Millie Palfree

I was inspired to undertake an overseas placement in Tanzania out of a deep desire to understand children’s nursing beyond the NHS context and to witness firsthand how care is delivered in settings with very different resources and challenges.

I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and learn from communities and healthcare professionals who show incredible resilience, compassion, and creativity in the face of adversity. Caring for children has always been central to my decision to pursue nursing, and I felt strongly that this placement would allow me to grow both professionally and personally while giving back in a meaningful way.

My first impressions of the placement hospital in Tanzania were quite overwhelming but also incredibly humbling. Coming from England, I immediately noticed the contrast in resources, equipment, and facilities compared to what I was used to. At first, I felt shocked and unsure about how care could be delivered in such a setting. However, I was quickly struck by the dedication and compassion of the nurses, who worked tirelessly with limited resources while still providing kind, family-centred care. The experience made me reflect on how fortunate we are in England and helped me appreciate the importance of adaptability in nursing.

I developed and strengthened a range of clinical knowledge and practical skills within children’s nursing. I became more confident in carrying out holistic assessments, recognising signs of deterioration, and understanding how different conditions present in children. Being exposed to a wide variety of clinical cases helped to broaden my knowledge and link theory to practice more effectively.

One of the most memorable cases I was involved in during my placement in Tanzania was caring for a three-day-old baby who had undergone an amputation. Being involved in the care of such a young infant was both emotionally challenging and deeply moving. I remember feeling a strong sense of responsibility while providing gentle, careful nursing care and closely monitoring the baby’s comfort, vital signs, and wound site.

What stayed with me most was supporting the family during such an overwhelming time. Seeing the parents process their emotions while still showing immense love and strength for their newborn had a lasting impact on me.

The staff helped me understand the reasoning behind local practices by openly discussing why certain approaches were used and how they best met the needs of children and families in that setting. This helped me see beyond my own experience of nursing in England and appreciate that safe and compassionate care can look different in different contexts. Their patience, expertise, and commitment to children’s care had a lasting influence on how I view nursing practice.

The healthcare system I experienced during my placement in Tanzania differed significantly from that in England, particularly in terms of practices, structure, and day-to-day care delivery.

In England, care is often guided by strict protocols and policies, and by access to specialist services, whereas in Tanzania, I observed a greater reliance on clinical judgement, teamwork, and continuity of care. Nurses often took on a broad and hands-on role, caring for children holistically and building strong relationships with families.

Emotionally, these differences were challenging at first because they contrasted with what I was used to in England. However, over time, I came to appreciate the strengths of a system that prioritised compassion, adaptability, and close family involvement in care. The experience encouraged me to reflect on my own practice and to recognise that high-quality nursing is not defined solely by systems or resources, but by empathy, communication, and a commitment to children and their families.

In the evenings and at weekends, my housemates and I tried to make the most of our time together and enjoy being in such an amazing place. After placement, we’d usually chill by the pool, go out for nice meals.

On weekends, we went on some unforgettable trips. Going on safari was honestly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and visiting Zanzibar and the local islands was amazing — from relaxing on the beach to trying new food and exploring. We also went out to karaoke bars, which were so fun and gave us a chance to properly switch off and just enjoy being young and abroad. These memories are some of my favourites and made the whole experience so special.

I would 100% encourage anyone thinking about an overseas placement to go for it. It pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way and helps you grow not just as a nurse, but as a person. You gain a whole new perspective on children’s nursing, healthcare, and life in general, and it really makes you appreciate your role.

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