Faculty Spotlight: FNU faculty member Victoria Burslem recognized with the Circle of Caring Award

March 2, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

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.

Vicki Burslem, MSN, CNM, APRN, CNE(cl), FACNM

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to recognize faculty member Vicki Burslem, MSN, CNM, APRN, CNE(cl), FACNM, who is one of the recipients of the 2021 Fall Term Circle of Caring Award.

Burslem’s ties to FNU go back to the late 1980’s, when she served as a member of Frontier’s initial Community-Based Nurse-Midwifery Education Program (CNEP). Serving on the faculty from 1989 to 1996, Victoria helped develop curricula and taught early nurse-midwifery classes during her initial time at FNU.

“I was thankful to be a part of something that revolutionized midwifery education and have been delighted to see its growth through the years, expanding into the development of other strong programs for family nursing, women’s health, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner APRN tracks,” she said.

In fact, Burslem’s initial inspiration to pursue a career as a nurse-midwife came from Elsie Meier Wilson, a nurse-midwife with the Frontier Nursing Service. Wilson spoke at one of Burslem’s classes while she was earning her bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

“I was initially interested in pursuing a career in psychiatric nursing but when I heard her speak, it resonated with my desire to care for the physical as well as the emotional and psychological needs of those I would be caring for as a nurse,” she said. “The ability to provide physical and emotional support for patients during a major life transition appealed to me, and I saw it as a time when people are more open to healing, growth, and change.”

Burslem has worked as a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) for 45 years, working in clinical practice for over 35 years, providing midwifery care in a variety of roles and settings. Early in her career, she owned a private midwifery practice with a CNM partner. Later, she was the clinical practice manager for many years at a large Obstetrics & Gynecology practice in Atlanta, Georgia, which employed 10 CNMs and provided care in both clinic and private settings.

Over the years, Burslem has enjoyed the opportunity to practice in two university teaching hospitals, a freestanding birth center, and a community hospital with an ongoing commitment to providing evidence-based care for underserved individuals whatever the setting. Teaching nurse-midwifery and midwifery students has also been threaded throughout her career. In addition to her work at FNU, she taught at the Midwifery Institute at Philadelphia University (now known as Thomas Jefferson University) part-time for four years and has served as a clinical preceptor for nurse-midwifery students from eight different midwifery programs. Coming full circle, Burslem was delighted when the opportunity opened up for a return to FNU in 2015 where she now serves as a Clinical Bound faculty member.

“I am passionate about working at FNU, helping to instruct the next generation of nurse-midwives so they are well-prepared to provide evidence-based care upon graduation with the knowledge, clinical competency, and wisdom to care for patients holistically, enabled as vigilant guardians of the physiologic while confident in their ability to identify and manage emergent situations when they arise,” she said.

Burslem has been recognized through several awards and distinctions over the years. She became an American College of Nurse-Midwives Fellow and inducted as a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in 2014; received the Dorothea M. Lang Pioneer Award from the the American College of Nurse-Midwives Foundation in 2013; won Frontier’s CNEP Pioneer Award in 1992 and won the Tennessee Nurse in Action Award from the Tennessee Nurses Association in 1982. Burslem is active in her professional community, currently serving as chair of ACNM’s Continuing Education Committee and president of ACNM’s Kentucky Affiliate.

As a recipient of the Circle of Caring Award, Burslem said she believes FNU’s Culture of Caring is more than just a slogan, and values the university’s goal of fostering a positive, anti-racist environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“It is a philosophy that is threaded throughout the inner workings of the university community and its approach to decision-making,” she said. “I see evidence of the school’s commitment to this culture in written and verbal communication, and to the honor and value I see expressed in interactions with members in every part of the organization. This commitment makes me proud every day to play a small role in achieving Frontier’s goal of educating outstanding nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who share the vision in particular of caring for rural and underserved populations.”

Burslem lives outside of Lexington, Ky., with her husband, Rick, who she has been married to for 40 years. They have three children and three grandchildren.

Thank you, Vicki, for the years of dedication you’ve put into the nurse-midwifery profession and for setting an exceptional example for the FNU community!

