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Staff Spotlight: Jamie Wheeler, MA

A key piece of the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) graduate online nursing specialty programs is securing a preceptor and clinical site. Clinical Site Facilitator Jamie Wheeler, MA, spends her days connecting students with the preceptors and clinicals that best suit their unique needs.

Because the preceptor and clinical search can be very challenging and stressful for students, Jamie’s role allows her to focus on one student at a time. She provides them with tools and resources to navigate through the clinical search and credentialing processes.

Jamie is also passionate about leading webinars and educating her students. Each term, she presents a webinar called “Clinical Search 101: Tips for Locating Sites and Preceptors” that helps students prepare for their time in clinicals.

“I enjoy giving each student my full attention and helping to walk them through the process of securing sites and preceptors,” she said. “I love building rapport with our students and making this challenging time a little less stressful for them.”

Jamie has been in her position with FNU for six years, coming from a Student Affairs background at the University of Kentucky.

She chose Frontier because of its mission and dedication to serving rural and underserved populations. As a rural, northern Wisconsin native, Jamie felt at home at FNU and has found community amongst the staff and students.

“I truly have terrific colleagues and friendships here,” she said. “I am part of an amazing team!”

Jamie was also thankful for the FNU community as she became a mother. Though midwifery care was not initially on her radar, Jamie decided to seek a nurse-midwife for her pregnancies. In the two-minute video below, she talks about her decision and the impact it had on her birthing experience.

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“Frontier was a wonderful place to be through two healthy pregnancies. It was awesome to have CNMs that answered my questions and supported me,” she said.

While she’s not in the office, Jamie loves cooking, baking, reading, being outside and spending time with her husband and two young daughters.

Thank you for the dedicated work that you do for our students, Jamie!

January 17, 2019
Circle of Caring Award Winners Announced for 2018 Fall Term

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to announce winners of the 2018 Fall Term Circle of Caring Award. Congratulations to Rainie Boggs as the staff recipient and Jana Esden as the faculty recipient!

This award is a recognition for Frontier faculty and staff who go above and beyond everyday duties and strive to uphold FNU’s mission and Culture of Caring.

Nominations for this award were submitted anonymously by faculty and staff. A committee then voted on each nomination based on the following Culture of Caring characteristics: professionalism, mutual support, respect, positive communication and inclusivity.

Rainie Boggs, Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid

Rainie Boggs serves as the Director of Enrollment Management & Financial Aid at FNU.

The following statement was included in Rainie’s nomination:

“Rainie has always been encouraging to her fellow employees. She is continuously optimistic and makes other employees feel that they truly matter. Rainie is professional to students, staff, and faculty and is always willing to give a helping hand when others are swamped with deadlines. She shows interest in our lives and hobbies with a gleaming, positive attitude that is infectious; I cannot think of another person who truly deserves this award.”

Jana Esden DNP, Associate Professor & Course Coordinator

Jana Esden, DNP is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Associate Professor for the FNP Program at FNU. Her expertise is in assisting in graduating students prepared to provide evidence-based, empathetic, and sensitive care.

This statement was included in Jana’s nomination:

“Jana has really demonstrated the culture of caring by being totally invested in how our test questions are quality and fair. She has incorporated negative feedback about the exam review process in stride, working to make it less cumbersome and more helpful and rolling with resistance. Jana goes the extra mile to make the university better for students and faculty. She has taken time on evenings and weekends to answer the phone, listen to and support us, and share her experience. She exemplifies collegiality and caring, taking time from her already busy life and schedule to help the rest of us be successful.”

Rainie and Jana will receive a framed certificate and a $50 gift card, and will be featured in various Frontier communications.

Thank you, Rainie and Jana, for embodying the FNU spirit of community and caring.

FNU was pleased to receive a high number of nominations this term, and wants to acknowledge everyone who was nominated! Thank you to everyone who sent in a nomination. If your submission did not win, we encourage you to keep the nominations coming, and remind you to send a Culture of Caring card to personally thank your nominee.

Do you know an FNU staff or faculty member that goes above and beyond? Nominate them now for the Winter Term Circle of Caring Award!

