My name is Dana Nur I am registered nurse and I am doing a high diploma in oncology and palliative care at Bethlehem University.  I went to Scotland to do a clinical placement in several hospitals and a hospice from 26th of September to the 9th of October. Practicing in several wards and places added much knowledge and experience for me as a nurse. As to see how the care is delivered, the types of equipment and chemotherapy treatments and how we can deliver such high-quality care in Palestine for cancer patients.

I practiced in Mary Curie hospice, which is a wonderful place to gain experience and knowledge regarding palliative care and living with cancer. There are things that draw my attention how each patient’s case is discussed by the multidisciplinary team as to deliver the highest quality for each individual. I also practised inwards, and how pain is controlled via pump machine and the use of several medications. I joined the community nurse over there in the home visits and I saw what kind of services and care the nurse delivers and how to educate patients and family and to care for them while being in their own homes. They also offer relaxation programs for palliative and cancer patients that are delivered by trained nurses.

I also practised at the Beatson hospital in Macmillan ward, where active treatments take place. I gained knowledge about several types of chemotherapy and how education is delivered for patients with their conditions, chemotherapy, side effects and other treatments.  I also spent a day at Maggie’s centre which is a place for cancer patients and their families where they can be relaxed and have relaxations sessions.  The other hospital that I practised in was Vale of leven , where the nurse Gerry Ohare helped us in explaining how the specialized nurse works, what kind of responsibility the nurse takes and the medication that she can be prescribed. I also went to home visits with the specialized nurse named Alison who goes to patients who needs palliative care and take care of them and prescribe medication for them to manage their symptoms.

Practicing in all these places encouraged me to carry all what I was taught and the experience that I gained to Palestinian cancer patients. It was a fantastic experience on so many levels culturally and professionally.

Ms Dana Nur

Bethlehem University