If you know an FNU staff or faculty member that goes above and beyond, nominate them now for the Circle of Caring Award!

FNU Announces The Winter Term Circle of Caring Award Winners

May 28, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce our faculty and staff winners of the Winter term 2021 Circle of Caring Award! This year’s faculty winner is Jan Engstrom, and for the first time, there are two staff winners this quarter, Susan Morgan & Katie Moses, who are both admissions officers.

Winter 2020 Circle of caring winners

The Circle of Caring Award is given to recognize FNU faculty and staff members who go above and beyond in upholding our mission and contributing to our 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.

Dr. Engstrom was nominated by three different sources this quarter. Here is what they had to say about why she deserved to be the winter Circle of Caring faculty winner:

Nomination #1 – “This past term, Dr. Engstrom went above and beyond to assist the PC702 faculty/team when a colleague was out sick. She picked up several extra BBBs while continuing her diligent student assistance on our Discussion Q&A board. Dr. Engstrom is an unbelievable tutor and her flexibility to meet with students is unmatched. She is available on nights and weekends, hosting group and one-on-one sessions. Dr.Engstrom took on an extraordinary amount of work–and it should and needs to be acknowledged and celebrated. We are so lucky to have her as a colleague, friend, and example of excellence to our students. Additionally, Dr. Engstrom recently sent each of the faculty on our team a unique book that was chosen based on individual interests. It meant a lot to me and the others to feel seen and heard by a fellow team member.”

Nomination #2 – “In the middle of the Winter 2021 term, one of our team members became ill and missed over three weeks of work. Dr. Engstrom offered to take over the two modules assigned to that faculty member. Jan taught the BBBs, reviewed the modules, and made sure the assignments were correct before they opened. The most amazing thing about this is that Dr. Engstrom is half-time in the course and tutors for 10 hours a week. On top of everything else she does, she took on a full-time faculty’s work for two modules. Taking on this work was a truly excellent show of professionalism and caring for the team and students. She went above and beyond. She truly exemplified the Culture of Caring at FNU.”

Nomination #3 – Dr. Engstrom goes above and beyond for students. Students consistently praise Dr. Engstrom for her passion for her work, taking the time to meet with them, her communication style, and explaining course material effectively. She receives positive praise term after term.

Upon hearing of her award, Dr. Engstrom responded, “I am deeply honored by this award. We are living at a time when we are facing the greatest health crisis in a century and undergoing sweeping social change. It is more important than ever to practice the principles in the Culture of Caring: respect, inclusivity, positive communication, mutual support, and professionalism. The words in Frontier Nursing University’s Culture of Caring are words to live by and can help us move peacefully and productivity through this challenging time.”

Although Frontier historically only chooses one individual in each category per quarter, both Susan Morgan & Katie Moses stepped up to the plate and exemplified what a Culture of Caring means.

Here is what their nominator had to say about their example:

“Yesterday, I went to campus to receive my second covid shot. As I waited in line, I witnessed the most amazing kindness and service from my two coworkers, Susan Morgan & Katie Moses. After receiving their first shots, they buzzed around the long, long line of eager people waiting their turn outside. They chatted with many of these people but also brought wheelchairs and folding chairs for some of the older adults waiting outside. In one particular instance, they brought an elderly woman, “Miss Millie,” a wheelchair, wheeled her in to receive her shot and waited with her afterward. Miss Millie was quite frail and could not have navigated the long line and vaccine process without the additional help. Additionally, Miss Millie’s ride could not be located, so Morgan and Moses used their cell phones to call and try to locate her driver. On my way out, I watched them help Miss Millie into Susan’s car to drive the woman home. I do not believe Morgan and Moses were the “official FNU volunteers” on duty that day, yet, they were so kind and generous in helping others. They were wearing their blue polos and name badges and provided the perfect picture of an FNU employee. These two brought 110% FNU spirit to the vaccine clinic, and I loved witnessing such a beautiful act of kindness! I know Miss Millie was thankful to have them there supporting her, too.”

