Blog

  • The Online Nursing Student’s Guide to Survival

    By: Lisa Chappell, Ph.D., FNP-BC, Diane Y. John, Ph.D., ARNP, FNP-BC

     

    This article was originally published by FNU faculty Lisa Chappell and Diane John at MediaPlanet.com. To read the full article, go here.

     

    Deciding whether an online program makes most sense for your particular situation and goals is the first step. From there, some important questions about the program itself still remain.

     

    Before you enroll

    Looking to obtain a graduate nursing degree? Consider these four factors before deciding on a distance education program.

     

    1. Are you flexible?

    An online program should allow for flexibility. Classes that are asynchronous do not require your presence in a classroom. You can move through the course materials and course requirements within the guidelines provided by the faculty.

     

    To read the full article, go here.


    Article by FNU Faculty:

     

     

    Lisa Chappell, Ph.D., FNP-BC (To read full bio, go here)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Diane Y. John, Ph.D.m ARNP, FNP-BC (To read full bio, go here)

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Frontier Nursing University Diversity Program Receives National Recognition

    Minority Nurse magazine has selected Frontier Nursing University (FNU) as one of three national 2015 Take Pride Campaign winners, recognizing the school’s efforts to promote diversity in nursing and midwifery through the FNU PRIDE program. Each year, the magazine recognizes employers that go above and beyond to encourage diversity; recruit and retain minorities; and create a cooperative, inclusive work environment.

    FNU established PRIDE (Promoting Recruitment and Retention to Increase Diversity in Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner Education) in 2010. The goal of the program is to recruit and retain qualified underrepresented students in the graduate school of nursing who will meet the health care demands of an increasingly diverse population.

    “As an education provider, we strive to develop a successful and diverse student body that represents the populations served,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone. “The PRIDE Program allows us to partner with institutions around the country to reach students who may not otherwise have access to graduate level programs in their area.”

    PRIDE has led to greater cultural awareness and diversity across FNU. New programs and services such as an Online Cultural Center (OCC) are now available to students and FNU faculty and staff. The OCC is a 24/7 interactive learning resource center with modules that offer insight on cultural health disparities and interpersonal communication in healthcare.

    In June, FNU hosts an annual PRIDE Diversity Impact Event on the school’s campus in Hyden, Ky. Students, alumni, faculty and staff unite for fellowship and networking. They also participate in teambuilding exercises and leadership discussions related to increasing diversity in nursing and midwifery. Those who can’t make it to Hyden are invited to participate online as part of a virtual viewing audience.

    To learn more about FNU’s PRIDE diversity initiative, visit www.frontier.edu/PRIDEprogram. Learn more about the Annual PRIDE Diversity Impact Event at www.frontier.edu/DiversityImpact.

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    Offering the #1 Nurse-Midwifery program in the United States, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, FNU is passionate about educating nurse-midwives to serve women and families in all communities, especially rural and underserved areas. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

     

  • Tobacco Cessation Interventions During Pregnancy


    Nurses encourage expectant mothers to quit smoking

    By: L. Kim Baraona, DNP, APRN, CNM

     

    This article was originally published by FNU faculty Kim Baraona in ADVANCE. To read the full article, go here.

     

    There is no doubt that tobacco use during pregnancy is strongly associated with a variety of avoidable adverse perinatal outcomes like placental abruption, placenta previa, spontaneous rupture of membranes, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and sudden infant death syndrome.

     

    Alarmingly, newer research indicates that nicotine causes an alteration of production and function of neurotransmitters that may increase the risk of attention disorders, learning and behavior problems, depression, and future nicotine addiction in offspring of pregnant women who smoke. The fact that women who smoke in pregnancy experience perinatal mortality rates twice that of non-smokers makes tobacco use in pregnancy the most preventable cause of poor perinatal outcomes.

     

    To read the full article, go here.

     

    Article by FNU faculty

    Kim Baraona, DNP, APRN,CNM

    Read full bio here.

  • Meet our New Clinical Directors: Q & A

    In October, we introduced our two new clinical directors, Dr. Irma Jordan and Dr. Jane Houston. Our team at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) wants you to get to know them even better with this Q & A:
     

    Q – Where did your passion for family practice begin?

     

    Dr. Jordan- I think my interest was cultivated first to become an advanced practice nurse and then deciding on the population I wanted to care for. I love the ability to see my patients from newborn to the grandparents! 

