For their last academic session, students visited a unique hospital in Waimea: North Hawai’i Community Hospital. The hospital not only integrates many complementary healing practices with traditional medicine, the building was designed to enhance the healing environment.
Jennifer Rabalais, part of the holistic care team at NHCH, explains one of the many pieces of art that adorn the halls.
Lokenani Kealoha Souza, a nurse practitioner with the Native Hawaiian Health Clinic at the hospital, describes how she works with clients. This picture also shows the wide hallways in the hospital, as well as the abundance of natural light in the building.
Jennifer describes the med-surg unit at the hospital. Due to its small size, there is not a separate pediatric unit. Nurses working here must be able to care for a wide range of ages–from infant to centenarian! This picture also shows the exterior windows, which can be opened at the patient’s request. All patient rooms in the hospital have access to natural light and fresh air.
The hospital includes aromatherapy in their patient care, and also offers aromatherapy to all their staff. Oshibori is used as a “pick me up” near the end of each shift. Students were able to experience this, with their choice of essential oils.
Jennifer explains the use of Oshibori to the group.
Nicolette samples Jessica’s chosen essential oil.
We were lucky to have scheduled our visit on North Hawai’i Community Hospital’s 18th Birthday, and were treated to lunch as well as cake and ice cream.
After lunch, students visited the Radiology department and the helipad, and then heard from Arielle Michael, Director of Holistic Care Services.
