June 12th

Sunday June 12, 2016

As I am sitting in the van on the long ride back home I began reflecting on all of the positive experiences we have had over the last 7 days. The 11 of us were given an amazing opportunity to immerse ourselves into the Cherokee culture. When we arrived we were welcomed with open arms by many people who may not have normally been so open with outsiders.

When thinking about all of the generosity we experienced this week I really have to say it began on the first day when we arrived at Cherokee Indian Hospital. On the first day we met the hospitals nursing educator named Kayla. Immediately Kayla treated us with respect and began teaching us all about the Cherokee and the hospital. She took us into a conference room where we sat for at least half an hour talking with her and asking her questions. We then went to the Cherokee Indian Museum where once again we were welcomed by Jerry Wolfe who spoke with us telling us about his history and different stories that were passed onto him by his father.  On the first day of clinical during lunch the director of the emergency department named Victoria came and spoke with us and shared some the traumas she has faced for being Cherokee such as having dentist which were provided by the government slapping her. Throughout the trip we had several more instances that I felt that we experienced generosity. For example, on the last day at the Cherokee Indian Hospital we were invited to two guest speakers. The first guest speaker taught us all about historical trauma and how we need to learn to forgive. We then went to lunch and when we were done eating Kayla told us she had a surprise for us. She took us to the Katua Mound which the Native Americans believe is where they began. This is showing us generosity because this is such a sacred place to them. We next went back to the hospital where we had a class with the healing touch instructor. This was generous because it was teaching us an up and coming type of medicine that is more natural.

 

While on the trip we did not physically do anything to effect the health of others while in the hospital. However, prior to coming on the trip we collected blankets, clothing, toys, and bottles for the young children who come into the ER and are then put into the foster systems. It was explained to us that more often than not that children would come in with nothing and then would not have anything to give the children or the new foster parents and if it would be 3 O’clock in the morning there is no way that the parents would be able to get those supplies for the children because they live in a rural area and do not have access to 24 hour stores. These supplies can make the difference of the health of a child because it could be that one comfort item that they needed to calm them down whether it be a pacifier or a blanket.

I believe that this culture is able to get healthier by continuing the path that they are. The new hospital is doing a good job a focusing on all the aspects of care that are important for the culture. The hospitals had many different things that will improve the health care of the Cherokee. One specific way that the health will be improved is with the alarms that the alert the providers of screenings that the patients need to have that year. Some of the screenings that can be alerted are diabetes, cholesterol, alcohol, drug, dental, mammograms, pap smears, and certain cancers. Other ways that the hospital is able to continue to get healthier is that has a rehab program because the high rate of alcohol and drug abuse. The boundary provides a two-week inpatient detox program along followed by outpatient treatment which focuses on the spiritual and education aspect of healing.

This culture is able to keep their heritage and pass it on for future generations by stories, the museum/play/village, along with the schools. The Cherokee made it evident that they pass stories on to their children from previous generations. The boundary also has several opportunities for the children to participate in culture activities such as working at the “Unto These Hills” and “The Village”. These programs teach others about the history and trauma that the Cherokee endured. The boundary also has a museum that goes in depth from the beginning of the Cherokee to the present day. The Cherokee have also incorporated language classes and history classes specifically about their culture. Another special school the Cherokee offers for children which only speaks to their children in the Cherokee language except for half an hour a day.  This is important because no one really knows the history that happened to the Cherokee and what is taught in school is barley covers what really happened. If they Cherokee do not keep passing their heritage along it will be forgotten.

This week I would say the one thing I did out of my comfort zone was going into a patient’s room where I was not necessarily wanted. It was my second observation day and the nurse had me go into the patient’s room but the patient would not look at me. Even though it is just a part of their culture it still made me feel uncomfortable. 

This experience has impacted me in so many ways so I will just give a brief overview. I am so blessed to have this opportunity to come and learn about a culture that I never would have been able to learn about just by reading a book. This culture has taught me the importance of family and that even when someone hurts you, you can forgive them. This experience has been so much fun and allowed me to make friends with people that I may not have been friends with previously. I now am able to remember not to judge people when you meet them because you do not know what has happened in their past. Also, we are able to recognize a patient in distress earlier than I would have previously!