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For Dana Phillips, APRN, nursing has never been just a job. It is a calling built on compassion, community and a deep commitment to ensuring children have access to care when they need it most.
Phillips was born in McGehee but has spent most of her life in Monticello. A 2001 graduate of Monticello High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 2006. She began her career on the front lines of medicine, working in the Emergency Department at Baptist Health in Little Rock and later in the Intensive Care Unit at Jefferson Regional Medical Center.
In 2013, Phillips completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Delta State University. Shortly thereafter, she joined Mainline Health Systems — a growing organization that at the time operated just five clinics and employed about 40 people. Today, Mainline has expanded to more than 30 locations and over 300 employees, a transformation Phillips has witnessed firsthand.
Early in her time with Mainline, Phillips worked at the Dermott and Monticello clinics. Then came an unexpected opportunity. Mainline founder Allan Nichols personally asked her to take on a role at a new clinic being developed within the Drew Central School District. Though hesitant at first, Phillips agreed. The school-based clinic opened in August 2017, a decision that would shape the rest of her career.
Now in her ninth school year at Drew Central, Phillips says she cannot imagine herself anywhere else.
“These kids are my kids,” she said. “God had a plan for me.”
The clinic serves students from pre-K3 through 12th grade, as well as faculty and staff. No two days look the same. Phillips and her team treat everything from seasonal flu cases and stomach aches to high blood pressure and broken bones.
“It really is a one-stop shop,” Phillips said. “We offer primary care, behavioral health, psychiatric and dental services all in one place.”
Since the clinic’s opening, Phillips has seen measurable improvements in student attendance and overall wellness. She said classroom retention rates have increased, a change she directly
attributes to students having reliable access to healthcare.
“So many of these kids wouldn’t have healthcare if we were not here,” she said.
In addition to her work at Drew Central, Phillips also serves as the nurse practitioner for the University of Arkansas at Monticello clinic, providing care for college students, faculty and staff and extending her impact beyond the K-12 setting.
What Phillips finds most rewarding about working in a school setting is the ability to see progress over time.
“I get to see these kids day to day,” she said. “I get to see improvement.”
When asked if there was a specific moment with a student that reaffirmed the importance of her work, Phillips paused.
“There are so many examples of kids that touch my heart, it’s hard to give just one,” she said. “Sometimes kids just need nurturing and guidance. We have students who come back to see us after graduation and even bring their kids to visit. That means a lot.”
Phillips describes herself as highly self-driven and always knew she wanted a career helping people. She chose nursing somewhat by chance while reviewing her college credits, realizing she was closest to completing a nursing degree. She has never regretted the decision.
When asked what advice she would give someone considering a career in nursing, Phillips did not hesitate.
“It is hard, but it is worth it,” she said. “At the end of the day, you know you have helped someone. It is so fulfilling and affirming.”
Outside of work, Phillips enjoys DIY projects, including woodworking and home remodeling. But when asked about her greatest accomplishment, her answer is immediate.
“My kids,” she said. “My 17-year-old twins are my everything. I am thrilled to see the young adults they are becoming.”
Phillips says her dedication to community-based care is deeply tied to her love for Drew County. “It is family,” she said. “No matter where I go, I’m going to see someone I know. It is home.”
Through her work at Drew Central, Phillips has become far more than a nurse practitioner. She is a trusted caregiver, mentor and advocate — and a true healthcare hero to the students and
families she serves every day.
