Karolinska Institute has an esteemed reputation around the world, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in the KI/University of Sydney exchange program in November/December 2016. Sweden was a place I had long wanted to visit, so, imbued with curiosity regarding Scandinavia, including its health care system, I embraced the experience of a KI clinical placement, which was to cap off my Australian Bachelor of Nursing (Advanced Studies) degree.
Once accepted, I was in regular communication with the International Coordinator for Nursing exchange students, who provided me with plenty of useful information such as links to details on accommodation options, the pick-up service, MRSA screening and what to do in case of a medical emergency (call 112).
A meeting of introduction was scheduled, where I was subsequently to meet other exchange students, the International Coordinator (who gave us all handy KI backpacks) and the Academic Coordinator for my cohort, who ensured we all had functioning KI passwords, information regarding our placements and then gave us a tour of the Huddinge campus prior to a MRSA screening at the University Clinic.