     

    Dr. Houston- It all began in childhood, my mom breastfed all seven of us. She even exclusively breastfed when my twin and I were born in the 60s in Scotland. She was called a “stupid woman” for not offering formula, and every doctor in the maternity hospital came to see her because they couldn’t believe it was possible.


    Q – What do you enjoy most about your career? 

     

    Dr. Jordan- Having been a nurse for a very long time, it is difficult to pick one thing! When I was exclusively in clinical practice it was the patient interaction I was able to develop. Now, I think the same is true with students. I enjoy getting to know students and helping them get to their goal of becoming an advanced practice nurse.
     

    Dr. Houston- The diversity of families that midwives and women’s health NPs care for, with everyone striving for the same goal- healthy moms and babies- it is fantastic!


    Q – What do you enjoy most about working with students?

     

    Dr. Jordan- The learning that occurs! It is amazing to see students when they come to Frontier Bound (scared to death!) and then return for Clinical Bound (much more confident in their knowledge) and then with graduation! This is truly a fantastic transformation to be part of!


    Dr. Houston- Their intellectual abilities and constant challenges to be the best they can be. The care they bring to their work and their calling as midwives and women’s health NPs.

    Q – What is a typical day at work for you?

     

    Dr. Jordan- It depends. If I am working in my faculty role it consists of responding to student requests/issues and these vary daily. Identifying sites for clinical rotations is one of the most challenging things students face and I, along with the RCFs (Regional Clinical Faculty), try to facilitate this as much as possible. Since I am also a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I practice in a crisis stabilization unit and this is never the same!

     

    Dr. Houston- As above, there is no typical day for any midwife including me. I am busy at the moment learning all I can about my new role and doing the job to the best of my ability. I am aiming to be back in limited midwifery practice in early 2016 as I really miss the challenges of caring for women and babies.


    Q – What are your hobbies outside of FNU?

     

    Dr. Jordan-I love being outside and it is a good thing as I have 10 grandchildren under the age of 9! I also love traveling, which is why my role at FNU is a perfect fit!


    Dr. Houston- Hobbies- watching most sports, especially American football, basketball and of course my favorite, the beautiful game of futbol. I read A LOT especially memoirs and non-fiction- I really enjoyed learning more about the British midwives in “Wide Neighborhoods”. My top hobby is playing with our furry friend, Annie the Wonder Dog- she is an Australian Cattle Dog and is very good at the sport of agility and doing lots of tricks. I sometimes think she is smarter than me.

  • Two FNU Graduates Awarded for Oustanding Service

    Each year, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) honors two graduates for their outstanding service to the university and their community. These awards were given at the annual Homecoming and Courier Conclave held at Wendover in Hyden, KY. This year we were proud to announce the following award recipients:

     

    Distinguished Service to Society: Kerri Schuiling

    The Distinguished Service to Society award recognizes an alumnus who goes above and beyond to provide exceptional service in his or her community. Dr. Kerri Schuiling holds a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, master’s degree from Wayne State University and baccalaureate degree from NMU. And of course, her midwifery certificate through FNU’s program. She is certified as both a women’s health nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife.

     

    Kerri currently serves as Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan.  She has also served as dean of NMU’s College of Health Sciences and Professional Studies. Schuiling has also held positions as the Dean of Oakland University’s School of Nursing and Associate Dean and director of NMU’s School of Nursing. She served FNU for seven years as Education Director and Curriculum Coordinator providing the basis for the excellent curriculum delivered by FNU today.

     

    Dr. Schuiling has received several awards for her work in women’s health including induction as a fellow in the American College of Nurse-Midwives and recipient of the ACNM’S Kitty Ernst award, which is given in recognition for innovative, creative endeavors in midwifery and women’s health care.

     

    She is co-editor of the book Women’s Gynecologic Health, which received the ACNM Book of the Year Award, is on the editorial board of the journal Applied Nursing Research and is the founding co-editor of the International Journal of Childbirth, the official journal of the International Confederation of the Midwives. She has published more than 42 peer reviewed papers and book chapters.

     

    She is currently on the statewide Task Force for Nursing Practice and chair of the Research Standing Committee of the International Confederation of Midwives. Most recently she was selected for induction as a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing, which is one of the nursing profession’s most prestigious honors.

     

    Kerri’s contribution to advanced nursing and midwifery education has been outstanding to say the least.  FNU is honored to award her the 2015 Distinguished Service to Society Award.

