Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The Heidelburg Project


Different, adjustable, but fascinating: three words that describe my views and experiences so far in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit is unlike most cities, especially in comparison to Atlanta. This city is not as lively like I was expecting; in addition, there are many abandoned buildings and not a very good public transportation system. Now, there was hope for the city to thrive again, but unfortunately this did not happen due to government officials' own personal greed. This personal greed ultimately caused economic hardships to remain and continue to affect the residents living in Detroit. I have seen this firsthand working at St. Frances Cabrini Clinic where we see uninsured adults with chronic illnesses. Most of them do not have jobs, live with family or friends, or are homeless; however, I do not pass any judgement nor treat them differently because they too are human and deserve help just like you and I.

Additionally, I have noticed about this city, is that some or most of the residents want to improve their lives and their neighborhoods. The desire for improvement is mainly seen through the work of art around the city. My community and I had the opportunity to visit a colorful public art environment known as the Heidelburg Project (a catalyst for change). Their mission is to inspire people to appreciate and use artistic expression to enrich and improve their lives and the social and economic health of the greater community. The artist and founder, Tyree Guyton, wanted to take a stand against the decay, crime, and apathy in the neighborhood where he was raised. Guyton completed this task by using vacant and abandoned homes as his canvass, and decorated them with old or discarded items. It was a very interesting sight to see and hard to understand fully, but I enjoyed visiting this sight. Here are some pictures of the art.
Shari Allen - St. Frances Cabrini Clinic - Detroit, MI

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Human Connection



One of my favorite quotes relating to service is from the book Tattoos on the Heart by Fr. Greg Boyle. He states that “We are not called to be successful, but faithful. When we surrender our need for results and outcomes, success becomes God’s business.” Last week I posted this quote as my Facebook status as many of my friends are either starting new jobs or heading back for another year of school and being successful is undoubtedly on a lot of people’s minds. In attempting to inspire others, I think God was gently trying to remind me to pay attention to the wisdom Fr. Greg shares.
Just a few weeks ago I came to Savannah, raring to go, new scrubs and all, prepared to try to make the people of Savannah a little healthier I suppose. Well, once I stepped into the clinic, it dawned on me that I still have quite a lot to learn…I’m completely unfamiliar with all of the Georgia nursing regulations and the health system down here; I realized I don’t recognize the electronic medical record system the clinic utilizes, and even the blood pressure monitors look completely different. I can finally answer the phone, but if a client calls with more than a simple question, I have to put them on hold while I find more experienced staff.

Then, one night I was over at the Good Samaritan Clinic for one of their medical clinic nights. I was in the back learning the process of assigning patients to rooms when I heard someone urgently looking for a nurse. Being that I’ve only been an RN for about 6 weeks, let’s just say I was somewhat hesitant to be the first person to respond. Luckily there was no overwhelming medical emergency; someone just wanted a nurse to sit with a patient who was making a scene in the waiting room until it was her turn to be seen. I was happy to sit and talk with this interesting, pleasant woman until she was called back. She shared with me only a little bit about her medical conditions, and mostly about her life in Savannah. Later on her way out she thanked me for taking the time to listen to her, but really I was so thankful for the simple human connection we shared that night. She was a necessary reminder to me that even amidst all the transition and attempting to figure out all the medical equipment and regulations, that’s what life is all about- the human connection. She reminded me that I don’t necessarily have to concern myself with the results and the outcomes, the numbers on the machines, but more so with being faithful to God and what God is about in each and every person we encounter. Only then can we truly be “successful.”
Cara Brindley - St. Mary's Health Center - Svannah, GA