Overflowing with Opportunities

I hope you have been taking time to read the links of each of the students on this course as they blogged daily about the learning experiences.  The week went by in a whirlwind as this course is truly busy sun up to sun down!

Monday, June 11, 2018

We started with a trip to the Cherokee Indian Museum and then students got to
tour Cherokee Indian Hospital meeting Kayla Holland, the Nurse Educator.  Our day was filled to the brim with learning about history and what makes this region and culture unique.  It was raining intermittently but did not stop the performance of Unto These Hills.

Mrs. Holland has such a way of making the students feel welcome and finds ways to help them learn as evidence in the fun "awards" she gave the students based on her reading their application/ cover letter for this experience.

Tuesday June 12, 2018
This was the students first day of observational clinical at Cherokee Indian Hospital.  Students rotated through Inpatient, Primary Care and the Emergency Department.  Two students had the opportunity to go to the outpatient Suboxone treatment center and be present in a group who are recovering from addictions.  At lunch, we had the opportunity to have Victoria Harlan, RN BSN, share what is was like growing up as part of the Cherokee community, part of her story and the importance of nurses listening to the story of those we interact with. In the student blogs you will read more details about what insightful learning took place from these interactions.  After lunch the students rotated to another area of the hospital to get a glimpse into this unique health care system.

Wednesday June 13, 2018

Today we went to a very rural area of the Qualla Boundary to a section of the Boundary called "Snowbird" near a town called Robbinsville.  Here we had a chance to tour a residential treatment center for those recovering from addiction.  It was newly constructed and comprehensive center has only been open since January 2018.  The need for this place is very evident in the community.  I found it a beacon of hope.  Please take time to read the student's more detailed blog about this.  

In the evening, we attended Macedonia Cherokee Baptist Church.  We arrived by 5:30 pm to get the donations brought into the building.  The Pastor and his family were overwhelmed with joy as they seen first hand the outpouring of the Methodist College family to their community. Our group stayed for the one hour mid week service and had the opportunity to observe many elders in the church some which speak Cherokee.  Pastor Dan Conseen and Mrs. Tracy Conseen are also employed at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.  Pastor Dan works with many that are recovering from addictions, so it was interesting to see the variety of programs their church supports outside of the typical Sunday and Wednesday services. 

Thursday June 14, 2018

Awake and on the road by 0650. Traveled 70 minutes to Asheville, NC to tour several Mission Hospital units as well as the Reuter Children's clinic.  The students had made intriguing comparisons to that vs. Cherokee hospital as well as our local hospitals in Central Illinois.  It is very comprehensive and state of the art!  I must say if I was a new graduate, this would be the place I would want to start my career! It is the largest hospital in Western North Carolina and is tailored to meet the needs of children and their families.  A pediatric Emergency room is under construction and I hope to take students to see this next year! 

The Biltmore Mansion sits on a gorgeous 8,000 acre estate. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1880's.  Vanderbilt, who was an art collector, was a member of the prominent Vanderbilt family who made their fortune with steamboats, railroads and other business enterprises.  The location is literally 5 minutes away from the hospital and the closest thing to a castle in the USA, of course we had to go see it!  It was awesome to compare and contrast the regions we have traveled thus far.  The Vanderbilt descendants (the Cecil family) are very involved in the community of Asheville and have contributed land and much money to help establish sections of Mission Hospital and the Reuter clinic. 

Friday June 15, 2018

This was our last day at Cherokee Indian Hospital and we were still given such amazing experiences even though Joint Commission was also their for a visit!  The hospitality that we receive when coming here has never been matched by any organization I have ever encountered. The students expressed their gratitude to those who have shared with us and will be part of our story as we care for others.  

After clinical some students went tubing with Chaperone Brenda & Molly, others went shopping with me.  We then traveled to Clingman's Dome for some amazing views of the Smoky Mountains! 

Saturday June 16, 2018

Fun filled day!  Rafting, hiking  & shopping! I have never felt so tired at the end of a week but it was worth it! 

