Author: Frontier Nursing University

A Statement from FNU President Dr. Susan Stone on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Times of Crisis

Dear Frontier Community,

Frontier Nursing University is saddened, angered, and troubled by the recent horrific and unacceptable events in our country.

The message throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has been that we will all get through this together. However, recent events have provided a glaring reminder that, unfortunately, in many ways, we remain very divided. Deep racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities exist in our country. The killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and so many others across this country at the hands of those who are supposed to protect us are indicators that we have a very long way to go in our efforts to eradicate systemic racism.

For many years people of color have been plagued with disproportionate healthcare outcomes due to health inequities and the social determinants of health. African American women are far more likely to suffer maternal mortality than white women. Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic, African Americans have immensely suffered at a higher rate than any other races. We know that with the availability of resources in the United States, these disparities are inexcusable and correctable as is the violence against African Americans in this country. We recognize the disparities in access to quality education and healthcare available to rural, diverse, and underserved populations.

The acts of violence against African Americans are reminders that disparities go well beyond education and healthcare. Inequities are witnessed in the daily lives of underrepresented populations but most glaringly for those of the African American community. We know that structural racism causes inequities and the results may lead to substandard living conditions, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, inhumane treatment, and death.

We oppose injustice and cruelty and condemn racism in all its forms. We support peaceful protests and demonstrations and join all those working to end systemic racism, racial violence, and police brutality. We are committed to building a culture that is inclusive and caring for all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN

President, Frontier Nursing University

Read Frontier Nursing University’s Antiracism Statement

June 2, 2020
COVID-19 Front Lines: Heather Friend Makes Adjustments In Oregon

The Frontier community is proud to have students and alumni serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the next few weeks, we are committed to sharing their stories in order to provide insight, hope and encouragement. Thank you to all the health care workers who are risking their own well-being daily to serve our nation. Click here to read more stories of courage and dedication.

In times of crisis, it is easy to see the bad; however, it is during these times that finding the good is the most important. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are fortunate to be able to celebrate the heroic efforts of those on the front lines. One of those heroes is Frontier Nursing University (FNU) graduate and current Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student Heather Friend, MSN, FNP, DNP Class 36.

While she was originally born in the tiny coastal town of Crescent City, CA, Heather has lived in the greater Medford southern Oregon area since birth. In 2005, Heather became a registered nurse (RN) and worked in the emergency room and as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. Currently pursuing her DNP at FNU, she is also X-Waivered, allowing her to treat patients with opioid use disorder. She currently works at the La Clinica Wellness Center, a federally qualified health center in southern Oregon where she has been for nearly two years.

“The center continues to be a key asset in the COVID-19 response,” Heather said. La Clinica Wellness Center is located in Jackson County, which was the number one county in Oregon for testing per population capita and number five in the nation for testing per capita at the time of this interview.

“Frontier cultivated a resilience to press on even when daunting tasks are flung in the path such as this pandemic,” she said. “FNU taught me to be open to change, to think with a big picture view, and to ask the tough questions to make successful transformations in how we approach and care for our communities.”

As Heather and La Clinica face the COVID-19 pandemic, they are learning valuable lessons, as they take safety precautions to protect themselves and patients. The staff at La Clinica are wearing masks and implementing temperature checks. However, they are reusing masks due to the limited supply of personal protective equipment.

In this time of unprecedented fear, Heather makes addressing her patient’s concerns and needs a priority. She says that Mary Breckinridge’s legacy drives her to continue the challenging work. In fact, she chose La Clinica Wellness Center, the only place that she applied because she feels that it represents the mission of Frontier. The position, especially during the pandemic, has allowed her to utilize the skills that Frontier has taught her.

“The pandemic has forced us to make many rapid changes, sometimes several in one day,” she said. One such change is implementing Telehealth visits, which she says occasionally take place on her farm so that she can manage her responsibilities as a mother and a practitioner. Roosters, alpacas, goats, and sheep make musical melodies as she visits with patients digitally.

While COVID-19 has presented issues, La Clinica Wellness Center focused on experimenting with innovative measures early on. The clinic has designed outreach protocols with the most at-risk patients as the highest priority. These measures include calling mental health and substance use patients weekly.

