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

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

    Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is excited to announce that the book, Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes, written by several FNU faculty members and alumni, was awarded first place in the 2017 American Journal of Nursing (AJN) Book of the Year Awards in Maternal-Child Health.

    Since 1969, AJN has published an annual list of the best in nursing publishing. The AJN Book of the Year program is a prestigious competition that garners the attention of the medical world, as well as librarians and universities.

    Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes, is written for graduate students and professionals and explores freestanding birth center models in the U.S. from the 1970’s to present. It provides a thorough history of the birth center movement and serves as a resource for up-to-date evidence on clinical and cost outcomes while also covering all issues involved in implementing and operating a U.S. birth center.

    The textbook is published by Springer Publishing and is the first of its kind. It was co-authored by Linda Cole, DNP, RN, CNM, Assistant Professor, Course Coordinator, Course Faculty at Frontier, and Melissa Avery, PhD, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN.

    A number of Frontier-educated women, including Alumni Alisha Wilkes, DNP, CNM, ARNP and Autumn Versace Vergo, MSN, CNM, CPM, as well as alumna and current Frontier Course Faculty Jill Alliman, CNM, DNP, contributed to chapters pertaining to their medical and professional specialties.

    FNU Senior Instructor Kathryn Schrag, MSN, CNM, FNP, co-authored the book’s first chapter, Organizing for Change: History, Pioneers, and the Formation of a National Organization. Diana Jolles, CNM, MSN, FACNM, PhD(c), a Frontier instructor and Course Coordinator, also made contributions to the new book. The foreword was co-written by Ruth Watson Lubic, an FNU honoree, with Kitty Ernst, CNM, FCH, FACNM, instructor and Mary Breckinridge Chair of Midwifery at Frontier.

    Writing contributions from FNU Professor Emeritus Barbara Anderson, DrPH, RN, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, can also be found within the book’s 382 pages.

    Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes was published by Springer Publishing Company in May 2017 and released at the American College of Nurse Midwives’ (ACNM) 62nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition in Chicago, Ill., Wednesday, May 24, in the ACNM bookstore.

    For more information on AJN, click here.

    Freestanding Birth Centers: Innovation, Evidence, Optimal Outcomes can be purchased at this link.   


    Related Content:

    Frontier Alumni and Faculty Contribute to First Ever Textbook Published on U.S. Birth Centers

    Springer Publishing “Book of the Year” announcement.

  • In Search of a Preceptor: Roxanne Lapointe Finds Beverly Wilson

    In Search of a Preceptor: Roxanne Lapointe Finds Beverly Wilson

    Searching for a preceptor, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) 2017 graduate Roxanne LaPointe didn’t expect to find a mentor and friend through just a sweatshirt, yet that’s exactly what happened.

    During her first days as an FNU student, Roxanne purchased a university sweatshirt, thinking of nothing more than supporting the school at which she’d recently enrolled. A few months later in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Roxanne took her daughter to a day surgery center to have tubes put in, wearing her sweatshirt. There, she met a woman who not only worked at the center, but who was also an FNU alumna and ended up connecting her to the local chapter of nurse practitioners.

    A loyal member to the chapter, Roxanne attended meetings and paid dues, meeting fellow nurse practitioners in her area. When it came time to find a preceptor, she noticed a fellow member with a street address that matched her own. One of her neighbors was a member of the same chapter!

    Roxanne consulted her husband, asking whether she should introduce herself. They decided to make the connection; Roxanne made banana bread and bravely knocked on her neighbor’s door, asking Beverly Wilson to become her preceptor.

    Despite being nervous she would be turned away, Roxanne instead found that Beverly had also graduated from FNU. After working through details, Beverly became Roxanne’s preceptor and eventually one of her greatest mentors and influencers.

    “I learned so much,” said Roxanne. “Beverly was kind, patient and so encouraging. She is absolutely amazing with a wealth of knowledge.”

    According to Roxanne, even though FNU is an online program, it maintains a strong community dispersed all over the country.

    “Frontier has a community,” she said. “You may have to dig a little to find it, but once you do, you fall in and you’re embraced wholly. I’ve never had that with any other school.”

    What began with a simple sweatshirt ended in a great friendship and a rewarding preceptor-student relationship. Although FNU students, faculty, alumni and friends are spread throughout the globe, Roxanne and Beverly remind us that it truly is a tight-knit community – one that wouldn’t be the same without our extraordinary preceptors.

    We’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of our past and present preceptors who play an integral role in molding and inspiring tomorrow’s nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives.