Sunday June 17, 2018

Happy Father's day!  I think Phil was missing his family for sure as he couldn't keep some of his souvenirs in his bag he had gotten for his little girl.  What a fun bunch of students who demonstrated professionalism, team work and flexibility.  Before leaving on this course, I was getting weary of the efforts that go into travel courses such as this. However, the experience that was had, hospitality received and the learning that took place will keep me going for a few more years I hope.  I am glad to feel inspired more than tired as I have returned the 12 hour journey back to Peoria after a week overflowing with opportunities!

Safe Arrival & Experiencing Culture

 Sunday June 10, 2018 Arrived!  

We started in a bit of rain bright and early on this Sunday morning. Everyone got right to work and loaded the UHAUL to the brim. Again we are so fortunate to have gotten the size of the trailer upgraded.  I am also going to brag on my husband who volunteers to help out by pulling the trailer, using his own means for transportation and expenses. Thank you Mr. Gillespie for helping make this learning experience possible as well! 

 After riding for 11+ hours, primarily in rain-we made it to our destination.  This group continues to   exhibit great communication and adapting to change as they carried groceries on their laps for the last 40 minutes of our ride and unpacked everything quickly getting settled into the cabin despite everyone being tired!

Stopping in Waynesville, NC for Bocelli's pizza for family style supper seemed to provide everyone with a bit of rest and delicious nourishment! 

ARRIVED!  

Monday June 11, 2018 

Education in History

Ms. Kayla Holland, Nurse Educator at Cherokee giving some very valuable lessons while making learning fun! 

 Ocanaluftee Indian Village Dancing & Hands on experience into the rich culture & history of the Cherokee people

What a great opportunity to share with Instructor & Chaperone's Brenda & Molly

 Family style dining and reflection of learning! 

Cabin Life

After Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama

Generosity Multiplies

Thursday June 6, 2018 - the last day of "pre-travel" class Topic:  Team Dynamics

I entered my office around 0700 on this day with such a mix of emotions.  The mountains of donations were so amazing as I remembered thinking in May we were not going to be able to fill half of a 5 x 8 Uhaul trailer that had been rented for this trip! The initiative of students, their families, staff and faculty of Methodist College rallied and now surrounding me were so many wonderful things to help provide some necessities and some extra special items to many who are in a situation where these little things would prove a blessing.  The only problem that I seen before me, was how are there we now going to all fit into this size of a trailer?! If I could find one available this close to our departure, we do not have it in the budget for a larger one.   This is only what was in my office, not including the hallway. To see a video of the piles click here:  Donations overflowing

As our class met at 0830 and the concepts of effective team dynamics was the topic for the day.  While this was primarily in reference to pediatric emergency response, it has it's place in every aspect of being an effective team member including sorting and organizing donations.  

To my delight these students immediately went into action!  As a team, they developed a system of sorting and were all intently engaged in efforts and appeared to be having fun!  I could not have imagined that they would get through the majority of the bags by then end of our class period and planned to come in for additional 1/2 day to finish up-which was not necessary! 

These ladies demonstrated how rolling clothing items you could fit much more into the totes!  I was inspired to reorganize my own drawers at home after watching them! 

Mrs. Mutchler's daughter came to help as well!  She was able to tell us about several of the books and which one's the children in North Carolina would enjoy reading!

These ladies had a serious system of sorting and organizing!  I was so impressed at their teamwork! 

Candid camera shots are worth so many words.... This is going to be a fun and hard working group!

 At the end of the effective class day, we still had a problem. There was too much to fit into the 5 x 8 cargo trailer!

After making a few phone calls, Thursday afternoon with no change to the circumstance. I tried one more to the district manager of UHAUL who did some checking. 

Late Thursday afternoon we were approved an upgrade to a 6 x 12 cargo trailer, which will fit all of the donations- at no additional cost!  What a Blessing!

 Generosity continues to multiply!  

Methodist College News

First day of class & only 11 more days until travel!

Today was the first day of class, and at least for me the 3 hours flew by and I am hopeful that the 11 hours of travel time in the van will go just as quickly as we embark on a week long adventure in learning!  

Donations are starting to come in and several students, staff & faculty of Methodist College have made purchases, donating items they are not using as well as petitioning donations from neighbors and Facebook friends as well.  Soon we will sort and have enough to fill a UHAUL!

  

As you can see, my office space is beginning to look like an episode from Hoarders!