as an ideal place to grow both professionally and personally. I was particularly interested in experiencing the clinical practices at Kandy National Hospital, a major teaching hospital, where I could observe a variety of specialities and procedures not commonly seen in the UK.

When I first arrived at Kandy National Hospital, I was immediately struck by how busy and fast-paced everything was. The hospital is one of the largest in Sri Lanka and serves a huge population, so there was a constant flow of patients, staff, and activity. 

One of the first things I noticed was the limited availability of resources. Unlike NHS hospitals, which are well-equipped, Kandy often lacked basic supplies like gloves and hand sanitiser. Patients sometimes had to bring their own medications or supplies. This taught me how resourceful and adaptable staff had to be, delivering care with limited tools while still maintaining high standards.

Despite the differences, I was amazed by the dedication and resilience of the staff. Nurses and doctors were working long hours in very demanding conditions, yet they remained compassionate and professional. Their ability to make clinical decisions quickly, and often with limited resources, was incredibly inspiring. I remember thinking how much I had to learn, not just about clinical practice, but about the strength and adaptability required to nurse in such an environment. It was a big adjustment at first, but it opened my eyes to a whole new side of nursing and made me even more appreciative of the profession as a whole.

I became more confident in basic clinical skills such as manual blood pressure monitoring, wound care, and catheterisation, skills that are sometimes supported by automated systems in the NHS. Because there was less reliance on technology, I found myself paying closer attention to patients’ physical signs and symptoms, really honing my observational skills. I also had more opportunities to practise aseptic technique and medication preparation under direct supervision, which helped boost my confidence in my own clinical judgement.

Perhaps most importantly, I developed a stronger sense of resilience and adaptability. Working in a high-pressure environment where things don’t always go according to plan forced me to stay calm, think critically, and support the team in any way I could. These are qualities I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

During my first week, I had the incredible opportunity to work under a specialist consultant and observe bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy procedures. It was fascinating to watch these procedures in real time, especially since such close exposure isn’t always available to student nurses in the UK. I also sat in on the TB investigation clinic, which highlighted how respiratory diseases like tuberculosis, much less common in the UK, are managed in Sri Lanka, from diagnosis through to treatment.

In weeks two and three, I rotated through cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, which deepened my knowledge of the cardiovascular system. One of the most memorable experiences was following a patient through their entire coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) journey. I spent time in departments, starting with pre-operative investigations, then observing the CABG surgery in theatre, which was fascinating. I also had the chance to shadow staff in the surgical clinic, the CTICU (Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit), where I learned about immediate post-operative care. I also observed wound care and discharge planning in the post-operative ward. Seeing the full continuum of care was incredibly valuable and gave me a more complete understanding of multidisciplinary teamwork and patient recovery.

My final week in the Emergency Treatment Unit was fast-paced and unpredictable. One of the more unique cases I encountered was learning about monkey bite treatment, something I would rarely see in the UK. I also observed the team responding to a cardiac arrest, which was intense and emotional, but a powerful reminder of the critical role nurses play in emergency care. Each of these experiences left a lasting impact on me and reinforced my passion for nursing.

Staff were also generous with their time when I asked questions. Consultants and senior nurses often took the time to explain procedures, protocols, and local practices, especially when they differed from what I’d learned in the UK. I appreciated how medical students helped translate both language and clinical context, which deepened my understanding of conditions like TB, cardiac disease, and even cases like monkey bites, rare in the UK but common in Sri Lanka.

Overall, I gained not only clinical knowledge but also a deeper respect for adaptability, teamwork, and cultural context in healthcare lessons I’ll carry with me throughout my nursing career.

In the evenings, we enjoyed exploring local markets and trying traditional Sri Lankan food. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly locals made every outing memorable. One of my favourite routines was taking peaceful early morning walks around the nearby lake before heading to the hospital—it was a calm, reflective way to start the day.

Our weekends were full of adventure. We travelled to Ella, a picturesque town surrounded by hills. We hiked to the famous Nine Arches Bridge viewpoint and then climbed Little Adam’s Peak, which offered breathtaking views. We even tried zip-lining, which was thrilling! That evening, we experienced a vibrant local festival, enjoyed shopping, and sampled delicious street food. We also visited a tea factory, learning about the production process of Sri Lanka’s famous tea. 

We also went on an unforgettable elephant safari and visited a historic temple in central Sri Lanka. During the week, we had opportunities to visit the botanical gardens, go white water rafting, and tour an elephant orphanage.

My placement has certainly piqued my interest in cardiology after doing part of my placement in this department; it’s something I’m interested in and would like to specialise in the future. I would wholeheartedly encourage any nursing student or graduate to undertake an overseas placement like mine in Sri Lanka. The experience is truly life-changing – both personally and professionally.

The friendships and connections you build with fellow students, local healthcare workers, and the community are enriching and often lifelong. Sharing stories, challenges, and successes with others enhances your learning and creates a supportive network. I made so many new friends during the placement, and I’ll never forget them — they were such a big part of my very first solo trip and helped me through so many ‘firsts’. I swam for the first time and completed my first hike in Sri Lanka! Swimming was such a memorable experience, especially because everyone in the house was so supportive. Since coming home, I’ve been inspired to join swimming classes - it’s a skill I’ve always wanted to learn, and this trip gave me the push to go for it.

In short, an overseas placement is an investment in your growth as a nurse and as a person. It challenges you, inspires you, and rewards you in ways you never expected. If you have the chance to do it, I’d say grab it with both hands. It will change your life. I think an overseas placement is the best way to gain healthcare experience, as you learn about other cultures' approaches to patient care. Take every moment in and try not to be judgmental of how different healthcare systems operate.

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