    Are you a health care professional with a desire to give back to students as they begin their journey? FNU is always looking for new preceptors to be  teachers and role models to our students. Please visit our preceptors page for more information.

  • Jean Fee, April 29, 1937 – January 4, 2018

    Jean Fee, April 29, 1937 – January 4, 2018

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Fee, a dear friend of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) and former Frontier Nursing Service nurse.

    Jean was born in rural Alberta, Canada, on April 29, 1937. She came to Hyden, Ky., in 1958 and graduated from the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery in 1959, working as a district nurse for the Frontier Nursing Service. She traveled by horse throughout the region, attending births and providing healthcare for families. The certification of “Family Nurse Practitioner” did not exist at that time, but years later, her experience and skills allowed her to certify as a Family Nurse Practitioner in 1980.

    Throughout her life, Jean shared her knowledge and stories with Frontier Nursing University students during Frontier Bound orientations. She also was a host and mentor for students in FNU’s Courier Program.

    Frontier Nursing University recognized Jean’s lifelong dedication to nursing by awarding her an honorary Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2013. She was awarded the “Distinguished Service to Alma Mater” alumni honor in 2009, and was named one of 75 honorees during the 75th anniversary of Frontier Nursing University in 2014.

    In an interview about her experiences, Jean once said, “Wherever you work, look around for people you might learn something from. It could be a nursing assistant, it might be a doctor, it might be the cleaning woman, but you can learn something from almost everybody.”

    Everyone who came in contact with Jean learned something from her and took away a piece of her dedication to nursing and caring for others.

    The FNU community sends our thoughts and prayers to Jean’s family. We will all miss her greatly.

    To honor Jean with your own words or memories, we invite you to visit our recent Facebook post, which is embedded at the end of this blog. Here are a few comments that have been shared so far:

    Angela Bailey: “One of my best days as an employee of FNU was spending an entire day with Jean at her home looking at pictures, talking, and enjoying her memories. A great lady has left us and the world is a little darker at her passing. She will be missed.”

    Misti Moon Harris: “I loved hearing Jean’s stories at Frontier Bound, she was an amazing person and nurse! I’m still so amazed at what the nurses were able to accomplish through the Frontier Nursing Service. Many prayers to her family and to everyone at FNU.”

    Christine Collins: “I am so sorry to hear this, Jean was so nice when she would visit Wendover she would always stop by my office to visit with me and show me pictures of flowers she had taken, Jean was a great person and loved the frontier nursing service. She will be missed.”

    Denise Barrett: “Jean was one of the first Frontier nurses I spent a lot of time with in my early years with Frontier. I loved being at her house and learning from her. She was so kind and witty, too. We will miss her so much.”

  • Frontier Shares Annual Holiday Dinner With Community

    Frontier Shares Annual Holiday Dinner With Community

    On Sunday, December 7, guests were greeted with steaming cider Wendover Community Holiday Dinnerand the cozy warmth of the fireplace as they gathered in the Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn and Retreat Center for the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) community holiday dinner.

    Hosted at the historic headquarters of Frontier Nursing Service, 25 friends and members of the community attended the event. Guests included Bill Napier, City Commissioner of Hyden, Ky.; Derek Lewis, candidate for Kentucky State Representative; Allison Holbrook, Vice President of Leslie County Chamber of Commerce; Timothy Baker, Leslie County Chamber of Commerce President; and Vaughda Wooten-Hyden Veterans Cemetery Director, among many others listed below.

    If desired, guests were guided by FNU Development Officer Michael Claussen on tours throughout the inn, the original log structure built by Mary Breckinridge in 1925. Then they were treated to jovial conversation over a delicious meal of of ham, turkey, potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, rolls, dessert, and hot tea in the tradition of Mrs. Breckinridge’s afternoon brew.

    Guests then gathered in the living room for Christmas carols led by the voice and piano accompaniment of Dean Osborne, an FNU Trustee and the Director of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music.

    Dr. Susan Stone, President of FNU, took the floor to welcome the guests and share some recent FNU news. A major headline of the evening was the announcement of a partnership between Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center and Snug Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast, an eco-friendly inn in central Kentucky. The partnership will bring about new opportunities and “great changes,” according to Dr. Stone.

    She also encouraged the community to utilize and spread the word about Wendover’s facilities for events or retreats.

    View the Snug Hollow Partnership press release here.

