Since 1995, the Vine School Health Center has been providing comprehensive health care services to children and families, fostering their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The goal of VSHC, located at Knoxville’s Vine Middle Magnet School, is to make a difference in childrens’ lives.
A collaborative effort of Knox County Schools and the College of Nursing, VSHC is a great example of a university–community partnership.
The center is supported by patient fees, donations, and private, state, and federal grants. It serves as a lifeline for students and families with varying financial, housing, and health circumstances.
“At the VSHC, our mission is to provide comprehensive care to improve the overall physical, mental, and educational health of children living in Knox County,” said Nan Gaylord, recently retired associate dean of practice and global affairs in the College of Nursing and the center’s founder. “Our mission is brought to life every day by our dedicated providers, staff, and students. Their commitment and passion for serving the community are at the heart of what we do.”
Catelyn Reynolds (’24) served as a nurse associate at the center from her sophomore through senior years at UT.
Interviewed before her graduation, Reynolds said each day at Vine looked different, and her work there allowed her to fulfill her passion for caring for children.
“In a day at Vine, I bring kids back to the triage room, conduct vital assessments and screenings,” she said. “Then in the exam room I engage both the child and guardian in meaningful conversations, addressing various aspects of their health and well-being.”
Reynolds said she believes VSHC is more than just a health care facility: it’s a place where relationships are nurtured and trust is built.
“When establishing rapport with families and kids, the biggest thing is being an active listener,” she said. “We see families from all walks of life, and I believe that by giving them a voice and a platform to express their concerns, we empower them to take charge of their health.”
Communication is a crucial part of relationship building to Reynolds.
“I always start with ‘What brings you in today? Tell me more about that. What concerns do you want to address today?’” she said. “I think this way of communicating shows them the floor is theirs to bring up whatever they need to. I never offer answers or opinions; the main responses I give are affirming them being a good parent—‘You did the right thing, that’s a lot to have going on’—and reassure them that we will see what we can do for them.”
In 2011, recognizing that many students had unmet social, academic, and mental health care needs, VSHC initiated an interprofessional practice to meet those needs. The expansion of services enabled the center’s social workers to provide mental health evaluations, counseling and play therapy services to children and their families as well as assisting families with issues related to food, housing, clothing, and applying for health insurance.
“I work closely with all providers and educators,” explained Reynolds. “I often observe how they address health and social concerns. After I ask the family general questions at the beginning of the visit, I will go and summarize the responses to the provider. I have learned a lot through collaboration.”
Beyond the physical location, the center extends its reach through telehealth services to 11 Knox County Schools. This innovative approach ensures that children have access to quality health care regardless of their location.
Despite limitations in certain services, Vine’s commitment to families remains steady.
“While we may not have all diagnostic tools, we provide families with resources and schedule ample time for thorough examinations,” said Reynolds. “We schedule 40 to 60 minutes for a well-child exam and 20 minutes for a sick visit. This time is blocked solely for the nurse practitioner to see them and address all needs.”
VSHC is training future nurses and nurse practitioners to look at the whole picture and provide a holistic approach to care.
“The people I have worked with turned me from a doe-eyed nursing student to a confident pediatric nurse,” said Reynolds.
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CONTACT:
Kara Clark (865-974-9498, [email protected])