What is an Elective

It is all about students, like me, choosing to undertake unpaid voluntary work so that we can gain experience & knowledge  of health care in a different setting to the ones we are used to. This can be subtly differing or a difference that is a total shock to the system 

It allows a student nurse  to gain valuable insight that can be used to greatly benefit future patient care, 

"It offers the opportunity to experience how health care is delivered in an under resourced environment" Alasdair Thompson, Senior Elective Consultant at Work the World

Depending what a student chooses to do, it can be a chance to experience a different culture. This is not just in the sense of lifestyle, but also in terms of methodology and nursing practices. The student can learn a new language, meet other people, local students and other healthcare professionals.

Obviously all this does come at a price and whilst Karen has invested much time and money in becoming a qualified nurse to help care for others, especially those with mental health needs, funding and sponsorship for this elective will be required.

The total base cost for this elective is in the region of £3500. Karen will also require other very important safety & medical requirements such as antimalarials, vaccinations,  not forgetting appropriate clothing, such as scrubs,  and other incidentals.

If you are able to donate funding, sponsorship or individual items then this would be hugely appreciated. You will be helping to ensure that when Karen qualifies as a registered mental health nurse that she will be bringing a wealth of experience in various settings with her and be more prepared to provide excellent ongoing care to NHS patients.