January 14, 2019
Alumni Spotlight: Jennifer Stevens DrPHc, CNM, MS

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) alumna Jennifer Stevens DrPHc, CNM, MS uses her nurse-midwifery degree to help women across the world. Based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jennifer is a midwife specialist for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Jennifer graduated in 2001 from Frontier’s CNEP (Class 28) and earned her MS in Midwifery at Philadelphia University. She worked for 10 years in a freestanding birth center before a stint with Midwives for Haiti (founded by a fellow FNU alumnus) sparked her interest in international midwifery practice.

In her current role, Jennifer supports the newly-created midwifery cadre in Bangladesh, focusing primarily on midwifery education and strengthening the health care system. In Bangladesh, approximately 60% of women birth at home unattended. Jennifer’s goal is to increase the number of quality midwives in Bangladesh to support faculty-based births, lower maternal mortality, and increase access to compassionate sexual and reproductive health care including gender-based violence and family planning services for all the women of Bangladesh.

Jennifer at the birth center in Bangladesh

“I want women to have a voice and be able to birth safely in their own communities,” she said.

Jennifer also supports midwifery centers globally through GoodBirth, a nonprofit she co-founded in 2016. GoodBirth is a global NGO that networks midwifery birth centers in low-resource areas to help them solve problems, encourage commitment to healthy birth practices and standards for quality and safety, and promote respectful maternity care.

“I often think back on the unique education offered at FNU during my work,” said Jennifer. “FNU demonstrates what can happen when we create a program that listens to women and meets them where they are, in their own communities – we can change the world.”

Her choice to pursue nurse-midwifery at FNU was influenced by the flexibility the online courses offered her as a mother, and by FNU’s excellent reputation in midwifery education.

Jennifer is currently enrolled in Boston University to pursue a Doctorate in Public Health.

She was also recently published in Birth Journal, co-authoring an editorial entitled “Asking different questions: A call to action for research to improve the quality of care for every woman, every child.”

We are proud to have such an active member of the FNU community serving women around the globe. Thank you, Jennifer!

January 10, 2019
FNU Hosts Wendover Community Holiday Dinner 2018

Honored guests and friends of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) gathered for a holiday celebration in the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center on Thursday, December 13.

32 guests were welcomed to Wendover for the annual community holiday dinner. As is tradition, each was greeted with steaming hot cider and a crackling fireplace.

Guests included Hyden, Ky., Mayor Carol Joseph; Hyden City Commissioner Bill Napier; Leslie Co. Sheriff elect Billy Michael Collett; Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect Onzie Sizemore; and Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass & Traditional Music Dean Osborne.

Hyden Mayor Carol Joseph & FNU President Susan Stone

As guests arrived, FNU Development Officer Michael Claussen conducted tours of the refurbished Big House, originally built in 1925. FNU President Dr. Susan Stone welcomed everyone for the annual event, highlighting this year’s special charity focus.

Before dinner was served, Janet Scott, a Chautauqua with the Kentucky Humanities Council, presented as Mary Breckinridge, entertaining guests with stories of the first Wendover Christmas.

The menu of garden salad, roast turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, glazed carrots, yeast rolls was paired with amiable conversation. Guests topped off the satisfying dinner with a slice of coal miners cake and ice cream.

Wendover Holiday Dinner 2018 Group Photo

Everyone enjoyed food, socializing, sharing stories, listening to holiday music, enjoying decorations and warmth of the fireplace under Mrs. Breckinridge’s portrait.

We thank the wonderful cooks that made this meal possible: Vickie Mosley, Samantha Joseph, Debbie Sizemore and Kymber Osborne. Thank you!

Plan a get-together or dinner event of your own at the historic Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center. Find out more info and check availability here.

View the photo album of the 2018 Holiday Dinner here.

