Step aboard: my unique learning journey in healthcare during a healthcare holiday
Hello! My name is Sanne de Jonge , I'm 18 years old and a second-year nursing student in level 4 at Drenthe College in Assen.
During the week of April 5th to 12th, I had the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable healthcare holiday with the Heinz Reizen Foundation – an experience that changed my perspective on healthcare forever.
A special internship abroad in your own country
During this eight-day voyage, we sailed along the beautiful Dutch rivers, visiting Amsterdam , Medemblik , Texel , Terschelling , Hoorn , and Wijk bij Duurstede , among other destinations. Although we stayed in the Netherlands, it felt like a true internship abroad thanks to the new environments, cultures, and intensive collaboration on board.
Providing care in a different way
During this care holiday I learned a lot:
- Building self-confidence in providing care
- Guidance, collaboration and communication in practice
- Providing care without work pressure , where the wishes of the guests are central
Unlike regular nursing internships, there was plenty of time and attention for each individual guest on board. This created a real holiday feeling – for both the guests and the volunteers.
Valuable learning moments on board
What made this internship extra special were the clinical lessons taught by experienced nurses. During the trip, I learned about:
- Working ergonomically
- Heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias
- Diabetes care
In addition, I had regular interim evaluations , which focused on my learning goals and provided opportunities to discover new skills. Everything was tailored to what I still wanted to learn – something rarely handled so personally in other internships.
The most beautiful contact: human and grateful
What touched me most during this care holiday was the human connection. On board, you don't see the limitations, but the person themselves. Small gestures make a big difference, and the gratitude of the guests is priceless.
Why you shouldn't miss this experience either
Whether you're still studying nursing or have already graduated as a healthcare professional, a trip with the Heinz Reizen Foundation is a unique opportunity to:
- Gain practical experience in a relaxed, educational setting
- Building a bond with guests and colleagues
- To deepen your knowledge and skills within nursing
- To have fun and create unforgettable memories
No day is the same!
I'm sure I'll be joining the Heinz Reizen Foundation again in the future. I'll carry this experience with me for the rest of my career.
Are you ready for your own adventure?
Quickly explore the options for a care holiday or an internship abroad through the Heinz Reizen Foundation . Discover how special providing care can be!
Click here to register as an intern
