Student nurses 'reflect on patient journey' through new art display
Original works by undergraduate nursing students - and art pieces from patients - are going on display today in Exeter
Student nurses have traded their scrubs for smocks as a way to understand the experiences of their patients while finding a creative outlet for stress.
The student art exhibition from the University of Exeter’s Academy of Nursing, is back for its third year today and will showcase original works by undergraduate nursing students - housing everything from paintings to poetry and sculpture to song.
This unique exhibition is the result of ‘The Art and History of Nursing’ module, designed to deepen students’ understanding of nursing history and the lived experiences of health, illness, and caregiving. Through historical research, literature, and various artistic mediums, students explore the arts as a means to process and express complex emotions and experiences.
Senior Lecturer and module lead Dr Marie Clancy said: “This module really helps the students gain insights into patient care as well as benefiting their ability to cope with the stress of being a nurse. I’m constantly blown away by the creativity and insights of our students and can really see a difference after the module in how they empathise with patients and respond in stressful situations.”
Among the creations are pieces of work by members of Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement for the Department of Health and Care Professions - who use their views and personal experience to help to plan, deliver, evaluate and share health research.
Included in this exhibition is a song by Indiana Bird which includes the line: ‘Burying every imperfection, too scared to look at my own reflection’ details her experiences of living with a genetic condition.
She said: "For almost my entire life I have struggled with accepting how I look, partly because of my stoma and scars from previous surgeries, but it was mostly because of social media. I was exposed to the idea of the ‘Perfect Body’, and as a young teenager with a physical disability, that had a huge impact on how I saw myself. Every single insecurity I had immediately amplified, and over the years it just got worse and worse. I eventually started writing music, and it became a coping mechanism for me. It allowed me to come to terms with how I was feeling and put my thoughts into words.
"This song for me was a healing journey, and helped me learn to love myself again . I really hope it helps other teenagers and even adults learn to love who they are, and know they aren’t alone with how they feel."
A collage by Fergus McDonald (pictured) depicts his life with Down syndrome including images of a vast array of activities, hobbies and his love of heavy metal. His piece aims to challenge perceptions and show how rich and fulfilling a life with this condition can be.
Fourth-year student Amber Pritchard, who used textiles to express her time caring for an oncology patient said: “The Art and History of Nursing module has shown me how I can integrate art into my work. I never imagined I could bring creativity into nursing but its given me such a great understanding of patients perspective and care and it’s something I will continue to do.”
Fellow student, Stephen Bazeley said: “We place so much value on the empirical, and often ignore other types of knowledge. Art can help communicate ideas, emotion and views, that are often difficult to express otherwise, this is an insight and tool I have gained in the in ‘The Art and History of Nursing module’.”
The ‘Art and History of Nursing’ exhibition will be open to the public from 09:00-12:30 on Friday 14 February, in Baring Court Room 03, University of Exeter, St Lukes Campus. All are welcome to experience this compelling showcase of creativity and compassion in nursing.