Integrating real-world, human-centred experiences into nursing education offers students invaluable perspectives on compassionate care. The recent pilgrimage to Lourdes, supported by the University of Brighton, exemplifies this approach, transforming students’ understanding of holistic healthcare and enriching their professional development.
Empowering Nursing Students Through Authentic, Compassionate Care Experiences
Traditional nursing curricula often focus on clinical skills and theoretical knowledge, which are undeniably essential. However, the importance of empathetic, person-centred care becomes clearer when students engage directly with diverse populations in emotionally charged environments. The Lourdes pilgrimage provides such an environment, where nursing students support pilgrims facing illness, disability, and frailty — far from the familiar settings of hospital wards.
At Lourdes, students participate in a week-long, immersive experience that emphasizes listening, presence, and genuine compassion. Supporting approximately 700 pilgrims, many of whom live with serious health conditions, students help with personal care, facilitate mobility, and offer emotional support. This hands-on exposure cultivates their ability to deliver care rooted in respect, hope, and dignity—core principles in UK nursing education.
The Significance of Lourdes Pilgrimage Experience in Person-Centred Nursing
The Lourdes pilgrimage, organized annually by the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton, attracts millions seeking healing and spiritual solace. For nursing students, participation offers a unique opportunity to observe and practice __person-centred nursing__, where the individual’s emotional, spiritual, and physical needs are prioritized.
Anna Goacher, a nursing student, reflected on her experience: “Traveling to Lourdes was one of the most profound moments in my nursing journey. It taught me that nursing is more than clinical procedures; it’s about understanding the person behind the condition. Supporting pilgrims helped me see the importance of empathy and human connection in care.”
Natalie Timmerman emphasized that encounters with pilgrims, such as caring for someone who had long dreamed of visiting Lourdes, deeply reinforced the human side of healthcare. These moments remind future nurses that addressing emotional and spiritual needs is as vital as managing symptoms or medication.
Inclusivity and Diversity in Holistic Nursing Practice
While rooted in Catholic tradition, the Lourdes pilgrimage welcomes participants of all faiths and backgrounds, emphasizing shared humanity. Priyachakshu Radulescu, who identifies with diverse backgrounds and faiths, described feeling accepted and inspired: “The community I found during the pilgrimage challenged me to reflect on how I want to practice nursing—valuing diversity, compassion, and hope. I plan to return year after year.”
This inclusive environment exemplifies the values of integrated, person-centred care in UK nursing, illustrating the importance of respecting individual beliefs and cultural backgrounds.
Embedding Experiential Learning in UK Nursing Education
The University of Brighton’s School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences developed this international placement, which counts toward students’ professional practice hours while immersing them in holistic, compassionate care. Led by Sarah-Jane Ryan, Head of Practice Learning and Development, the program exemplifies innovative nursing education strategies aimed at preparing resilient, empathetic healthcare professionals.
Such experiential learning fosters resilience and adaptability—traits necessary to navigate complex healthcare environments. Emma Moon, Chief Nurse for the Lourdes pilgrimage, praised the students for their dedication, stating: “Your compassionate support has made a real difference to our pilgrims. You’ve set an example for the next generation of nurses.”
By engaging in these real-life, emotionally rich scenarios, students develop essential skills beyond textbooks. They learn to balance clinical competence with empathy, establish trust, and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
The Impact of Lourdes Experience on Future Nursing Practice
Upon returning from Lourdes, students carry a renewed perspective that influences their approach to healthcare. They understand that nursing involves more than medical interventions; it encompasses kindness, listening, and recognizing the person’s unique experience.
This shift towards holistic, person-centred nursing aligns with UK healthcare priorities emphasizing compassionate care and improving patient experiences. The Lourdes pilgrimage exemplifies how immersive, empathy-driven experiences can shape future healthcare leaders.
Universities like Brighton are committed to integrating such valuable opportunities into their curricula, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of the populations they serve.
Encouraging Future Nurses Through Immersive Learning Opportunities
Placements like Lourdes serve as models for innovative nursing education, highlighting the importance of real-world, emotionally charged experiences. They prepare students to face the complexities of modern healthcare with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
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