    Guests:
    Angela Feltner – Leslie County HS Drama Teacher, Wendover Advisory Committee, Leslie County Saddle Club
    Sandra Napier – School Nurse for Leslie county schools,Wendover Advisory Committee, Leslie County Saddle Club
    Dean Osborne – FNU Trustee, Director of Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music
    Derek Lewis – Owner of Hometown Pharmacy, candidate for Kentucky State Representative
    Timothy Baker – Owner of Red Light Café, Director of Development and Communications at Housing Development Alliance,      Leslie County Chamber of Commerce President
    Amy & Bru Brudnicki – former Leslie County resident, 2018 Wendover Advisory Committee Member
    Vaughda Wooten – Hyden Veterans Cemetery Director
    Allison Holbrook – Vice President of Leslie County Chamber of Commerce
    Bill Napier – Hyden City Commissioner
    Rita Jeffers – Family Service Office Supervisor for Protection and Permanency in Leslie County
    Rhonda Napier, Barbara Napier, and Olivia – representatives from Snug Hollow Bed & Breakfast

  • Meet FNU’s New Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) Dr. Maria Valentin-Welch, DNP, MPH, CDP, CNM, FACNM

    Dr. Maria Velentin-Welch
    Dr. Maria Velentin-Welch

    Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is seeing yet another one of its diversity initiatives realized through Dr. Maria Valentin-Welch in her new role as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Maria’s new position, which she assumed on October 1, is designed to guide the institution on matters of equity, diversity and inclusion.

    Dr. Valentin-Welch has over 30 years of teaching experience, including her role at Frontier as an assistant professor since 2013. Through extensive work with marginalized and underserved populations, Maria has garnered several awards and accolades. She completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at FNU in 2015. Her DNP capstone project was a national online tutorial pilot program for ethnically diverse student nurse-midwives.

    Frontier spoke with Maria about her passion for diversity and inclusion, how she will strategize those initiatives at FNU, and the challenges she expects to face in her inaugural post as CDIO.

    What has been your career path so far and how has it led you to your current role as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer?

    “A medical encounter shaped my understanding of the need for diversity in the medical world. There was a man that was restrained; he was trying to pull his IV because he was trying to get to his true hospital. I advocated for this man, explained the situation…I was told, ‘Well, we don’t have a translator, so we didn’t understand him,’ which was unacceptable. We found a translator, and the man proceeded to have his IV removed and was transferred to the hospital where he belonged. This experience really taught me how to be a voice for the voiceless, and to be an advocate for those who need advocacy.”

    How has your professional background influenced your passion for diversity and inclusion?

    “While working with homeless pregnant women, I felt like I wanted to do more with my hands, and that was my inspiration, my calling, into nurse-midwifery. Also my love for education has influenced my passion for diversity and inclusion. I have always been a teacher in my heart. I have taught and precepted many students…teaching is in my blood.

    Another changing encountered occurred during my first visit at Frontier. In 2012 I came to Frontier’s Diversity Impact Weekend for the Pride Program  as a keynote speaker, and there I not only fell in love with Frontier, but I also fell in love with the students who encouraged me to go back to school and go back to teaching. Now, I am an alumni of Frontier; I went to their doctorate program, and my capstone project was on tutoring and mentoring students of color. So, all of this was instrumental in bringing me to this point in my life.”

    Learn more about Maria’s journey to Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer in this video.

    Where did your passion for diversity and inclusion begin?

    “My passion for diversity and inclusion began really by being raised in New York City. It was a wonderful, diverse area to be brought up in, and it taught me that we are more alike than we are different. Another encounter in my life that really brought passion of diversity in my life was being moved from New York to Boston, Massachusetts in the seventies during the busing times. A historical era with  a lot of racism and hatred in Massachusetts which has definitely improved since. However, that time period was really sad and showed me how ugly division can be.

    A school incident took place that taught me that I am neither white, nor black, nor ‘other.’ I am Maria, and no one can label me. I am myself and that goes for every single person; we are all each personally unique and individual.”

    Learn more about Maria’s passion for diversity and inclusion in this video.

    How do you define diversity and inclusion at Frontier Nursing University?​

    “When our differences come together in a respectful and appreciative way for what each of us bring to the table, that’s when we reach diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion in a nutshell is the power of unity, and FNU will be more powerful for including it in its strategic plan.

    Diversity is like a beautiful tapestry made up of each and every one of us. We are all different in so many ways, beautiful ways. However, when our differences are united in a positive way, we create a powerful, enhanced atmosphere that otherwise would be lacking due to missing parts. So, diversity and inclusion is the glue of unity.”

