My name is Aloysius Nabaasa, a student of Learning Disability Nursing at Southbank University. I had the opportunity to do my placement at the Charterhouse where I spent 6 weeks from the 8th November 2021.

Prior to my start I had a great guided tour to the place with one of the residents who told me about the incredible history of the Charterhouse, and I was able to meet more of the residents, the staff and I was given a good briefing regarding policies and procedures by my placement assessor and supervisor.

I learned a lot about different kinds of sickness like Parkinsons, I learned about medication, wound care, personal care, and manual handling. I attended different meetings with staff and professionals including doctors, nutritionists, and the palliative care team.

I learned to do observations including taking high blood pressure, oxygen and it was very exciting using the equipment like a ‘sally stead’, oximeters, and hoists that I had never practically used before, and I believe it will greatly improve my nursing practice and make it more efficient.

when I started the placement, I didn’t really know what to anticipate as it was my first time in a care home setting, so I was so worried, and I didn’t know where to begin.

But I would like to thank the great team at the Charterhouse (Karen, Stafford, Nigel, and Davinia) for the great skills you taught me at while I was with you: You are Amazing at your job keep it up…. Thinking back, you have surely given me confidence.

This placement gave me the opportunity to begin to see myself as a professional, as I gradually learned how to think critically about the patient’s health, and managing their care and needs and it led to my becoming increasingly confident.

Although I feel that I have a long way to go in this endeavour and will always continue learning, I know that I have learned a lot during my time at this placement.

Thank you.

Aloysius Nabaasa
Student Nurse
London Southbank University