Faculty Practice - Mobile Nursing Center

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), College of Nursing (CON) Mobile Nursing Center(MNC) is housed in a 36 foot mobile vehicle that travels to areas in Nebraska and Western Iowa and provides health screening, health education, and referral services to diverse populations.

 Nursing Centers began with the work of Lillian Wald in the early 1900s. They enable nurses to provide primary health care; disease prevention;and health promotion services.  Nursing centers are involved in community partnerships, relationship-based practice, community oriented culturally competent care, direct access to clients, and continuity of care to vulnerable populations (Helvie, 1998; Jenkins & Sullivan-Marx, 1994; Kinsey & Buchanan, 2000; Watson, 1996).

The MNC serves as an effective way for students and faculty to provide health promotion services in both urban and rural settings. Students have the opportunity to work with a diverse client population and to appreciate the differences in their cultural values and beliefs.  The MNC offers interdisciplinary students in nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, medicine, and allied health the opportunity to work together in the provision of care to underserved populations.

Financial support: The MNC began in 1992 with financial support from the Cornbelt Federation of Cosmopolitan Clubs (CDC- Cornbelt Diabetes Connection) and federal funds from the Division of Nursing in 1993. The MNC continues its service to the community through donations, grants, college of nursing support, and fee for service screenings. The MNC has served more than 31,000 clients.

The MNC also utilizes many volunteers for their on-location screenings which include: blood pressure, blood sugar screening, health education, and referral. Other services are offered as requested by community contacts including:  corporate screenings, foot checks, cholesterol testing, skin cancer screening, health promotion themes, targeted health education messages, breast screenings and prostate screenings.