Despite the challenges, Heather has found a silver lining in the situation: “Oregon is one of the best states to work as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Our autonomy has allowed us to make huge contributions to the care of our patients as well as other provider’s panels when they are not in the clinic. The new law allowing NPs to sign home health orders has been a lifesaver.”

She continued, “All of these changes have pushed me far outside my comfort level but it has truly advanced my practice into a new world of technology as well as building resilience through hardships.”

June 1, 2020
COVID-19 Front Lines: Kevin Scalf Provides Increased Mental Healthcare For Isolated Rural Patients

The Frontier community is proud to have students and alumni serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the next few weeks, we are committed to sharing their stories in order to provide insight, hope and encouragement. Thank you to all the health care workers who are risking their own well-being daily to serve our nation. Click here to read more stories of courage and dedication.

Kevin Scalf, PMHNP-BC
Regional Clinical Faculty, Frontier Nursing University

During the COVID-19 pandemic, limitations have been a common storyline. Healthcare professionals have dealt with limited supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE), limited space in which to house and care for patients, insufficient testing supplies and a limited workforce.

Limitations in healthcare are not new to rural southeastern Kentucky, where the majority of counties are designated as medically underserved areas (MUAs). Despite its beauty, the region’s remote locations and rural clinics and hospitals struggle to attract primary healthcare providers from larger cities and communities. The problem is magnified by a lack of specialized healthcare providers in these rural and underserved areas. A 2018 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine found that 65 percent of non-metropolitan counties in the United States lacked a psychiatrist.

Kevin Scalf, PHMNP-BC, is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) at Hazard Appalachian Regional Healthcare Psychiatric Center in Hazard, Ky. Originally from nearby Manchester, Ky., Scalf is also a Regional Clinical Faculty member at Frontier Nursing University (FNU). He has been a PMHNP since 2011 and a Registered Nurse for 24 years.

“I serve a population of adults that struggle with psychiatric illness in rural southeastern Kentucky,” Scalf said. “The residents of this region have limited support systems and very significant economic challenges while living with persistent mental illness. As a result of these limited support systems and economic struggles, they often find it challenging to make healthy decisions and follow up with their primary care providers on a routine basis. The healthcare gaps include a shortage of mental health providers, which is especially true for patients suffering from conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse.”

These issues existed even before the pandemic. Now, for many in the region, COVID-19 has added another component to their mental health struggles.

“COVID-19 has increased isolation among our population. Isolation is a risk factor for mental health destabilization,” Scalf said, noting that many patients in the area lack the mechanisms to attend virtual appointments. “Patients who suffer from anxiety and fear related to COVID-19 can sometimes be afraid to go to their primary care provider, resulting in decreased follow-up visits. This can be a significant risk factor for acute exacerbations of mental illness.”

The pandemic has altered Scalf’s daily regimen as well. Each day, before entering the hospital, all staff members go through a triage area where their temperature is taken and they are asked to disclose any symptoms associated with COVID-19. Only then are they allowed to proceed into patient care areas with hospital-approved masks.

“New patients admitted to the psychiatric hospital are placed into a centralized unit where they are closely monitored for symptoms of COVID-19,” Scalf said. “After they have been screened and assessed for a period of time, they are transferred to other appropriate units.”

Adapting to these new conditions and procedures is not easy for anyone, but Scalf credits FNU with helping to prepare him to navigate through times of change.

“FNU has given me additional education, tools, and skills that I can take into the world and use to bring about meaningful change in our region,” said Scalf, who is on track to earn his Doctorate of Nursing Practice from FNU this spring. “How do we help our patients and each other adjust to a new way of normal in our country? In moving forward, we need to come together and prepare ourselves with the fact that life may be different for a significant amount of time.”

Coming together has been part of FNU’s strategic response to the pandemic. In efforts to help ease uncertainty and anxiety, FNU has provided frequent virtual support sessions for students, faculty and staff along with regular updates about the pandemic and the university’s response.

“FNU has been very helpful in staying current on the latest emerging COVID-19 updates,” Scalf said. “FNU has offered faculty, staff and student support sessions that have helped us come together and draw strength from one another. These sessions not only demonstrate FNU’s culture of caring but also helps us to realize that social distancing does not always mean social isolation.”

May 28, 2020
Myth Busters: Using a Nurse-Midwife

An increasing number of women are turning to nurse-midwives for their care, but many myths still exist around the nature of the relationship.

