Even with my absolute worst fear for the trip occurring on Sunday–a student getting injured–we are back to business as usual. Honestly, I’m surprised that it hasn’t happened before now–10 years injury-free is a pretty good record.
Monday was one of the most anticipated activities of the trip (which is the same as previous years)-horseback riding. Rosie spent extra time making sure that each student was paired up with a horse that was a good fit as far as personality. Barkha started on Goldie; Bree rode Coon Tail; Rebecca rode Little Big Horse (a Mustang); Kelsey started with Thunder; and Victoria rode a horse with a Lakota name that I cannot remember at this point. I had the pleasure of serving as Rosie’s assistant during the pre-ride activities, which consisted of grooming; walking the horse on a lead; sitting on the horse bareback; and doing some ‘horse yoga’. Victoria ended up changing horses to Black Diamond, and Barkha and Kelsey ended up trading their horses so that everyone ended up with the best fit. After a ride out into the plains, the students returned exhilarated and tired and wishing that they could ride a second time on a different day.
Even though I don’t ride myself, I always enjoy this activity as well. Even though there is nothing at all related to health promotion, there are many lessons to be learned. I like to see the students’ excitement and their approach to riding–some are experienced and confident; some are slightly hesitant; while others are outwardly scared and anxious. Sometimes the anxiety is too much to overcome, but this doesn’t occur often. I like to do what I can to encourage those who are the least experienced with the most anxiety to work past this so that they can have the experience of a lifetime. I find myself getting into my teacher-mode, offering positive reinforcement, encouragement, suggestions, and advice. On their end, the more anxious students are encouraged to approach this activity like they would having to perform a new skill on an actual patient for the first time during their nursing care–projecting confidence and calm and believing in their own ability. Without this, the horse–just like the patient–would sense anxiety, stress, and fear and react with the same. With a mixture of experience levels, all of the students built rapport with their horses, stayed calm, and had the best possible outcome–a good ride.
While this day in the sun was exhausting, it feels strange not to drive anywhere so of course, we hit the road. We went by the OLC Historical Center and Bookstore, but unfortunately, both remain closed due to COVID. We instead drove out to Sheep Mountain for a quick look and then hit the Common Cents in Sharps Corner.
Going into the convenience store seemed to provoke more anxiety than horseback riding. The students voiced their discomfort at being a minority–the only white people in the store. This provided an opportunity for discussion on the way back to Rosie’s. This discomfort is something that I hope that they remember for a long time to come, especially when they begin their professional nursing careers. I hope that when they remember this that they are able to more fully empathize with their culturally diverse patients who might be experiencing a similar discomfort. With this empathy, I also hope that they can promote safe care to bridge what often seems like a cultural gap between nurse and patient.
Nursing Students at Pine Ridge 