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.
As an emergency department nurse, Andres Soto of Temple, Texas, has made a few keen observations about the patients he serves. He said throughout his time in this role, he has been made aware of how many patients in his area use the emergency department as their primary care provider due to factors such as lack of insurance and the inability to see medical providers in a timely manner.
As a way to help address this issue, Soto is currently pursuing his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at Frontier Nursing University (FNU).
“I want to be part of the solution by adding to the number of medical providers so these patients don’t find themselves stuck having to wait weeks or sometimes months to be seen,” Soto said.
Soto has served as a registered nurse for six years and currently works at Baylor Scott & White Health. As a registered nurse, Soto cares for both medical and trauma patients, ranging from patients with chronic health issues to acutely ill patients. He said because the hospital’s emergency department is the only Level I (Comprehensive)Trauma Facility located between Dallas and Austin, he serves many rural patients.
“Part of what I do to improve our healthcare system is teach patients — especially those with chronic health issues — how to better manage their health and comply with their medications so they don’t have to keep using the ER as a primary provider of care,” Soto said.
Set to graduate in 2024, Soto decided to earn his MSN through FNU at the recommendation of co-workers who are FNU alumni. He said since beginning his studies at FNU, he has been even better-equipped to serve patients.
”I have resources when I need help, there is tutoring available if I find myself struggling with a subject, and my instructors are always available and have done an incredible job at reaching out to me in a timely manner when I have a question.”
– Andres Soto, Student
“I serve my community by providing my patients with the best care and also stay informed on the most recent literature which I research on my own, and I have increased my reading thanks to attending FNU now,” Soto said. “This allows me to provide care which can lead to better outcomes for my patients in the hospital and to keep them educated out in the community.”
Soto said so far, his favorite course at FNU has been pathophysiology.
“It has allowed me to see how disease processes happen on a more detailed level than what I learned during undergrad,” Soto said. “Pathophysiology has helped me connect the dots and understand disease better.”
As the first person in his family to attend graduate school, Soto said he is motivated to demonstrate to his family that “anything is possible, as long as you work hard.” In his pursuit to earn his MSN, Soto said he has been impressed by the support he has received from FNU faculty and staff.
“I have resources when I need help, there is tutoring available if I find myself struggling with a subject, and my instructors are always available and have done an incredible job at reaching out to me in a timely manner when I have a question,” he said.
Outside of his career and studies, Soto enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and playing with his dogs.
Thank you, Andres, for utilizing FNU to better serve patients in your community in your pursuit to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.