Guests:

Sandra Napier and son Jonathan – School Nurse for Leslie Co. schools, Wendover Advisory Committee, Leslie Co. Saddle Club

Dean & Sarah Osborne, and daughter Royce – FNU Trustee, Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music

Janet Scott – Mary Breckinridge Chautauqua character with the Kentucky Humanities Council

Debbie Gross – Hyden City Clerk

Carol Joseph – Mayor of Hyden

Billy Michael & Lida Collett – Leslie Co. Sheriff elect

Amy Brudnicki – Former Leslie Co. resident, 2018 Wendover Advisory Committee Member

Onzie Sizemore – Leslie Co. Court Clerk elect

Bill Napier – Hyden City Commissioner

Michelle Wilson – Teacher at Leslie Co. schools

Debbie Farler – Teacher at LKLP Early Start head start program

Patrick Smith – Writer for Leslie Co. Newspaper

Diane Whitehead – Manager of Stinnett Area Community Center

Rita Collett – supporter

Shirley Collett – supporter

Burgess Collett – supporter

FNU Faculty & Staff:

Susan Stone – President of Frontier Nursing University

Shelley Aldridge – Chief Operations Officer

Michael Claussen – FNU Development Officer

Tara Dykes Courier – Program Coordinator/Development Officer

Austyn Caudill FNU – Courier Program Assistant

Michael Steinmetz – Executive Vice President for Finance and Facilities

Barb Gibson – Facilities Manager

Debra Turner – Wendover Operations Manager

January 3, 2019
2018 Year in Review

2018 is wrapping up at Frontier Nursing University (FNU)! From individual student accomplishments to the Versailles campus acquisition, it was truly an exciting year to be part of the FNU community. Below are some of our highlights from 2018. Be sure to watch the “2018 FNU Year in Review” video at the bottom of the post as well.

Excellence in Teaching

Frontier’s MSN and PGC programs received continued accreditation from the Board of Commissioners of the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). ACEN granted the accreditation of each of the specialties offered in FNU’s master of science in nursing and post-graduate certificate programs, and the new psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) specialty, through 2025. The first PMHNP students graduated in March.

In July, FNU was awarded the Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The grant totals $1,376,800 in funding from 2018-2020, including $600,000 in student scholarships.

Read more:

ACEN Grants Continued Accreditation to FNU

First Students Graduate from FNU’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program

Frontier Nursing University Awarded $1.3 Million HRSA Program Grant

Diversity and Inclusion

June held FNU’s eighth-annual Diversity Impact Student Conference. With workshops and activities revolving around the theme, “We Are One: Uniting Dreamers with Diverse Voices,” the four-day event helped attendees explore how to create meaningful connections within diverse communities. FNU was honored to receive the 2018 Health Professions Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education in October.

Read more:

Frontier Nursing University Receives 2018 Health Professions HEED Award

FNU Diversity Impact Celebrates 8 Years

A New Frontier: Versailles Campus

FNU is creating a new, accessible campus in Versailles, Ky. In September, FNU secured a contractor and began the renovations to several buildings and plots on the property. With expected completion tentatively set for 2020, you can stay up to date on the progress by subscribing for email updates or visiting Frontier.edu/versailles-kentucky-campus.

Read more:

FNU to Begin Work on Versailles Campus

Successful FNU Programs

From June to August, three Couriers served a vast number of Appalachian community members through their work in clinics and nonprofits. FNU also hosted its annual virtual events for National Midwifery Week (Sept. 30- Oct. 6) and National Nurse Practitioner Week (Nov. 11-18). Themed “Answer the Call to Service,” the free online sessions and continuing education opportunities provided participants with fuel to improve their leadership in the field.

Read more:

Couriers Impact Appalachian Communities Through Summer of Service

Explore Sessions from This Year’s National Midwifery Week Virtual Event

What to Expect for FNU’s National Nurse Practitioner Week Virtual Event

Faculty & Staff Accomplishments

A couple of new staff and faculty members joined the FNU team in 2018. Debra Turner was brought on as the new Wendover operations manager, and Dr. Joan Slager was named dean of nursing. FNU President Dr. Susan Stone also received professional accolades when she was inducted as president of ACNM and elected to the National Academy of Medicine.

Several faculty members and alumni contributed to the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) book of the year. “Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes,” written by several FNU faculty members and alumni, was awarded first place in the 2017 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Maternal-Child Health.

Read more:

New Wendover Operations Manager, Debra Turner

Meet FNU’s New Dean of Nursing, Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM

FNU President Dr. Susan Stone Inducted as President of ACNM

Frontier Nursing University President Dr. Susan Stone Elected to National Academy of Medicine

FNU Alumni and Faculty Contribute to Textbook Awarded First Place in the 2017 AJN Book of the Year Awards in Maternal-Child Health

Student & Alumni Achievements

On October 26, more than 800 nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner graduates received their degrees at commencement. We wish each the best in their careers!

Alumni from 2017 showed the effectiveness of a properly-structured, affordable distance education nursing program as test-takers surpassed the national board examination averages. Graduates exceeded national averages in each of the CNM, WHNP, FNP, MSN and PGC examinations.

Read more:

Frontier Nursing University Graduates Surpass National Board Examination Averages

FNU Awards Degrees to Over 800 Nurse-Midwife and Nurse Practitioner Graduates

We are so proud of our accomplishments in the FNU Community in 2018. The support from our friends, alumni, faculty, students, staff, and Couriers has been invaluable to our growth and success. We welcome 2019 with open arms!

January 2, 2019
Faculty Spotlight: Joanne Keefe, DNP, MPH, FNP-C

Alumna and faculty member, Joanne Keefe, DNP, MPH, FNP-C found where she belonged in nursing at Frontier Nursing University (FNU). Joanne is a course coordinator for Epidemiology/Biostatistics at FNU, where she thrives in the teaching environment.

As an educator, Joanne answers the call by creating an uplifting nursing community, something her individual work in the field initially lacked.

According to Joanne, before coming to FNU, she worked in nursing for 10 years but felt she wasn’t making a difference. She pursued a Master of Public Health and Epidemiology at the University of New Mexico. After public health didn’t seem to be a good fit, she returned to individual care and decided to pursue a higher level of education at FNU.

She completed the Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, but gained more than additional education.

“I finally found what I had been looking for in nursing – a supportive community,” said Joanne. “I am so lucky to be able to now work in this environment!”

Professionally, she has presented at AANP, NONPF and Conference on Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World.

The students in the FNU community also appreciate Joanne, nominating her for the FNU Student Choice Award in 2018.

“My ultimate goal is to change the face of nursing by sharing the community feeling and encouraging them to spread this feeling in their own communities,” said Joanne. “I strive do this as an educator, colleague and mentor.”

When Joanne is not busy at Frontier, she rides horses, gardens and spends time outside.

Joanne is grateful to be a part of the supportive FNU community and we are equally thankful to have her!

December 20, 2018
Student Kudos: December 2018
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) seeks to empower its students to make a difference in their communities and in their field.

This month, we are highlighting several individuals and groups of students who have been recently recognized for their accomplishments and pursuits to advance their education and enhance the care they provide.

Nurse-midwifery student receives 2018 Black Nurses Rock scholarship

JaDaun Rawls, RN
Photo Credit: BlackNursesRock.com

JaDaun Rawls, RN, Class 172 nurse-midwifery student was given a scholarship at the 3rd Annual Black Nurses Rock Convention “Shades of Blue” National Awards and Scholarship Banquet in San Antonio, Texas on Oct. 27.

Black Nurses Rock (BNR) presents scholarships to active Black Nurses Rock members on the basis of academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. BNR has awarded over $70,000 in scholarship/grant funds. JaDaun was one of three 2018 scholarship recipients.

Congratulations, JaDaun!

IHI National Forum

Kalena Lanuza, DNP, FNP-C with her poster presentation

FNU Students presenting project posters at IHI Forum.
Photo credit: FNU faculty member, Niessa Meier

FNU DNP students represented Frontier during the 2018 Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) National Forum from Dec. 9-12 in Orlando, Fla. We are proud of each students’ hard work on their poster presentations. Well done!

