Parkview Health – Community Nursing Program

What is it?

Supported by Parkview Community Health Improvement, the Community Nursing program operates outside of the hospital walls to improve the health and well-being of the community. The program is staffed with 13 registered nurses, 1 registered respiratory therapist and 1 registered dietician.

Who is it for?

All age groups, underinsured and uninsured populations in the Fort Wayne area and surrounding counties.

Why do they do it?

According to the Parkview Mission, “We are committed to improve the health of our community.” The initial impetus was the shortage of nurses in the Fort Wayne area schools. With effective outcomes and a successful school-based program, the program expanded into other school districts, social service agencies, Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN), and broad collaborative efforts including multiple other community agencies who serve the underinsured and uninsured populations in the community.

Impact

Results cover a variety of areas. Community members are connected with a primary care physician as well as agencies to apply for health insurance. Participants served by the Community Nursing programs with free screening events, group education, home visits, and/or one on one consultations, report increased knowledge of their health care needs. Participants with asthma are case-managed up to one year after an emergency department (ED) visit; ED re-visits are decreased or eliminated. Young families and all age groups are educated regarding safe sleep practices, importance of breastfeeding, healthy nutrition, CPR training and the benefits of tobacco cessation. The homeless population is connected with health insurance and a primary care physician. ED visit rates have decreased, and compliance with physician office visits has increased.

Contact: Carmen Moore, RN
Parkview Health Community Nursing Manager
Telephone: 260-266-2464
Email: carmen.moore@parkview.com