So this is the second year in a row I have been a part of our program's Community Outreach Project and it's probably my favorite event to be a part of each year. Last year I went with some of my classmates on behalf of the group to do a career day at a local elementary school. I've talked about it on here before so I won't go into too many details but it was a great experience. The kids were so smart and eager to learn about what we did that it was hard not to get caught up in their infectious attitudes. I left with a smile on my face and a great yearning to continue on with the project. For me, it was definitely one of those moments when you realize you are definitely doing the right things with your life.
This year we wanted to take the project a step further so we did two main events. The first I was not a part of due to scheduling conflicts but I know my classmates had a wonderful time. They went back to the elementary school again but this time had the children make get well cards for patients at Gwinnett Medical Center. They brought pens and markers and crayons plus lots of paper and let the kids draw and write letters to bring some cheer to some GMC residents that were really in need.
The second half of the project had us visiting the long-term care facility at GMC. It was a beautiful afternoon when we set out and when we arrived at the facility we were greeted by the staff with open arms. We split up into pairs and went to meet some of the residents. I first met Miss Ida-Cade who was originally from Chattanooga. For those of you who don't know, Chattanooga is half-way between Atlanta and Nashville, where all of my family lives. I spent a lot of time while growing up in Chattanooga and we had a blast sitting and talking about her life there. I have always really enjoyed learning about people's lives and hearing their stories and I think it meant a lot to both of us that we were able to connect over a shared love of the city. I also spent a lot of time talking to other patients and handing out the children's cards. They were all so sweet and I think brought a lot of happiness to the resident's hearts.
Here is a picture of our group with Miss Elizabeth:
Miss Elizabeth was a perfect example of why I care so much about these events. Though she had a big smile on her face when she told us it was about to be her 96th birthday, I could tell she was very lonely. It really made her day when we gave her her card and talked about the little girl who had made it for her. Before we left we sang her happy birthday and she cried when she told us how much it meant to her.
After we walked away from Miss Elizabeth I couldn't help but feel struck at what a huge impact she had made on my life in just a few short minutes. As health care providers it is important that we take care of our patients physically but it often doesn't occur to us how important it is to look further. We meet people like Miss Elizabeth daily and if we work a little harder to make a personal connection with our patients we have the chance to make a much bigger impact in their lives.
I read recently about how pharmacists had dropped behind nurses in being "The Most Trusted Profession in America". It is not a competition for me, but I do feel like there is a call to our profession to earn that trust back. If we go out of our way to show our patients how much we care, to listen to their problems, and to be a part of their positive outcomes we will be able to do it. Even beyond that, we will positively impact and enrich our own lives.
Thank you Miss Elizabeth, I hope you have a very special birthday.
Katie
