Development of a nurse practice arrangement in rural Appalachia: triumphs and challenges.

Abstract

This article describes the development of a nurse practice arrangement for delivery of health services via a mobile health clinic to an underserved, rural Appalachian community in southwestern Virginia. Faculty, students, and staff worked with nontraditional community partners to develop case management strategies for diverse populations of Appalachian and Hispanic clients. The roles of students, faculty, and staff and the successes and obstacles in delivering health services through a university-based outreach program are discussed.