    Learn more about how Maria defines diversity and inclusion in this video.  

    What are you most excited about with your new position?

    “I am most excited about the programs I hope to establish for students. Initially, these programs that I’ll be implementing will be pilot programs for our nurse workforce diversity grant students. We’ll work out the kinks and basically expand them to all students.

    I’m also excited about bringing diversity to the forefront of Frontier. Our Community of Inquiry model will be stronger for it.”

    What strategies do you feel will have the most positive impact on the FNU community?

    “The strategies that I feel will have the most positive impact on Frontier are building these excellent student services, as well as diversity and inclusion training strategies and tactics to enhance our courses by threading diversity and inclusion issues along the way. We want to thread the subject matter even further throughout the curriculum. We will be stronger individually and as a whole because of the introductions of these plans.”

    Learn more about  Maria’s planned strategies as CDIO in this video.

    What are the biggest challenges that you will face in your new role?

    “Uniting folks while our nation is receiving messages of division and promoting actions of division and lack of compassion – to me, that will be my biggest challenge. However, I feel midwifery and nursing have always held an important role in not only listening to people, but also advocating for what is right. Frontier is better and stronger than the division being promoted across the nation.”

    Learn more about the challenges Maria anticipates in her new role in this  video.


    What is a fun fact about you?​

    “My intersectionality is a fun fact. What is intersectionality? Intersectionality is a diversity term that basically explains that an individual has many hats that they bring to the table, not just what you see in front of you. So I’m not just a latina, female professor of a certain age. I’m also a mother, a wife, grandmother, and – here’s the fun fact – I’m even a great-grandmother of three great-grandchildren!”

    Learn more about Maria in this ​video.

    Best of luck in your new role, Maria! We are fortunate to have your influence here at FNU!

  • Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn and Retreat Center Enters Partnership with Snug Hollow Hand in Hand Consulting

    The notable Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn and Retreat Center is adding a new chapter to its illustrious history.  Seeking to revitalize its services, amenities and operations, Wendover has partnered with Barbara Napier and Rhonda Childers of Snug Hollow Hand in Hand Consulting.  

    The Wendover Bed & Breakfast history dates back to 1925 when pioneer nurse-midwife Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing Service (FNS), built the original log home known as the Big House.  The historic headquarters of FNS, the Big House became a National Historic Landmark in 1991.  With its serene mountain surroundings, Wendover offers comfortable accommodations and home-cooked meals. In addition to the Big House, Wendover offers housing in the Wendover Barn, the Garden House and the Cottage. The Livery is now a separate conference center well-equipped to host group meetings, retreats, and group celebrations.  The total number of bedrooms at Wendover Bed and Breakfast Inn is 19, with 29 total beds and a total capacity of 35.

    Barbara Napier and Rhonda Childers own and operate Snug Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast in Irvine, Ky.  Snug Hollow, offering a 300-acre mountain retreat with gourmet dining in the heart of Kentucky, has operated as a highly successful B&B for the past seventeen years. Barbara and Rhonda will bring their extensive expertise to Wendover, enhancing the overall operation in a variety of ways to deliver a complete guest experience honoring the Mary Breckinridge legacy.

    “We know what a treasure we have at Wendover and are very proud of its history,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone.  “It is important to us that we continue to cherish that history and share it with others.  We need to let people know it’s here and invite them to enjoy a first-class, unforgettable experience at Wendover Bed & Breakfast Inn and Retreat Center.”

     

    About Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center:

    Owned and operated by Frontier Nursing University and nestled in the mountains near Eastern Kentucky’s Appalachian region, Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center is a scenic destination for hosting an event or planning a weekend get-away. The Wendover B&B history dates back to 1925 when pioneer nurse-midwife Mary Breckinridge, founder of Frontier Nursing Service (FNS), built the original log home known as the Big House. The historic headquarters of FNS, the Big House became a National Historic Landmark in 1991. To learn more about Wendover Bed & Breakfast and Retreat Center and make a reservation, please visit Frontier.edu/wendover.

