I was privileged to participate in the first ACN Nursing Tour to South Africa at the end of last year, run in partnership with Jon Baines tours. Everyone I met in South Arica was very passionate about their work, happy to share their experiences and friendly. The Nursing Tour was one of the most rewarding experiences of my nursing life. The connections, memories and new friendships will stay with me.
One of the most rewarding experiences of the Nursing Tour was a visit to the Groote Schuur Hospital, now a museum and home of the world’s first heart transplant performed by Christian Barnyard. Our guide for the tour was the perfusionist at the time of the operation, Denny. Denny brought to life through her storytelling the man behind the mask and I felt that I was drawn back in time and was watching the team at work.
The Nursing Tour has brought to the forefront my perception on cultural awareness, the impact of the social determinants of health and health implications of those who have and those who have not. I have a new appreciation for our health system in Australia whilst understanding there is still work to be done.
I would strongly recommend if you have the opportunity to go on the ACN Nursing Tour to Vietnam, “Just Do It”, you will come back with a lifetime of experiences.