Day 5 & 6 Thankful Hearts & Spirits of Adventure

Day 5 - Friday
July 14, 2017
This was our last day at Cherokee Indian Hospital and Clinics. After lunch, the students were given lovely hand-beaded one of a kind lanyards made by Cherokee artisans, a gift  from Victoria Harlan Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department. Brandon, a nursing student who has served 8 years in the military received a lanyard with an American flag design.

Students experienced a variety of clinical observations in the morning before lunch and in the afternoon had a presentation about energy medicine by Nancy Stephens RN, BSN a Healing Touch Practitioner.  Nancy has helped incorporate this complimentary therapy into patient cares throughout the hospital.  Many patients report finding that this helps reduce pain, decrease anxiety, stress and has helped shorten their stay.

After clinical we drove up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and took a quick hike on part of the Appalachian Trail.  The views were absolutely  amazing!

Day 6- Saturday
July 15, 2017
In the morning a couple students and myself dropped off the remaining donations at the Cherokee Nazarene Church about 30 minutes from our cabin.  GPS instead took us to a waterfall so we had to make the 0.4 mile uphill climb to the top to view Mingo Falls before calling for directions.

  The group voted to try to beat the storm front coming through and go rafting on the Nantahala River from 1015-130 pm.  We managed to finish before some gentle showers came through.

 This was also our last opportunity to shop for the perfect souvenir to take home.  We feasted on left overs and packed our bags that Mr. Gillespie volunteered to pick up and pull back to Peoria in the U-Haul trailer that once was full of donations. This evening we had "tribal council" and reflected on the week.  It has been a very full week of learning and activities. We are very thankful for the time and energy that Cherokee Indian Hospital employees and affiliate clinical sites gave to us.  In addition we made new contacts in the community with the help of Kayla Holland who facilitated this entire experience.  We will carry the memories in our hearts and as we care for individuals be certain to remember everyone has a story and should be treated with dignity and respect.