     

    About Frontier Nursing University:

    The mission of FNU is to educate nurses to become competent, entrepreneurial, ethical and compassionate nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who are leaders in the primary care of women and families with an emphasis on underserved and rural populations. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse-Practitioner distance education programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. Degrees and options offered include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Post-Graduate Certificates. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

  • FNU’s 2017 Year in Review

    FNU’s 2017 Year in Review

    2017 year in review

    It’s hard to believe 2017 is almost in the books! It was an exciting year for the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) community. Take a look at some of our highlights below and be sure to watch our “2017 FNU Year in Review” video at the bottom of the post:

    Technology and Innovation

    FNU Launches New Innovation Center​

    Take the Classroom Anywhere with the Frontier Digital Depot

    Celebrating 10 Years of Bridging into the Future

    FNU Launches New Website

    Diversity and Inclusion

    Frontier Nursing University Awarded $1,998,000 Nursing Workforce Diversity Grant

    FNU Hosts Diversity Impact Student Conference

    FNU Hires Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer

    Excellence in Teaching

    Frontier Alumni and Faculty Contribute to First Ever Textbook Published on U.S. Birth Centers

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But maybe we’re all just a little TOO aware.

    The Importance of Psych Certification for Nurse Practitioners

    The Call to Serve  

    Why You Should Consider a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree

    Our Community of Learners

    FNU Participates in 2017 Right Care Action Week

    Featured Preceptor: Kathryn Carr, CNM

    2017 Alumni Homecoming and Courier Conclave Weekend

    FNU Students Participate in 2017 AACN Student Policy Summit

    FNU Student Named 2017 APNA Board of Directors Student Scholar

    Fulfilling our Mission

    FNU Awards Degrees to More than 600 Graduates

    2017 Nurse-Midwifery Virtual Event Recap – Are we answering the call of Mary Breckinridge?

    Frontier Nursing University Finalizes Purchase of Versailles, Ky., Campus

    2017 Couriers Leave a Lasting Impact in the Communities They Served

    New and Events

    Frontier Nursing University President Dr. Susan Stone Named President-Elect of American College of Nurse-Midwives

    Frontier Meets the Big Apple: National Midwifery Week

    Barbara and Donald Jonas Receive Honorary Doctorates from Frontier Nursing University

    5 Reasons Why You Should Attend March for Moms

    FNU Nurse-Midwifery Grad Receives Worldwide Attention

    We are so proud of our FNU Community and it could not be possible without support from our friends, alumni, faculty, students, staff, and Couriers.  We look forward to what the future holds in 2018! 

     

     

  • Alumni Spotlight: Cami Kesler, MSN, FNP

    Blog spotlight - Cami Kesler

    Cami Kesler, MSN, FNP serves a population most may think of as well-off, suburban, and regularly-served. But Cami sees her Utah Valley patients as a community facing a different but very real set of challenges that she can address every day with her degree from Frontier Nursing University (FNU).

    After focusing on a midwifery path and working in Labor & Delivery for 12 years, Cami enrolled in FNU’s community-based graduate program to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. She works at Utah Valley Pediatrics, serving patients from zero to 19 years of age.

    Her focus areas include newborn care, female teenage health, and mental health education, which in her community are relevant and concerning issues. In her role, she believes in creating provider-family relationships when it comes to creating health care management plans.

    “All families should feel heard in their concerns, not simply directed in what to do,” said Cami. “They should feel safe in their personal choices, not forced into what is ‘right’.”

    The Utah Valley community, though generally engaging in positive lifestyles and boasting a low obesity rate, sees a need in the area of teenage mental health and sex education.

    “A majority of my work is aimed at making a difference before a patient’s teenage years. Then I really focus during adolescent years to make encounters individualized to the needs of my patient and family,” said Cami. “My goal with this age population is to also bridge gaps in faith when associated with physical and mental health.”

    Cami Kessler Holds Pediatric Patient
    Cami Kessler, MSN, FNP, Holds Pediatric Patient

    Cami built a solid network through her Frontier connections, and FNU’s distance education model was a great benefit to her as a wife and mother of five children. Students and staff she interacted with during her time in the program became somewhat of a lifeline for her as she pursued her degree. During her schooling, she faced challenges, like she feels all students do, but worked daily to balance her roles as a mom, wife, sister, daughter, student, friend, and community member.

    “Honestly, this journey would have never been completed was it not for my FNU community and my family and friends that never doubted me and stuck by me through all my high’s and low’s,” said Cami.

    Cami plans to continue her journey as a relationship builder, a creator of a safe clinical environment, and a resource for advice and insights that her patients desperately need. She recently started a social media page on Instagram because she saw it as an opportunity to create one more line of communication and education with her families and patients.

    “Instilling health care practices and prevention in young patients is becoming a dream fulfilled for me,” said Cami.

    Frontier thanks Cami for her dedication to serving and educating families and young 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 health care to underserved and rural populations.

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