My Final Thoughts!!

The community was more than welcoming to our college. They were beyond generous and so willing to share their stories and teach us about their history. All of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA) staff were pleasant to work with and never did I feel in the way as a student. They were all so willing to answer any of my questions and share their nursing knowledge. Before this amazing experience, ten students including myself, asked for donations to take with us to North Carolina. We asked for non-perishable items, clothes and shoes of any size, infant clothing, diapers, and hygiene items. What a success! With all of our hard work, we were able to fill an 8 ft by 12 ft U-Haul trailer. These items we collected will help keep many men, women and families clothed, fed and clean. Some of the clothing collected was donated to Kanvwodiyi, which an amazing rehab facility in Snowbird. This addiction recovery facility is one of many amazing resources available for individuals suffering from an addiction. I feel, these clinics will help maintain a healthier generation by breaking the cycle and getting help for the patient that want it. These few improvements are extremely important resources because of the huge issue with drug and alcohol abuse within the community.

One of the most inspiring moments this week was having the opportunity to sit in on a rehab group session. I was great to hear the patient’s stories and some of the battles they face or have faced in the road to recovery. This was a huge step for me because I have never had that true connection with rehab, therefore it was a little bit out of my comfort zone. Even though I was uncomfortable in the beginning, I am so glad I did. I learned so much and really saw a new perspective.

Overall, I felt this experience was an impact on many of us. It showed me not to have a bias opinion, I learned how important family and community are and how passionate the Native Americans are about their history, traditions and beliefs. This is the very first time I have ever been apart of a travel class and I am so glad I was. I was one of the greatest experiences in nursing school, not only did I learn so much about culture, but I made many memories along the way.

Final Days at CIHA

Some of the most critical issues the Cherokee community faces daily is substance abuse. Today I had the privilege to sit in on the 0900 Rehabilitation group discussion. It was a huge eye opener listening to all the stories and seeing how these individuals were ready to change their lives. As I observed the emergency department, as well as inpatient, I was told admitting a detox is not uncommon on a daily basis. Upon arrival, I knew substance abuse was a huge issue, what I did not know was the extent of the problem. Another critical issue within the culture is diabetes. A predominant condition leading to diabetes is most likely poor health, genetics, societal aspects and obesity. Diabetes and substance misuse could potentially be genetics, culture, lack of knowledge and/or lack of health maintenance. Genetically, individuals can be predisposed to substance abuse or obesity. I believe, within the Native community, culture, beliefs and traditions play a huge role in their everyday lives. The nurse’s role would to be an advocate, educator and supporter for these patients. We need to support their wants and needs to life change, educate them on local resources, dietary changes, activity changes, as well as being an advocate.

In my opinion, the public is primarily the center of the health care systems in Cherokee. Not only are they great resources and supporters, but most of the facilities within in the community are privately funded.  I think there is a huge difference between Cherokee healthcare systems and healthcare systems elsewhere. Most of the hospitals I have seen are not privately funded and do not put as much thought into family needs as CIHA. At home, our hospitals have much smaller rooms, waiting rooms, and do not value family importance as much as the Native American culture.

Communities can acheive great things!

Today my class and I had the opportunity to tour Missions Hospital in Western North Carolina. Mission is very large hospital that facilitates patients from many different surrounding counties. In comparison to the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority (CIHA), Mission Hospital is considerably larger and has a higher tier level of critical care. If Cherokee Hospital cannot accommodate the necessary needs of a patient or the patient is of critical care they will transfer them to Mission Hospital. What both hospitals do a great job at is satisfying the patient and families.

In experience, Mission reminded me a little bit of St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) back home. Both facilities are large, can care for critical patients, has an outstanding children’s hospital and is continuously growing. Hospitalization for children is hard, not only for the child, but the family as well. It can be extremely difficult for children, of all ages, to be confined to a hospital room, let alone an unfamiliar place. Mission Hospital does a fantastic job making the stay more comfortable and fun for both the patient and family. From my observation, the art is inviting, the success stories are inspiring, and the TOYS are so exciting. One of the nurses mentioned today, kids are so resilient! As I discussed in previous blogs, this could not be truer. Other ways mission applies patient and family centered care is the unit layout. As you walk into a pediatric unit you will face a locked door. Each individual that enters and exits the unit must be buzzed in from the head desk, this ensures patient safety. The patient rooms were built larger to meet the family wants and needs, providing them with the ability to stay with their child at all times.

The atmosphere I experienced today was very different compared to Cherokee Indian Hospital. CIHA concentrations more on tradition and not so much the statistics. Their tradition is primary focused on family and working together as a community. Developing a relationship is so important for the Native Culture because trust is earned. Without trust, communication is lost. Mission Hospital was more focused on patient and family satisfaction and meeting house goals. Similarities of the two facilities are effective and unique morning report. Each hospital has a different system that was designed for their personal success. It is AMAZING!

Mission Children’s’ Outpatient is a wonderful resource for Western North Carolina. Mission Children’s Outpatient works with respiratory needs, oncology, orthopedics, abuse clinic and an remarkable rehab center. What touched me the most was the Abuse Clinic. Not knowing what it was when I walked, I verbalized how much I loved the artwork on the walls. As she began to tell the story behind the beautiful hand prints on the wall my heart sunk. Amber, who gave us the tour, said each one of these hand prints are of a child that had been abused. The amount we saw was only about 1/3 of what covered the walls throughout the clinic, this was not including the infants who were too young to ask for a hand print. It is extremely hard to think of small children and teens being abused physically, mentally, or sexually. But it is much harder to visually see how many are affected.

 In addition to these wonderful learning experiences, I was able to visit the Biltmore Mansion. It was such an amazing history story and if the opportunity ever arises, take the time to visit this historical place. I had such an incredible time and learned so much.