Page 287 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

After watching the show, Ms Barrett’s personal insights

included more appreciation of the need for self-care.

‘There were elements of dance in the performance, which is

obviously physically demanding,’ she says.

‘It made me realise that, as nurses, we are also on our feet for

12 hours. Our priority is to meet everyone else’s physical needs
but we don’t have that empathy towards ourselves. It felt like a

reality check.’

The drama also highlighted the impact of tone of voice, body

language and non-verbal communication.

‘Those playing the nurses spoke to the audience as if we were

patients, speaking differently depending on each patient,’ says

Ms Barrett. ‘It demonstrated there are so many different ways
of communicating.’

Another online pack has been created for undergraduates who

are going into clinical practice during the pandemic, with tips,

videos and podcasts on how to manage unexpected situations,
coping with a new environment, learning new routines and

building relationships with colleagues.

It shares strategies that are part of a performer’s job, like

learning lines and routines quickly, managing stage fright and
other strong emotions.

When contact with patients eventually resumes, Ms Barrett
feels she will be more conscious of the way she communicates,

including her body language and non-verbal cues, such as facial
expressions and hand movements.

‘It’s made me much more aware of how important our voices
are and the impact we can have, especially as we’re dealing

with some of the most vulnerable people,’ she says. ‘It’s opened

my eyes.’

Looking ahead, there are plans to take the show to the north of

England and Scotland, once live performances can take place