Here is what Morgan and Moses said after hearing of their award:

Morgan- “During the event in question, we did not think anyone saw us. We only saw an individual in need. I try to live by the words Kindness is free and most always accepted. We saw an individual in need, and no one was there to help her. It was my honor to meet her and to spend that time with her. She was a very wise lady with a kind heart. I did not look for any recognition and only want to be kind to others to make my little corner of the world a better place.”

Moses- “Firstly, I am always pleasantly surprised to be considered for this award whenever I am nominated, so to be chosen is an honor. Secondly, I’d like to think that I am a person who tries to do what is right for someone in need, especially when it seems more of a necessity or obligation than just on a whim. I’m glad to be a part of a team that encourages kindness and recognizes those who show it to each other in this day and age when it is needed most.”

Thank you to Jan, Susan and Katie for being an excellent example of FNU’s Culture of Caring! We love seeing all of the positive work people in the FNU community are doing every day! Click here to submit a nomination for the summer term Circle of Caring awards.

Fall Term Circle of Caring Winners

January 21, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to announce the 2020 Fall Term Circle of Caring Award winners: staff member Shelley Rogers and faculty member Dr. Tawny Tseng.

The Circle of Caring Award is given each term to recognize faculty and staff who go above and beyond their job duties and strive to uphold FNU’s mission and Culture of Caring every day.

Award winners are anonymously nominated by fellow FNU faculty and staff. Nominations are voted upon by a committee based on the following Culture of Caring characteristics: professionalism, mutual support, respect, positive communication and inclusivity.

Staff Winner: Shelley Rogers

Shelley Rogers is this term’s staff winner. Here is what Rogers’ co-workers had to say when they nominated her in response to all of her outstanding work supporting students this year:

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a multitude of problems in many ways. FNU clinical students have especially suffered during this time. Preceptor stress and clinical site closures resulted in the displacement of multiple students. In her clinical credentialing coordinator role, Shelley has demonstrated kindness while working under extreme stress to meet unprecedented student and faculty needs. Shelley is amazing!”

“Shelley is always kind to students no matter how many times they need changes on their clinical plan due to COVID or other factors. She is so patient and gets things done immediately! She is a pleasure to work with.”

“Shelley is always willing to help students and RCFs and does so promptly. She takes pride in her work with others and is a fantastic member of the FNU community.”

This was Rogers’ response to her nomination:

“What a pleasant surprise to open my email and find that I was the staff recipient for the Circle of Caring Award for the Fall 2020 term, especially considering 2020 was such a challenging year for us all. I’m very fortunate to be a part of such a caring group of staff and faculty. It truly means a lot to be recognized and chosen for this award. My sincerest and deepest thanks to the Frontier community.”

Faculty Winner: Dr. Tawny Tseng

Although Dr. Tawny Tseng’s exact nomination cannot be shared due to student privacy, we have paraphrased below why fellow faculty believe Dr. Tseng stands out in her field:

Dr. Tsneg demonstrates caring and compassion to all of her students every day. One recent example of this would be last fall when Dr. Tseng went above and beyond to support a student who had failed a course and worked with them until they got back on track. Once they had earned the course credit, she stuck with them and assisted the student with board prep during MH717.

When Dr. Tseng heard about her nomination, this was her response:

“I am humbled and grateful for this beautiful gesture. I appreciate the kind words and am happy to be working in an organization that is so kind and welcoming.”

Thank you so much, Rogers and Dr. Tseng, for being a glowing example of what it means to be part of the FNU community!

If you know an FNU staff or faculty member that goes above and beyond, nominate them now for the Circle of Caring Award!

Summer Term Circle of Caring Winners

November 2, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to announce the 2020 Summer Term Circle of Caring Award Winners: staff member Aimee Niles and faculty member Kathy Gardner.

The Circle of Caring Award is given each term to recognize faculty and staff who go above and beyond their job duties and strive to uphold FNU’s mission and Culture of Caring every day.

Aimee Niles

“From the moment she began working with FNU, Aimee has kept our scholarly engines running. She often finds articles and other materials within minutes of a request going out, and I’ve known her to stay a teensy bit late on her own time just to wrap up an issue so faculty can move forward. Aimee goes the extra mile to figure out what is obtainable and communicates quickly and transparently. She’s flexible and easy to work with, often suggesting updated resources that she seeks out on our behalf. Aimee is a gem, and I’m sure my own scholarly productivity would be significantly reduced without her critical work behind the scenes.”

