Nursing Students Take Part in Spirit of Adventure Event

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Second-year UKZN Bachelor of Nursing students took part in a Spirit of Adventure team building exercise with professional service staff and academics at Shongweni Dam near Durban.

The event involves outdoor adventure in a bid to promote personal and interpersonal growth.

Designed to emphasise leadership, team building and personal development, the participating students went through a weekend of challenging and educational games facilitated by local instructors.

‘The programme is held annually to assist students cope with group work which drives all the projects at second-year level,’ said Nursing lecturer, Dr Mbali Mhlongo.

‘The adventure was not only about each person facing his or her fear, but focused mainly on working as a team,’ said second-year student, Mr Mdu Mpunga.

‘Group dynamics is one of the most important things in a healthcare profession and as nurses, we are part of a multidisciplinary team,’ he added.

Students were divided into six groups; each one assigned a camp instructor to guide them during the activities and long walks.

‘The multidisciplinary teams provided benefits for both the students and the health professionals working together,’ said student nurse, Mr Sbonelo Chamane. ‘These include improved health outcomes and enhanced satisfaction for future clients, and the more efficient use of resources and enhanced job satisfaction for team members.

On the first day of camp we were asked: “What is better: A team of stars or a star team?” The answer was hidden inside the question,’ said Chamane.

‘A “team of stars” basically means that each person shines irrespective of the other people in the group, but a “star team” is one that shines together thus shining the brightest,’ added Chamane.

The students also got the chance to spend time with staff in a relaxed environment; participating in different kinds of outdoor activities, including team development theory, group dynamics, a mini assault course, snake pit adventures, abseiling, raft building and relay racing.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied