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  • Featured Preceptor Karl Lambert Offers Creative Solutions for Underserved Patients

    Featured Preceptor Karl Lambert Offers Creative Solutions for Underserved Patients

    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 healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

    Frontier Nursing University (FNU) preceptor Karl Lambert, ARNP, was honored as FNU’s Featured Preceptor for the 2020 spring term. Karl was nominated by Olga Rybakov (NP student). 

    Karl has been a nurse practitioner for more than 20 years. He started out at a large family practice organization but felt he could better serve his community of East Wenatchee, Wash. by opening RediMedi Integrative Clinic in 2006. 

    Since its opening, Karl has brought a warm approach to his work in serving his community. Olga said, “Karl is a professional, kind and compassionate provider. He thinks outside the box and is always looking for ways to improve patient care and provide more affordable services.”

    As the CEO of RediMedi Integrative Clinic, Karl has been able to develop and implement the Direct Patient Care Model. For a set monthly fee, patients have unlimited access to their primary care practitioners. It has allowed him to help patients because they have unlimited access to health care without having to worry about what’s covered and what’s not. 

    “Karl takes care of many uninsured patients. His primary care model is exemplary,” Olga said. “If patients need care outside of primary care, he meets people where they are financially and finds ways to get them specialty care at a fraction of the price.”

    Thank you, Karl, for answering the call to service in the East Wenatchee community and showing students how to do the same!

    Visit Frontier.edu/Preceptors to read about previously recognized preceptors or to nominate a preceptor. 

     

  • FNU Graduate and Faculty Member Dr. Catherine Collins-Fulea Succeeds Dr. Susan Stone as President of American College of Nurse-Midwives

    FNU Graduate and Faculty Member Dr. Catherine Collins-Fulea Succeeds Dr. Susan Stone as President of American College of Nurse-Midwives

    We are proud to announce that Catherine Collins-Fulea, DNP, CNM, FACNM, and Assistant Professor at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) was officially inducted as the new president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) at the organization’s annual meeting on May 31. ACNM is the professional association that represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the United States. 

    Dr. Collins-Fulea, who also received her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from FNU, succeeds FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, as ACNM’s president. Dr. Stone, who has been president at FNU since 2001, served as the ACNM president for the past two years. 

    “I am so proud that Dr. Collins-Fulea is the new ACNM president, not only because of her affiliation with FNU, but also because I know she will be an outstanding leader for the organization,” said Dr. Stone. 

    “Her experience as a clinician, administrator and educator makes her the ideal person to advocate for midwives and lead us in the years ahead.”

    After completing her basic nursing and midwifery education in England, Dr. Collins-Fulea opened an in-hospital birthing center at Grace Hospital in Detroit in 1981 when only five other CNMs were practicing in the entire state. She joined the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit in 1991, where she started a new practice with six other CNMs. Over the years, she grew this practice into one of the most respected in the state, leading 22 midwives at two hospitals and practicing in eight outpatient centers. 

    Dr. Collins-Fulea, who joined the faculty at FNU in January 2019, has been active professionally on both the state and national levels with ACNM. She has chaired many committees including the Michigan chapter of ACNM; the national quality management section; the division of standards and practice; the service directors network; and the volunteer structure realignment task force. In addition, she has served as a regional representative on the ACNM board of directors and two terms as vice president.

    “I am deeply honored to be the president of ACNM,” Dr. Collins-Fulea said. “I am grateful to Dr. Stone for her leadership over the past two years and look forward to building upon her great work. There are many challenges ahead, and I am eager to begin this journey.”

    In 1998, Dr. Collins-Fulea was inducted as an ACNM Fellow. In 2003, she received the prestigious Dorthea Lang Pioneer Award from the ACNM Foundation in recognition of her work developing and implementing ACNM benchmarking and her work as editor and author of An Administrative Manual for Nurse-Midwifery Services. She has published on clinical as well as practice issues and has spoken nationally and internationally on a variety of topics.

    As ACNM’s new president, Dr. Collins-Fulea will be supported by the leadership at ACNM, which also welcomed other newly inducted officers to its Board of Directors during the annual meeting.

     

    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.

     

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

    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

  • COVID-19 Front Lines: Heather Friend Makes Adjustments In Oregon

    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.”

     

  • COVID-19 Front Lines: Kevin Scalf Provides Increased Mental Healthcare For Isolated Rural Patients

    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.”

     

  • Myth Busters: Using a Nurse-Midwife

    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.

     

  • Real Talk About Precepting: Audra Cave and Cathy Cook Share Their Insights as Preceptors

    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.

     

     

  • Chris Turley

    Chris Turley

    Chris Turley is the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator at Frontier Nursing University. He holds a Master’s of Science in Sports Administration and a Bachelor’s of Science in Sports Management. Chris has over ten (10) years’ experience with federal grant management, program development, and marketing. Recognized as a “Kentucky Colonel” by the governor for his community engagement work in the state. Chris had the privilege of developing programs to help over 2500 at-promise participants gain vocational/technical skills to advance their careers and further opportunities. 

    While at Frontier, Chris has been instrumental in the execution of the Diversity Impact Conference, quarterly speaker series, FNU Diversity Impact Facebook Page and conference marketing (Diverse conferences), as well as the Diversity Impact Student Ambassador and Professional Organizational Mentoring (POMP) programs. Chris has a strong base dealing with issues concerning race relations as he had to deal with similar issues growing up in a marginalized community in Kentucky. He was a part of a task force to deal with those issues in the small Kentucky town that he grew up in. Unbeknownst to him, this was the first of many steps into educating and empowering others as it pertains to diversity and inclusion.

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