Public Health in Gila River

Olivia and I have been with the public health department for the past two weeks and have worked with the RNs, LPNs, and CHRs (community health representatives) in districts 1-4. I was quite surprised when I saw the type of work public health does on the reservation. Instead of patients coming to an office or building, the workers go out to them. Some of the day is dedicated to home visits, going to the pharmacy to have prescriptions filled, and arranging meds in the patients' pillboxes. But the most time-consuming and dreaded part of each day is charting! The nurses often struggle with going out into the community to provide care, then having to return and document all of their work.

During home visits, the nurses generally take vitals, do a quick assessment, and ask the patient if anything is needed. The CHRs also do vitals and assist the patients with their needs, but they take more time talking to each patient. Since each CHR is a community member, the patients feel more comfortable around them and tend to open up more. Generally, the patients are fine with having a student assist with the visits. However, there was one instance, while doing a home visit with Michelle (LPN) and Linda (RN), where the patient complained. She was upset that the nurses did not warn her they were bringing someone along, so she pouted and refused to acknowledge my presence. I didn't take any offense to her reaction; some people are not as open to having outsiders in their homes as others.

While with Janie in Districts 1 and 2, I did flu shots at the Elders Center. Once every month, the elders play bingo for hours and have a potluck lunch. Since there would be a good amount of elders there, Janie figured it would be a great opportunity to have a mini flu clinic. After giving the shots, I ate lunch with the elders. I felt like it was Thanksgiving; there were so many delicious foods!

Olivia and I have also been involved in the flu clinics at the schools. While at Sacaton Elementary and Blackwater Elementary, we administered over 320 flu vaccines (nasally and with the Biojector).

It's hard to believe our days in Gila River are coming to an end. Time is going by so quickly! We have a presentation on our project tomorrow at the Patient Family Centered Care meeting. On Friday, we will do another dental presentation with a third grade class in Gila Crossing Elementary.