When she found out she would be receiving the award, Aimee said, “I was moved to tears when I learned of my receiving the summer term staff Circle of Caring Award and the ever so thoughtful words and sentiments expressed. I can’t tell you how much this meant to me, the summer term was an ever so special five years for me at Frontier. Again I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart.”

Kathy Gardner

“Kathy is my ‘right-hand person’ in our course. She is always there to support me, discuss our class and provide a second opinion on grading or student situations. When I had to take some leave emergently, Kathy was readily available, took the reins, and the students experienced a seamless transition with my absence. This is not a small feat with more than 200 students in the course. I am grateful for her continued support and encouragement.”

Congratulations to this term’s winners, and thank you for contributing to the culture of caring at FNU!

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. There were some tough choices this semester! To submit your nomination for the fall term Circle of Caring Award, click here.

Staying Connected: How FNU is Promoting Community During COVID-19

September 10, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

It’s been six months since COVID-19 began to significantly impact our nation, causing people, businesses and organizations to rethink everyday operations in the interest of public safety. While the Pandemic is forcing many schools to implement online learning for the first time, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) has been operating through a distance education model for more than 30 years. However, while at-home workspaces and virtual classrooms are business as usual for FNU faculty and students, a pandemic paired with ongoing social movements were not.

As they worked to transition vital in-person programming to a digital platform, FNU leadership quickly realized that success over the next few months would take more than reworking education modules. For students, faculty, and staff to meet the same expectations of past terms, FNU needed to expand their Culture of Caring by embracing their community through compassion, respect, and understanding.

As a University with an excellent psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program, FNU is aware of how important it is to stay connected and have a healthy support system as our country works through this crisis. To help with this process, FNU has launched a series of new virtual engagement opportunities for faculty, staff and students to further strengthen the mental health of the Frontier community.

Below are some new practices that have been incredibly helpful in navigating the past several months in helping this community to stay encouraged, focused and energized:

Building a Home Base

As the threat of the Pandemic spread, FNU leadership quickly created a COVID-19 updates page on their website as a resource for the Frontier community. On the COVID-19 page are links to the most current information on state and national statistics, stories about our alumni out on the frontlines, and videos and information concerning self-care and mental health.

In an introductory video on our COVID-19 page, FNU President Dr. Susan Stone reaches out to students, faculty, and staff, with an encouraging message, setting an example of unity that reflects the FNU mission:

“Even as we have responded to social distancing, we have not lost our sense of community, team-work, and caring for one another. In these difficult times, it is comforting and inspiring to see how we have all banded together and supported one another facing every question and challenge with ingenuity and creativity…Thank you for your support and the important roles that each of you plays in the FNU community…Stay strong during this difficult time, and please reach out to us if there is anything that we can do to support you.”

Focusing on Self-Care

FNU has offered support to its community during these isolating times through various methods, including virtual lunches, mindfulness sessions and video chat support meetings. Support meetings were especially impactful, giving students, faculty and staff a safe space to openly discuss the effects of current events on their daily lives. On their COVID-19 page, FNU features a video on self-care strategies, in which Dr. Jess Calohan, chair of the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program, relates that “in a time of crisis and fear of the unknown, the mental health needs of individuals and groups require special attention.” FNU has been embracing this narrative for its community throughout the pandemic.

Additionally, Dr. Calohan’s video emphasizes the importance of maintaining a daily schedule, making time for yourself and finding ways to stay in touch with family, friends and co-workers. FNU acknowledges that everyone has developed additional stressors during the past several months. However, by focusing on sharing experiences and staying connected, they have maintained a foundation of community throughout this year.

Establishing a Support System

Dr. Joanne Keefe, and Bridgett Lyall, our spring term Circle of Caring winners, are excellent examples of FNU community members who have exemplified what it means to support and strengthen morale during the past few months. Both of these women have gone above and beyond to show consideration and compassion for their teams, and they have both positively impacted the culture of FNU.

