Learning Objective #1: Understand the collaborative partnership between a university and a clinic

Learning Objective #2: Gain insight into how this collaboration can be improved with a nurse-run clinic

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Student understanding and knowledge of issues regarding underserved populations continues to be a challenge to those preparing registered nurses, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals. The working uninsured is a group that has been mostly neglected, leaving a gap in the provision of care. The School of Nursing (SON) at the University of North Florida (UNF) has partnered with Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville (VIM/JAX) to diminish the problem. VIM/JAX is a free, walk-in clinic providing primary care for the working uninsured. Eligibility is determined by a household income of 150-250% of the federal poverty level. VIM clinics exist throughout the United States based on a model developed by Dr. Jack McConnell. It is our understanding that this is the only VIM clinic that is nurse practitioner run.

The goal of the innovative partnership between VIM/JAX and UNF is to establish a nurse run clinic under the supervision of the SON. The SON provides a full-time nurse practitioner who serves as a faculty member, clinic director, and clinician. Outcomes that will be discussed in the presentation include: continuity of patient care, practice site for nursing, nurse practitioner and health professions students, site for implementation of health promotion and disease prevention activities, development of community outreach activities, student and faculty research projects, and increased understanding of the needs of the uninsured.