Here are 5 of the most common myths, busted.

MYTH #1: Nurse-midwives have minimal education.

FACT: Certified nurse-midwives must have extensive education and are required to pass a national certification exam.

The majority of certified nurse-midwives earn their bachelor’s degrees, begin working as registered nurses, and then go back to school for two to three more years to complete their master’s degree in nurse-midwifery. Some go on to earn a doctoral degree, the highest degree in clinical nursing practice.

Source: Healthline – Parenthood

MYTH #2: Nurse-midwives only perform home births and use natural remedies.

FACT: Nurse-midwives practice in various settings and most have prescriptive authority to use both natural remedies and medications.

From the privacy of your own home to hospitals, medical offices, free-standing birth centers and clinics, certified nurse-midwives may practice in multiple environments to ensure patients have access to the wide range of services they desire.

Source: American College of Nurse-Midwives

MYTH #3: I have to choose between a nurse-midwife or an OBGYN.

FACT: You can have both!

Creating a team with your nurse-midwife and an OBGYN allows them to work together to meet all of your needs, and gives you a highly effective plan for care.

Source: Atrium Health; Source: American College of Nurse-Midwives

MYTH #4: Nurse-midwives only focus on pregnancy and birth.

FACT: Nurse-midwives work with women and families throughout all stages of life.

They have a variety of expert knowledge and skills including pregnancy, birth, the postpartum experience, menopause, and so much more!

Source: American College of Nurse-Midwives

MYTH #5: During labor, a nurse-midwife won’t give access to medication or an epidural.

FACT: Nurse-midwives are the leading experts on coping with labor pain naturally, however they can prescribe medication or an epidural.

Nurse-midwives work with the patient to come up with the best plan for pain relief, depending on their preferences.

Source: Unity Point Health; American College of Nurse-Midwives

The Bottom Line – Nurse-Midwives are great care providers for women throughout their lifespan and can be an invaluable partner when it comes to pregnancy and birth. Make sure you understand all a certified nurse-midwife can offer, and let go of the myths!

What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)?

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. They earn graduate degrees, complete a midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM. Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in the discipline of midwifery. They earn graduate degrees, meet health and science education requirements, complete a midwifery education program accredited by ACME, and pass the same national certification examination as CNMs to receive the professional designation of CM.

May 26, 2020
Real Talk About Precepting: Audra Cave and Cathy Cook Share Their Insights as Preceptors

Preceptor Cathy Cook

Preceptors play a vital role in the success of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) students. Preceptors serve as mentors and assist with gaining the necessary clinical experience. At FNU, students personally choose a qualified preceptor in their area who aligns with their ideals, needs and interests.

While precepting certainly adds to a nurse practitioner or nurse-midwife’s workload, the reward is well worth it. To better explain their role and answer questions about precepting, regional clinical faculty (RCFs) Audra Cave, DNP, FNP-BC, Class 49 and Cathy Cook, MSN, CNM, Class 17, agreed to share their experiences as preceptors.

“I decided to precept for several reasons,” said Audra, who precepts in Spindale, N.C. “It is an excellent opportunity to give back to the community of family nurse practitioners (FNPs). I want to help the next generation of FNP providers as I had help along the way too. I also learn from students. Precepting keeps me on my toes.”

“Students teach us as much as we teach them,” added Cathy, who precepts in Galesburg, Ill. “They help us see things through new eyes. Some of us that have been practicing for a long time may not know the newest items in healthcare. Students can teach us those things if we are open and willing to learn from them.”

Part of that shared learning process is finding the time to precept. Audra suggested that having a plan can reduce stress and provide the best outcomes for the preceptor, student and patient. Building a relationship between preceptor and student is important so that both parties understand the other’s expectations.

“Meeting the student where she/he is and figuring out how best they learn,” Cathy said when asked about how to create a positive mutual experience. “What works with some does not work with others.”

Both Audra and Cathy stress that there are significant benefits to being a preceptor. Audra said that the best part of precepting is “the connection to the student and watching student growth.” Cathy added that she enjoys the moment “the light bulb comes on when the student gets it and their confidence soars.”

Audra and Cathy continue to give back by precepting and they encourage their colleagues to do the same. They stress the importance of precepting and the mutual benefits it can have for both student and preceptor.