Dr. Keefe, FNU’s course coordinator for epidemiology/biostatistics, leads a diverse team of five faculty members. In recent months she created a discussion board titled, ‘Self Calming and Self Care,’ where students and faculty have a safe space to gather and post inspirational poems and songs, meditation practices and share their personal experiences. Additionally, Dr. Keefe is holding weekly meetings to examine student and faculty needs, such as difficulty focusing and fears for sick family members, and discuss rising social concerns.

Lyall, FNU’s academic records officer, is another example of a staff member going above and beyond to show support and care to her coworkers. Within hours of the Kentucky governor announcing that face masks would be mandatory in public places, Lyall made a campus-wide announcement that she made face masks for her colleagues.

The FNU community is thankful to have so many members displaying a culture of caring during these challenging times. As we all continue to work through the crisis, FNU is committed to remaining aligned with the standards of excellence that have made us a safe place and a reliable support center.

We encourage you to visit our COVID-19 page to be inspired by the stories of FNU students and alumni helping during the crisis and benefit from the resources provided. We are all in this together – even from afar!

Spring Term Circle of Caring Winners

July 27, 2020 By frontieredu

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to announce the 2020 Spring Term Circle of Caring Award Winners: staff member Bridgett Lyall and faculty member Joanne Keefe.

The Circle of Caring Award is given each term as a recognition for faculty and staff who go above and beyond their job duties and strive to uphold FNU’s mission and Culture of Caring every day.

Staff Winner: Bridgett Lyall

Lyall has spent over six years with FNU, first as a clinical credentialing coordinator, then as the academic records officer, her current position. Lyall loves helping students throughout their time at FNU and as they graduate and move on with their professional careers.

With the outbreak of COVID-19, everyone has had a little bit more on their plates and once again Lyall was there to figure out details and relieve stress for her co-workers, as was described in her recent Circle of Caring nomination:

“In the middle of a pandemic, we’ve all seen kind gestures and thoughtfulness, but Bridgett made a campus-wide announcement that she had made face masks for all. This was within hours of the Kentucky governor announcing that wearing masks would be mandatory. Many masks are for sale in other areas – not in our community. Bridgett freely gave of her time and talent and made a box of masks available for us seemingly without effort! We know, though – it’s a gift from the heart! Thoughtful, purposeful, and oh so timely! Thanks, Bridgett!”

Here is what another co-worker had to say about Lyall’s kindness and strong work ethic:

“I work closely with Bridgett to complete multiple forms and letters needed by students. Bridgett is tireless in her commitment to excellent work and service to the students. Her communication is always thoughtful and professional. Bridgett is a joy to work with and an asset at FNU.”

Faculty Winner: Joanne Keefe, DNP, MPH, FNP-C, CNE

Joanne Keefe is the course coordinator for epidemiology/biostatistics at FNU. Teaching has always come naturally for Dr. Keefe as she has the knowledge and the drive to portray information in a comprehensive way, paired with the compassion and love for the community that keeps students engaged. This year COVID-19 began to surge not long before the spring semester began, putting a lot of new stressors on faculty and students. In response, Dr. Keefe rose to the occasion by opening up new outlets of communication and encouragement for everyone in her circle. Here are some of the things fellow faculty members had to say about Dr. Keefe’s thoughtful efforts during these difficult times:

“Dr. Keefe is an amazing faculty member, a wonderful educator, and an outstanding course coordinator. Most notable is the respect and kindness she consistently demonstrates to the students. She is always patient and answers questions and concerns kindly. Of particular importance this term, Dr. Keefe made special arrangements to create a calm and safe environment for students to facilitate the students’ well being. As this term began in the midst of the COVID pandemic, she made sure to address self-care and self-calming strategies each week in the live class. She also started a Discussion Board where students could write about what was happening and what they were doing to stay safe and mentally secure. In a time where learning could be so disrupted, students have said that they felt calm and cared for and safe. Dr. Keefe is truly a model of caring and epitomizes the FNU Culture of Caring.”

