I’m currently in Athens, completing two four-week clinical placements as a nursing student. My training is taking place at the University General Hospital Attikon, one of the newest public hospitals in the city. (However, this hospital was also built, if I’m not mistaken, in 1998.)
During my placement, I’ve had the opportunity to work both in the pediatric ward and in the operating theatre. So far, I’ve been the only nursing student on the pediatric ward. Another nursing student started her placement at the same time as I did, but she is training in a different hospital. I’ve met more local students while working in the operating theatre.
Working in a Greek hospital is quite different from working in Finland. The first major difference is the level of hygiene. Almost all nurses wear artificial nails, a lot of hand jewelry, and rings. Hand hygiene is not at the same level, and sometimes, quite lacking. Doctors or nurses do not wear gloves when cannulating patients on the ward, and if they do, hand sanitizer is not used before or after putting on the gloves. In the operating theatre, the hygiene level is higher than on the wards, and the sterile environment is generally maintained. However, many different people were moving in and out of the operating room, and they were not dressed in sterile attire.
Another significant difference has been that things are still recorded on paper, and computers are hardly used. However, the head nurse mentioned that they are planning to transition to using tablets in the future. In the operating theatre, however, I did find that the equipment looked quite modern.
The Greek healthcare workers are hardworking. They often work under pressure, facing staff shortages and a fast-paced environment. Salaries are significantly lower than in Finland, even though the cost of living has increased. Many nurses work additional shifts or take second jobs in other hospitals. I know they are doing their best with the resources they have.
Here’s a photo of one of my favorite local dishes: Moussaka.
There is a lot to see and experience in Athens. Of course, the famous Acropolis became familiar, as well as a few museums. I’ve visited restaurants often, and the food has, of course, been very delicious in the traditional Greek style. I also visited the beach on a sunny and warm day, and the next morning a few people at the hospital jokingly asked if I had perhaps forgotten to put on sunscreen. The locals have also been very friendly; they have always offered their help and were happy to give advice whenever I had questions. Hospitality is truly a big part of Greek culture!
This experience has truly shaped me, both as a future nurse and as a person.
Thank you for reading, Γεια σου!
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