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 that are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality health care to underserved and rural populations.
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) student Brandon Locklear, RN, BSN, has been a traveling nurse for the past year. He works in acute hospital environments, assisting underserved communities that are facing nursing shortages. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and will graduate in 2023.
He treats adult and elderly patients, and many suffer from chronic diseases such as heart disorders, diabetes, and lung diseases. Locklear strives to give back to his community by being a light in a dark place for his patients. He educates his patients about their chronic conditions and provides them with the skills they need for a better quality of life.
Locklear, a Native American Lumbee from Robeson County, North Carolina, provides culturally competent care to help the underprivileged people in his hometown. He says the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is culturally rich and undeniably unique. He notes this region of North Carolina has experienced a significant amount overdoses, suicides, mental illnesses, heart disease and diabetes. Locklear, as a native, hopes to help his people overcome these challenges.
According to the website, “The ancestors of the Lumbee came together in the shelter of this land hundreds of years ago – survivors of tribal nations from the Algonquian, Iroquoian, and Siouan language families, including the Hatteras, the Tuscarora, and the Cheraw.” North Carolina recognized the ancestors of the Lumbee as Indian in 1885. The tribal territory includes four surrounding counties: Robeson, Scotland, Hoke and Cumberland.
Locklear chose Frontier because he admired the school’s consistently high national board examination pass rates.
“It is crucial to me when selecting a school since students are a product of their instructors,” Locklear said. “I want to be educated by competent teachers, so having a high exam pass rate and being ranked the #3 best online family nurse practitioner master’s program was a win for me.”
As a highly analytical student, Locklear’s favorite course at FNU was Advanced Pathophysiology. He enjoyed delving into the inner workings of our bodies and seeing how they function and interact in practice. He feels Frontier has provided him with detailed lectures and the information required to become a competent Family Nurse Practitioner.
Locklear previously worked for UNC Health Southeastern providing cardiac and cardiovascular care.He recently married his wife, Jackee Locklear, who is also a Physician Assistant who provides culturally competent care in pediatrics in their region. He adores his “clingy” dog, Jasper. He has been a Christian since he was a child and is an active member of his church. He enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling to different parts of the world for vacation.
Brandon, thank you for giving back to underserved communities and for providing culturally competent care to your people!
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