Partnership for a nurse practitioner-directed student health primary care center

Since 1991, the George Mason University Student Health Center (SHC) has been a primary health care center directed by College of Nursing and Health Science (CNHS) nurse practitioner (NP) faculty. This model was planned and implemented through a partnership between the CNHS and Student Services. From September 1991 until the present, the number of student visits has more than doubled, and the offered services have tripled without a comparable increase in budget and with minimal expansion of space. The student population now has access to comprehensive quality primary care services on-site at a relatively small investment per student. The focus of care goes beyond simply managing current health care needs by emphasizing prevention of future health problems, wellness, and quality of life. In addition, negotiations with surrounding specialists have resulted in a prompt and cost-effective referral system as needed by conditions exceeding the capabilities of the SHC providers. Responses to student surveys regarding the quality, availability, and cost of care, as well as the process involved in receiving that care, indicate the highest level of satisfaction among students using these services. The CNHS has a fertile, convenient faculty practice site as well as several clinical placements for NP as well as undergraduate students. This NP faculty-directed SHC offers a cost-effective, consumer-responsive alternative for delivering primary care services to the members of the university community.