12 FNU representatives participate in New York Case Presentation Day

From left to right: Marsha Jackson, owner of the Birth Care, CNEP student Michelle Shaffer, Cassandra Woods, Jaime Chabuz, FNU RCF Dwynn Golden, and DeJane Dozier

On Nov. 11, three FNU students presented in the New York Case Presentation Day in Washington, D.C. Kindly hosted by Birth Care & Women’s Health birth center in Alexandria, Va. 12 total FNU representatives attended, including two preceptors, a third-term student, a first-term student, FNU RCF Dwynn Golden, FNU Course Coordinator Amy Nassar with her daughter and the three presenters.

Congratulations to the following students for successful presentation of their cases:
- Cassandra Woods, DNP Class 33
- Jaime Chabuz, CNEP Class 158
- DeJane Dozier, CNEP Class 160
A big thank you to our host, Birth Care! It has proved an amazing clinical site for FNU students. Birth Care just celebrated 31 years in practice with services including home births and births at the center, and has consistently allowed FNU students to observe out-of-hospital and home births, which is invaluable to their education. Thank you, Birth Care!

DNP graduate celebrates commencement ceremony at work

Barbara “Bobbi” Bennett-Wolcott, DNP, CNM
Photo Credit- Palouse Medical P.S.

Newly-minted FNU graduate Barbara “Bobbi” Bennett-Wolcott, DNP, CNM, celebrated her graduation in an unconventional way. Unfortunately, Bobbi could not attend the FNU commencement ceremony in October. To give her the celebration she deserved, her colleagues at Palouse Medical P.S. brought the ceremony to her!

Bobbi brought her graduation regalia to the office, and the Palouse Medical staff surprised her with a commencement “ceremony,” complete with a graduation walk, signs, and sparkling beverages.

“Palouse Medical is proud when any staff members seek opportunities to further their education and expand their skill-sets, but we are particularly excited knowing that all the hard work that Bobbi has put forth to achieve this degree will immediately become a benefit to the care she provides within our clinic and medical community,” Palouse Medical said in its Facebook post marking the occasion.

Congrats, Bobbi – we are so proud of you! And, of course, thanks to Palouse and all of Bobbi’s cheerleaders, supporting her during her doctoral program!

Congratulations to each of these students for representing FNU in their hard work.
December 17, 2018
Alumni Spotlight: Christa Salling, FNP, CLC

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) alumna Christa Salling, FNP, CLC credits her education for allowing her to enter a fulfilling career.

As a Registered Nurse, Christa worked in a local hospital on various units and she soon found it wasn’t satisfying her professionally. She decided to expand her education and graduated with her Family Nurse Practitioner certification (Class 110) in 2015. With her advanced practice degree, Christa moved into a family practice residency clinic with St. Anthony’s North. However, she longed to return to her original passion in Women’s Health. She took a position in Perinatal Home Care, but unfortunately, the company restructured and could not offer the hours Christa needed. She was grateful to accept a position in an OB/GYN office with a company she had spent much of her nursing career with.

In her role, Christa serves urban, rural and underserved women as she cares for their obstetrical or gynecological needs including all forms of birth control. She can spend an extended amount of time getting to know her patients and their families, teaching healthy habits, and tailoring care to their needs. She has also expanded her care into the inpatient setting, rounding, teaching and discharging newly postpartum mothers.

Also, as a Certified Lactation Counselor, Christa is able to help with breastfeeding challenges.

Christa finds her new work satisfying because she gets to serve the women in her community. Regardless of whether a woman has private insurance, Medicaid, or self pay, Christa feels she is able to make positive changes in her patients’ lives.

“This work has fulfilled my dream when I decided to be a NP,” she said. “I get to care for women and see them through some of their best times and some of their worst times!”

She chose to study at FNU because of its history and reputation. Through helping these women, Christa feels that she is continuing the work and vision of Mary Breckinridge.

“Frontier’s vision has become my dream, and now it feels fulfilled,” said Christa.

Thank you for your dedication to underserved mothers and babies, Christa! We are proud to have you as part of the FNU community.

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 health care to underserved and rural populations.

December 13, 2018

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