At the heart of Frontier Nursing University is a talented and diverse community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, Couriers and preceptors. Spotlight blogs feature members of our FNU community who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.
Shannon Conley, FNP
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to showcase Shannon Conley as the Fall Term Featured Preceptor. Conley was nominated by FNU graduate Channa Arnett, FNP, for her dedication to patients in Eastern Kentucky.
Conley, a graduate of FNU, serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for Big Sandy Health Care in Eastern Kentucky, a role she has taken on for the past 10 years. Working with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Conley interacts with many underserved adult patients, most of whom are dealing with chronic conditions and have obstacles when it comes to accessing treatment.
Keeping this in mind, Conley provides patients with transportation assistance, medical assistance and remains cognizant of the cost of medication. Conley also serves as a preceptor in her community, training future FNPs to address the shortage of providers in her region.
They begin as nervous students — unsure of where to start — then gradually grow into an independent provider. It makes me proud to know that I have taken a part in developing a competent, confident and caring nurse practitioner.”
– Shannon Conley, FNP
“I really enjoy watching students grow and gain confidence in their knowledge and skills,” Conley said. “They begin as nervous students — unsure of where to start — then gradually grow into an independent provider. It makes me proud to know that I have taken a part in developing a competent, confident and caring nurse practitioner.”
Throughout her time at Big Sandy Health Care, Conley has successfully treated and cured multiple chronic hepatitis C patients. She also has educated others on appropriate guidelines to adjust diabetic medications. As a result of her guidance, numerous patients with Type 2 diabetes have been able to stop taking insulin and only use oral glucose-lowering medications.
“She has dedicated her life to providing care to the people of Eastern Kentucky,” Arnett said. “I have been amazed by the time she spends with her patients and the effort she puts forth ensuring they have the knowledge they need to be an active part of their own healthcare.”
“She loves teaching and serves the community by sharing her knowledge with future providers so they may go on to serve their communities,” Arnett continued.
We want to thank Shannon Conley for her dedication to underserved patients in her community, for helping to train a new generation of nurse practitioners and for demonstrating FNU’s Culture of Caring.
Click here to read more Featured Preceptor stories and find information on nominating a Featured Preceptor.
Those interested in becoming a FNU Preceptor can learn more here.
Dr. Tia Brown McNair is the Vice President in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, DC. She oversees both funded projects and AAC&U’s continuing programs on equity, inclusive excellence, high-impact practices, and student success. McNair directs AAC&U’s Summer Institutes on High-Impact Practices and Student Success, and TRHT Campus Centers and serves as the project director for several AAC&U initiatives, including the development of a TRHT-focused campus climate toolkit. She is the lead author of From Equity Talk to Equity Walk: Expanding Practitioner Knowledge for Racial Justice in Higher Education (January 2020) and Becoming a Student-Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success (July 2016 and August 2022 Second edition).