     

    Distinguished Service to Alma Mater: Joan Slager

    The Distinguished Service to Alma Mater honors an alumnus who has continued to provide support to Frontier through volunteer efforts and/or donor support.  Dr. Joan Slager  is a graduate of Class I of the CNEP (FNU) program in 1991. She earned her MSN from Case Western Reserve University in 1993 and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Oakland University in 2008.

     

    She is the Director of Midwifery at Bronson Women’s Service in Kalamazoo, MI, a large full-scope midwifery practice which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, receiving ACNM Foundation’s With Women for a Lifetime Gold Commendation.

     

    Dr. Slager lectures nationally on both clinical topics and the business aspects of practice, particularly in the area of billing and coding. She is the past chair of the ACNM’s Business Section, past chair of the ACNM’s Division of Standards and Practice, and is currently serving as Treasurer on the ACNM’s Board of Directors.

     

    She is a Fellow of the American College of Nurse-Midwives and a recipient of the Dorothea Lang pioneer award. Joan and her colleagues at Bronson have served as preceptors to nearly 100 nurse-midwifery students – 62 of those students have been Frontier students!

     

    FNU is proud to honor both Dr. Kerri Schuiling and Dr. Joan Slager with these awards!

  • Frontier Nursing University to Support Local Families this Holiday Season at Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn

    Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will be hosting a holiday party at Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10:00a.m.-2:00 p.m. to benefit local families in need in the Leslie County, Ky., area. Guests are invited to take a step back in time and enjoy snacks and fun while gathering around FNU’s one-of-a-kind nurse’s tree. Children who attend will receive a gift, a longstanding tradition at the “Big House”, located at 132 FNS Drive in Wendover.

    The vision for the event is to support families in need with toys, books and warm clothing. The celebration will include storytelling, singing, craft stations and local foods. Children will have an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus, and guests will be treated with an appearance by the Leslie County High School Drama Class and Choir.

    This holiday celebration marks 90 years since FNU founder Mary Breckinridge hosted the first Christmas party at her log cabin home at Wendover. All of Leslie County, Ky., was invited to the Big House in 1925 for hams, pies and a retreat from the cold thanks to the log home’s large fireplaces.  

    More than 500 people attended, arriving by mule-drawn farm wagons. Breckinridge and other local women collected, hauled and sewed toys for weeks in advance so that each child could choose a gift from under the Christmas tree.

    Today, Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn is owned and operated by Frontier Nursing University and is a National Historic Landmark.

    “It’s an honor to carry on Mary Breckinridge’s legacy with a special holiday tradition at the Big House,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone. “We hope to make the Wendover party an annual event that local families enjoy for many years to come.”

     

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    Offering the #1 Nurse-Midwifery program in the United States, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, FNU is passionate about educating nurse-midwives to serve women and families in all communities, especially rural and underserved areas. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse Practitioner programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

  • Homecoming 2015 Recap

     

    By: Angela Bailey

    Homecoming is always a special time for all of us at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) as we welcome graduates from near and far who come home to Hyden. However, this year was particularly special as we hosted the pioneers of distance midwifery education, the “Chicken Coop Midwives” of CNEP and members of their faculty. These grads are known as such because they did their clinical skills in a renovated chicken coop in Kitty Ernst’s back yard. The ladies spent a weekend full of reminiscing, sharing photos, singing and enjoying the serenity of Wendover.

     

    On Friday October 9th, graduates arrived at Wendover where they were greeted with a very special swag bag full of FNU and Kentucky goodies. Later, they enjoyed dinner together in the Big House where they shared much laughter over stories of their days in the CNEP program. After dinner, the Alumni Awards were presented to Kerri Schuiling for Distinguished Service to Society and to Dr. Joan Slager for Distinguished Service to Alma Mater. The highlight of the evening was a very special circle up with Kitty Ernst after dinner. Each attendee shared, in turn, the impact CNEP has had on their lives and their careers. Many tears of joy were shed as the true impact of the CNEP vision was heard and felt through the stories of each graduate.

       

    Saturday morning the Chicken Coopers awoke to a true country breakfast at the Big House to begin a day packed with activities. The first activity of the day was a virtual circle-up from the Big House living room in celebration of National Nurse Midwifery week. Next, a tour of the Frontier Nursing Service districts and the FNU campus provided a deeper connection for the “Chicken Coopers” to the University’s Eastern Kentucky roots. The day was completed with a CE session in pharmacology, dinner and more sharing of memories.