“Do it, you will be glad you did,” Audra said. “It will remind you of your humble beginnings and refresh your passion for patient care. Knowing that you played a part in teaching a competent new provider is rewarding.”

To find out more about becoming a preceptor, visit Frontier.edu/Preceptor. Watch this video and be inspired to take the next step to precept students.

[arve url=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/BclQlVCjuIo” /]

May 21, 2020
Alumni Spotlight: Nurse-Midwife Iniko Sallee Earning DNP To Educate

Certified nurse-midwife (CNM) Iniko Sallee became a nurse-midwife to build deeper relationships with her patients, and now she is completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to educate others following in her footsteps.

Iniko graduated from Frontier Nursing University (FNU) in 2018 with her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree (Class 148) with a specialty in nurse-midwifery. Prior to earning her MSN, she worked as a labor and delivery staff and charge nurse for 17 years.

“While I thoroughly enjoyed working with expectant moms and families as a nurse, I knew I wanted to develop deeper relationships with my patients before, during and after pregnancy,” said Iniko.

“I wanted to have more say in helping women and families formulate their birth preferences and assisting them in the reaching of their goals, and I wanted to catch babies.”

Iniko also has experience teaching, and she is currently enrolled in FNU’s DNP program to allow her to educate at a higher level.

“I have had the opportunity to educate through childbirth classes, as a nurse leader and as adjunct faculty for a nursing university. I have had wonderful teachers in my life who have assisted me through my education, and obtaining my DNP is a step toward educating practitioners in the future,” she said.

Her DNP studies have also paid off in her current role as a CNM at Baptist Health Lexington in Lexington, Ky.

“As a part of a quality improvement project for my DNP, I recently implemented a new process for educating, assessing and providing treatment and follow-up for perinatal depression and anxiety.”

FNU was an easy choice for Iniko due to its reputation, history and distance learning format. She said, “Frontier has a wonderful reputation and ranking in the nursing community. It has a rich history and great success rate in developing nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners. Being a part of a university and community birthed in Kentucky was a big draw for me, even while pursuing my degrees online worked best for me and my family.”

Iniko credits the FNU network with enhancing not only her studies but also her career. “Going from a nurse to a practitioner was a big step, and I have felt so supported through the transition. As a practicing nurse-midwife, I continue to network with current Frontier students, faculty and alumni.”

We are proud of Iniko for furthering her education not only to offer a deeper level of care to her patients, but also to pass her knowledge on by educating future nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners.

To find out more about any of FNU’s programs and offerings, visit Frontier.edu.

What is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)?

Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) are educated in two disciplines: midwifery and nursing. They earn graduate degrees, complete a midwifery education program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education (ACME), and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) to receive the professional designation of CNM. Certified Midwives (CMs) are educated in the discipline of midwifery. They earn graduate degrees, meet health and science education requirements, complete a midwifery education program accredited by ACME, and pass the same national certification examination as CNMs to receive the professional designation of CM.

May 18, 2020
COVID-19 Front Lines: Jean Volm Relocates to New Jersey Hot Spot

The Frontier community is proud to have students and alumni serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the next few weeks, we are committed to sharing their stories in order to provide insight, hope and encouragement. Thank you to all the health care workers who are risking their own well-being daily to serve our nation. Click here to read more stories of courage and dedication.

The images of firefighters and other first responders running into the Twin Towers on 9/11 are indelible. Risking one’s own health and safety to help others is truly heroic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are once again seeing amazing examples of sacrifice, particularly among healthcare providers who willingly enter the fray every day.

That is what Frontier Nursing University (FNU) alumna Jean Volm, MSN, FNP, Bridge 150, did recently. She was working as a nurse practitioner in pain management at an orthopedic clinic in her home state of Wisconsin. The pandemic restricted the number of patients at the clinic and Jean was let go. As she started looking for other full-time work, Jean also researched travel nursing options. Understanding that New York and New Jersey were COVID-19 hotspots, that’s where she looked first. Within about a week of losing her position at the clinic, Jean was on her way to Hackensack, New Jersey.

“At the time I was let go, New York and New Jersey were — and still are — hot spots of the pandemic,” she said. “They were desperately seeking RNs to help so I started looking at travel nursing assignments in those areas. Ultimately, I was contacted by a recruiter regarding an eight-week, 48-hours per week RN assignment at Hackensack University Medical Center. I arrived here on April 15 and started working 12-hour night shifts on April 16.”

