Kelcie takes on Delhi – medical volunteer trip

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.

Colossians 3:23

Dear friends, family, volunteers, educators, nurses, and fellow wanderlusts,

I am happy to announce that I have been accepted to join Denver College of Nursing’s Global Health Perspective group where we will be making our way to Delhi, India in December of 2019.

Snippet about me:

My name is Kelcie Proctor and I am a nursing student at Denver College of Nursing. For those of you who know me you know that nursing is my one true love in life (traveling is not too far behind ;)).

I am a strong believer that every person has a purpose and the one thing I am sure of is that my purpose is to be a healer. I was given these hands to heal and comfort. I was given these ears to listen to people’s needs and advocate for them. I was given this heart to love and care for those who need it the most

When I was 9, I lost my brother, Kaleb to Rhabdomyosarcoma. He fought the battle of his life for over those three years, he was only 16 when we lost him. There were many highs and lows during this time which taught me many lessons about quality of life for patients and their family. Growing up, I spent a majority of my childhood in and out of the hospital. His group of nurses did what they could to make me feel included, loved and respected. We even had our own locked cabinet in the playroom since my mom was a working single parent and we spent so much time there. During that time I grew accustomed and comforted by the smell and presence of the hospital. Kaleb’s nurses became like family and always made an effort to be a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold for my family in the most devastating time of our lives. I don’t think they will ever know how much I admired what they did and the impact they made on my heart. If I could make a difference in at least one person’s life like they did in mine, that’s what I consider success. I want to touch hearts and provide some kind of healing to people in a time of need. I know this career I have chosen is not meant for the faint hearted. It will get tough sometimes but I am ready for that knowing I am making a difference in their journey. Being in the hospital with my brother I got to experience unconditional care, uplifting nurses and faith. Kaleb was extraordinary, brave, and strong. He touched the lives of those around him and always had a smile on his face. I remember as his body became weaker and tired, I would be pleading with God to just make him better. All the while, he was sitting next to me praying for someone else. He would remind me that there was always someone who needed our prayers more than he did. The legacy he left behind is something that I will never let fade and that is why I am dedicating my life to provide care and support to families in their most stressful times and give back what these nurses gave me through support and encouragement.

About Global Health Perspective (GHP)

GHP focuses on service, safety, support and sustainability. Being a member of a group such as GHP has helped me recognize the qualities I want to encompass as a nurse: safety, support for everyone in not only my community but communities worldwide, sustainability, and service. All of these characteristics play such an important role in caring for our community and other communities that need a helping hand. I’ve been volunteering since I was young, most of the time with children because that age group is the one I am most passionate about. I currently volunteer in the PICU at PSL and absolutely love it! I work with children from various backgrounds and cultures and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to indulge in the diversity of the floor.

INDIA!

I will be joining 6 other students and 3 staff members in serving the communities around Delhi. The program (IVHQ) is based in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) where we will be staying in a volunteer hostel. We are transported to local communities around the outskirts of Delhi, predominantly in the city of Faridabad to complete our medical mission. We will be working with and visiting up to 5 different cities to extend a helping hand to. On our medical mission we will join other students and healthcare professionals from all over the world in aiding with treatments, basic checkups and educating patients in the community. Treatments could include: distributing medications/vitamins/supplements, assessments and screenings, and patient education/prevention.

Previous Volunteer experiences

PICU Volunteer/ Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children - I currently volunteer at RMHC in the PICU as often as possible (about once a week). I encouraged and provide a sense of safety and a hand of help and comfort to the staff, family members and patients in the unit. Some of my duties include: restocking medical equipment carts, isolation gowns/gloves, clean toys, answer call lights, monitor visitor log and watch the doors. I also do things for the front desk in the PICU unit such as: make copies of needed paperwork, make ‘welcome’ pamphlets, assist nurses and techs with any duties needed, and most importantly visit/play with children who need company. It makes my heart so incredibly happy to give back to a hospital that has given so much to me. My brother, Kaleb was treated and fought his battle at PSL- PSL has a special place in my heart.

Make-A-Wish Foundation - I volunteered for several different events for Make-A-Wish Foundation including: Cookie chase as a registrar to register the runners, participated in running my first 5K and donated to the cause, and fundraised for the Trailblaze Challenge. I individually raised $2,500.00 and hiked 26 miles along the Colorado trail in one day to bring awareness for the cause.

Team Leader/ Church of the Rock- I volunteered at my church with the youth for Vacation Bible Study. I loved encouraging and providing a sense of safety and acceptance by leading by example. I lead five to ten preschoolers in worship and helped them learn the Bible and God’s word and grace.

Kindergarten Classroom Volunteer/ Sage Canyon Elementary - I volunteered at a local school in Castle Rock, CO. I motivated and encouraged the children to learn and to be creative. There, I developed different teaching approaches to help the children learn in different ways to best fit their developmental stage or needs.

Miscellaneous Volunteer opportunities

Children’s Hospital Flu Clinic- I volunteered to give flu shots to staff, parents, and other clients in the clinic at Children’s Hospital.

Denver Rescue Mission- I volunteered in the kitchen at the Denver Rescue Mission preparing dinner for the occupants of the home. In this particular experience I was able to hear stories and pray for the less fortunate.

Highlands Ranch preschool classroom- I volunteered to be an extra set of hands in a classroom with children with high needs including: autism, down syndrome, Hydrocephalus, developmental delay, speech and behavioral problems. Worked with treatment team and shadowed the OT, speech therapist and the special education assistant.

Graduation, March 2020! What’s next?!

I plan on applying for Children’s Hospital New Graduate Program upon completion of my education in 2020 in hopes of receiving top-quality education and training through my dream hospital. I will do whatever it takes to work my way into Children’s Hospital to work for one of the most respected and valued facilities nationwide and thereby support those families through our commitment to meet them where they are in the health situation. I am a firm believer in a positive attitude and quality of life during times of illness with the little things; making a difference to the patient i.e. a smile, a friendly good morning or an ability to make them laugh and trust my words that I have their care in my heart. I have considered joining the peace-corp after graduation or attempting to get into a traveling nursing program upon graduation. I love working with children and the community and making a difference in people’s lives where I can.

This experience will make an incredible impact on my life, education, and career. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to expand my knowledge of the world and provide God’s work. I believe God created me to carry out his work in touching lives and giving back to those that need us.

The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 'There is no other commandment greater than these." - Mark 12:31

Please consider donating or providing a word of encouragement as I head into this new season of my life.

Thank you all for taking the time,

Kelcie Proctor