     

    As the weekend came to a close Sunday morning, participants visited the Campus Chapel and gift shop. Prior to leaving Hyden, the group circled-up one last time to reflect on their time together and then rang the bell outside the chapel in honor of their achievements and as a farewell to campus. A trip to Keeneland for an afternoon of races was the perfect end to a wonderful weekend.

       

    To view a video of our graduates at homecoming, go here.

  • The Importance of Nurse-Midwives and Collaborative Care for Women

    By: Susan E. Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN

    Those of us engaged in women’s health care know that there’s a troubling trend affecting women in the U.S. We have the most expensive healthcare system in the world, yet American women are more likely to die during childbirth than women in any other developed country. Maternal mortality rates have nearly doubled over the past 20 years, even as healthcare technology has advanced.   

    While the causes are multifactorial and not easily resolved, there is widespread agreement that we must take action to improve outcomes for women and their families. Many healthcare experts point to collaborative care models as one promising strategy.

    As an education provider, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has an obligation to equip our students with an understanding of and appreciation for collaboration. All of our students are either becoming certified nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners or advancing their education to the doctoral level as a nurse-midwife or nurse practitioner. Our graduates will provide care to women throughout their lives.

    In recognition of National Midwifery Week in October, FNU hosted a digital summit to explore how today’s nurse-midwife plays an important role in collaborative care. The event called Today’s Nurse-Midwives: Creating a Collaborative Community of Care brought together a number of industry leaders to explore the latest and discuss changes that are needed now.  FNU partnered with the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) to kick off the event with live streamed sessions from the AABC Birth Institute in Scottsdale, AZ.  FNU and AABC have a longstanding history with a shared mission of increasing maternity care options for women through midwifery and birth center care.

    Placing Patients at the Center of Care

    Healthcare systems should strive to implement patient-focused team care. For too long, the economics of healthcare have eroded quality leaving the industry with inflated costs and low patient satisfaction.

    When the patient is at the center of care, the patient’s needs and desires are more likely to be heard. Nurse-midwives, as part of the healthcare team, serve as excellent advocates for patients. This is particularly important as more and more women are seeking out-of-hospital care. 

    Focusing on what is best for the patient not only leads to better health care outcomes and improved patient satisfaction, but also greater efficiency and lower costs.

    Educating Physicians and Nurse-Midwives to Work Together

    Too often in healthcare settings, health care providers are operating in silos. Poor relationships can lead to a lack of appropriate consultation, and miscommunication can lead to poor outcomes. Teams improve results when they make an effort to collaborate and communicate and keep the patient at the center of their efforts.

    Adding nurse-midwives to the health care team improves quality and decreases cost. A team approach that includes physicians, nurse-midwives and other providers as necessary delivers better care to women and families. A collaborative environment allows team members to excel in using the specific skill set in which they are educated.

    At FNU, our goal is to educate nurse-midwives so that they are prepared to work in collaboration with physicians. In some cases, physicians may not understand the scope of a nurse-midwife’s capabilities particularly if they’ve had no exposure to them. Successfully working together comes down to the basics of trust, listening and relationship building.

    Making Change Happen Now

    Understanding the challenge is certainly a step in the right direction, but not enough. We must also work hard to implement solutions. The digital summit presented several practical models that are working well and could be adopted by healthcare systems across the country.

    If our goal is to improve outcomes and decrease the maternal mortality rate, we have to work together. We need more interprofessional education for health professions and more nurse-midwives joining maternity care teams. Finally, we must strive to create women’s care services in which collaborative care is the norm, not the exception.

    View Digital Summit Sessions

    FNU invites you to view all sessions from Today’s Nurse-Midwives: Creating a Collaborative Community of Care on YouTube here. Visit the digital summit website here. 

     

    References

    Avery M, Montgomery O, Brandl-Salutz E. Essential components of successful collaborative maternity care models: the ACOG-ACNM project.Obstetrics And Gynecology Clinics Of North America [serial online]. September 2012;39(3):423-434. Available from: MEDLINE, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 12, 2015.

    K. Davis, K. Stremikis, C. Schoen, and D. Squires, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, 2014 Update: How the U.S. Health Care System Compares Internationally, The Commonwealth Fund, June 2014.

    Pullen, L. & Vega C. CDC Data Reveal Increased Maternal Mortality Rates.  Medscape Education Clinical Briefs, 01/26/2015

    Smith, D. C. (2015), Midwife–Physician Collaboration: A Conceptual Framework for Interprofessional Collaborative Practice. Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health, 60: 128–139.

     

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