Day 3

           The healthcare system in this community is ran essentially by the community. The elders and members of their committee make the decisions regarding the healthcare system. The members of the healthcare team include the providers, nurses, LPNs, CNAs, counselors, behavior health, dietitians, and social workers. This facility was almost like a one-stop shop for all their needs, which is very different from our culture. We are used to setting appointments and going many different places to get all our care. In this healthcare system, they could do almost everything they needed within the same setting at the same time. I felt the attitude of the workers towards each other and their patients felt different. They seemed genuinely happy to be there and be helping others. Not to say that we are not in our society, but I felt the genuine excitement for them to be at work. I also noticed that no one was talking negatively towards or about their patients. This is likely due to the ‘right way’ training that Victoria discussed to us. I feel like this would be beneficial in every setting. Financially things are different, as well. While in the hospital, their stay in completely covered. Another difference is what people are being admitted for. There are a lot of detox patients within this hospital setting. A difference I found interesting is that they are not required to have Joint Commission come to their facility. They choose to do this to prove they are able to do the same with their resources as other hospitals. While there are many differences, the level of care is the same. They have access to do the same with their resources as our community does. They care for anyone who comes through their door regardless of payment, as we do in our community. However, if the patient is needing care beyond what this facility can provide, they are sent to a different hospital. Payment for those services are dependent on the patient’s status within the community. There are many complementary and alternative medicines used in this culture. They believe every plant has a use. ‘Touch me nots’ is one the group experienced for itself. It is used to help relieve bug stings and bites. While this was shared with us, typically this culture is very secretive regarding their herbal remedies as they do not want their land pillaged.