Jean, who works in the medical, surgical and telehealth units, humbly said that “the real heroes are the nurses working in the ERs and ICUs.” But that does not minimize Jean’s own brave efforts as she works in several COVID units, including the hospital cafeteria that has been converted into a 74-bed COVID unit.

Her sacrifice includes leaving her family behind in Wisconsin, including her 22-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son. “My kids and my ex-husband have been super supportive throughout this entire process,” Jean said. “I would not have been able to do this without them as well as the amazing support from my dear friends.”

Via the travel nursing agency, Jean received a stipend to cover her airfare. She also receives a non-taxable weekly stipend for food and housing at a local hotel. Her contract, which may be canceled early if enough staff are available, is scheduled to run through June 6 and she already has a flight scheduled to return to Wisconsin. From there, she will continue her search for her next opportunity — a full-time position, she hopes — and for another chance to help those in need.

May 14, 2020
Winter Term Circle of Caring Award Winners Announced

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce our faculty and staff winners of the Winter term 2020 Circle of Caring Award: Sharon Weyer and Michelle Janes.

The Circle of Caring Award is given to recognize FNU faculty and staff members who go above and beyond in upholding our mission and contributing to our Culture of Caring.

Nominations for this award were submitted anonymously by faculty and staff. A committee then voted on each nomination based on the following Culture of Caring characteristics: professionalism, mutual support, respect, positive communication and inclusivity.

Here is what her nominee had to say about faculty winner Sharon Weyer, DNP, APRN, FNP-C:

As a valued member of the Bridge team, Sharon Weyer has always exhibited the Culture of Caring principles. For the spring term Bridge Bound and Crossing, she went above the expectations of her role when another faculty member’s child became ill just before she was scheduled to travel to Hyden. At about 7 am, Sharon learned of the child’s illness and volunteered without hesitation to come to campus in the faculty member’s place. Sharon hurriedly made travel arrangements and arrived on campus in time to participate in the welcome session that evening.

Throughout Bridge Bound and Crossing, Sharon readily participated and led the sessions to which she was assigned and shared her expertise, caring and passion with our students. The faculty member was able to stay home and take care of her young child thanks to Sharon’s helpfulness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, respect and professionalism. Sharon is a valued member of the Bridge faculty and FNU community who exemplifies the Culture of Caring principles.

In response to learning of her nomination, Sharon said, “Thank you for the nomination for the Circle of Caring award. I was able to cover at the last minute at Bridge Bound/Crossing the Bridge so a faculty member could stay home with an ill family member. Attending Bridge Bound in March with the final admitted Bridge class provided me with several blessings. I was able to support my colleagues at Bound, so they had full staffing. The faculty at Bridge Bound were very supportive, offering to share anything I might have forgotten to pack during my last-minute packing. I met the new students face to face beginning their journey at Frontier to become advanced practice registered nurses. During the Journey to the Frontier sessions, I witnessed the bond-forming with the new group of students as they shared the amazing stories of their heartwarming and destined journey to Frontier.”

Nominations for staff member Michelle Janes included the following:

Michelle genuinely is a light in our office! She thinks of ways to encourage others! Often her lunchtime trips to the Dollar Tree end with a thoughtful gesture! Most recently, she gave each of us a little hand sanitizer for our desk. We’ve all been a little overwhelmed with the COVID-19 news but, Michelle thinks of her co-workers and others! She shared with the entire Versailles Campus this website: https://lovefortheelderly.org/letters, an organization dedicated to sending uplifting letters to our elderly population. Michelle is hoping to share the love with them during the “social distancing” time on our campus and in our nation. She’s offered to share her own stock of cards to send letters. Her sensitive and caring spirit inspires each of us and reminds us to show kindness-even in difficult times!

When she found out she would be receiving the award, Michelle said, “It’s so sweet to receive this award. It’s much appreciated.”

Thank you to Sharon and Michelle for contributing to FNU’s Culture of Caring every day! We encourage everyone to keep the nominations coming and remind you to send a Culture of Caring card to personally thank your nominee. Please feel free to start submitting nominations for summer term! Click here to make your nomination.

May 11, 2020

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