Nursing Where the People Are

Shopping mall provides unique location for health center

Located in prime retail space near popular clothing stores sits the Johnson City, Tenn., mall's most unique destination for shoppers. Rather than offering its consumers the latest fashions, this facility brings nurses and healthcare to people who need it.

Lori Hamilton, RN, C, BSN, got the idea for Johnson City Medical Center's outreach facility after reading an article about mammograms offered in a Chicago mall. With support and encouragement from Johnson City Medical Center's administration, Hamilton researched similar programs across the country.

Then in March 1997, Hamilton's efforts paid off. Staffed by three nurses and two clerical staff, the Health Resources Center, a 1,000 square foot facility in the local mall, opened its doors to the community.

"Our goal was to help people live healthier lives," explains Hamilton. "So we decided that in order to meet the needs of men and women of all ages, we would offer more than mammograms."

The facility now provides fitness and weight loss programs, healthcare classes, discussions, screenings, and other opportunities for wellness. Speakers from the hospital give free discussions and facilitate support groups. In any given month, experts could be presenting the benefits of exercise for people with heart disease, discussing how to lower cholesterol, and explaining what to do when preparing for hip and knee replacement. Support groups for people diagnosed with cancer and sleep disorders are also offered regularly.

"Having experts from the hospital give classes is a great way to highlight the hospital's programs," says Jeanne Palmer Clarke, RN, BSN, who works with Hamilton at the Health Resources Center. "It also involves patients in their own recovery. For example, classes can prepare people for their upcoming hip or knee surgery, and because these people are more informed, they will do better after surgery."

Since people often don't need to make an appointment, many stop by while shopping in order to have their blood pressure taken. "As a result, we have picked up countless people with high blood pressure and low heart rates," says Hamilton.

Walk About Australia is another popular program that helps community members develop healthier lifestyles, lose weight and improve their fitness. Participants measure their success by charting the number of miles they have walked on a map of Australia. Fun activities and programs related to the theme are offered to keep participants motivated.

"Outreach is another important part of what we do," comments Susan McAuley, RN, another nurse at the Health Resources Center. "In March, we had a Kids Health and Fitness Hoedown at the HandsOn! Museum in Johnson City. We offered free health checks and fitness activities for kids throughout the day. It was a great opportunity to reach children and their parents in a fun atmosphere."

When the Health Resources Center was opened in 1997, staff expected to see approximately 500 consumers per month. But word of this innovative healthcare spread quickly - even into surrounding states. With help from satisfied consumers and the visible location, 4,000 to 5,000 people per month now take advantage of the facility's mostly free offerings.

"Having this facility in the mall gives people convenience and personal attention in a relaxed atmosphere," says Clarke. "I also think people have an improved appreciation of nurses because we are helping them take more control of their health and conditions."

What advice would the nurses of the Health Resources Center offer to other RNs interested in starting this type of program? "Apply knowledge, creativity and teamwork to give the type of one-on-one caring that people want. Caring is really what it's all about," says Hamilton.

"Dedication and creativity really make a difference," she adds. "If people would have told me I'd be a nurse in a mall, I would have thought they were crazy."

This article provided to HMonster by Sigma Theta Tau International.

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