“Dr. Joanne Keefe is the leader of an amazing PC702 teaching team. Under Dr. Keefe’s leadership, the PC702 team did some really amazing things this term to support students and help them to master the course content. Dr. Joanne held open sessions twice a week. She opened a BBB classroom where students could drop in and talk about absolutely anything — the course content, work, the pandemic, the increasing awareness of racism, disparity, and inequity and the accompanying social events. Each week all the faculty attended the BBB classroom and at the start of each class we addressed pandemic-related events, and the social movement related to racism and then asked the students how they were coping. Dr. Keefe also opened a Discussion Board on ‘Self calming and Self-care’ where people posted really helpful things – poems, prayers, songs, yoga sites, meditation practices, and more. It was absolutely lovely and helpful and kind. Finally, Dr. Keefe held weekly meetings with the entire teaching team where we openly talked about students and ourselves. We saw many of the things that students were experiencing and discussed how we were experiencing them too. We supported each other and helped each person get through their work and forgave each other when we were not perfect. Under Dr. Keefe’s leadership, we were enabled to do so much during this difficult term.”

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

Winter Term Circle of Caring Award Winners Announced

May 11, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce our faculty and staff winners of the Winter term 2020 Circle of Caring Award: Sharon Weyer and Michelle Janes.

The Circle of Caring Award is given to recognize FNU faculty and staff members who go above and beyond in upholding our mission and contributing to our Culture of Caring.

Here is what her nominee had to say about faculty winner Sharon Weyer, DNP, APRN, FNP-C:

As a valued member of the Bridge team, Sharon Weyer has always exhibited the Culture of Caring principles. For the spring term Bridge Bound and Crossing, she went above the expectations of her role when another faculty member’s child became ill just before she was scheduled to travel to Hyden. At about 7 am, Sharon learned of the child’s illness and volunteered without hesitation to come to campus in the faculty member’s place. Sharon hurriedly made travel arrangements and arrived on campus in time to participate in the welcome session that evening.

Throughout Bridge Bound and Crossing, Sharon readily participated and led the sessions to which she was assigned and shared her expertise, caring and passion with our students. The faculty member was able to stay home and take care of her young child thanks to Sharon’s helpfulness, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, respect and professionalism. Sharon is a valued member of the Bridge faculty and FNU community who exemplifies the Culture of Caring principles.

In response to learning of her nomination, Sharon said, “Thank you for the nomination for the Circle of Caring award. I was able to cover at the last minute at Bridge Bound/Crossing the Bridge so a faculty member could stay home with an ill family member. Attending Bridge Bound in March with the final admitted Bridge class provided me with several blessings. I was able to support my colleagues at Bound, so they had full staffing. The faculty at Bridge Bound were very supportive, offering to share anything I might have forgotten to pack during my last-minute packing. I met the new students face to face beginning their journey at Frontier to become advanced practice registered nurses. During the Journey to the Frontier sessions, I witnessed the bond-forming with the new group of students as they shared the amazing stories of their heartwarming and destined journey to Frontier.”

Nominations for staff member Michelle Janes included the following:

Michelle genuinely is a light in our office! She thinks of ways to encourage others! Often her lunchtime trips to the Dollar Tree end with a thoughtful gesture! Most recently, she gave each of us a little hand sanitizer for our desk. We’ve all been a little overwhelmed with the COVID-19 news but, Michelle thinks of her co-workers and others! She shared with the entire Versailles Campus this website: https://lovefortheelderly.org/letters, an organization dedicated to sending uplifting letters to our elderly population. Michelle is hoping to share the love with them during the “social distancing” time on our campus and in our nation. She’s offered to share her own stock of cards to send letters. Her sensitive and caring spirit inspires each of us and reminds us to show kindness-even in difficult times!

When she found out she would be receiving the award, Michelle said, “It’s so sweet to receive this award. It’s much appreciated.”

Thank you to Sharon and Michelle for contributing to FNU’s Culture of Caring every day! We encourage everyone to keep the nominations coming and remind you to send a Culture of Caring card to personally thank your nominee. Please feel free to start submitting nominations for summer term! Click here to make your nomination.

Frontier Embraces Its Culture Of Caring During Crisis: Frontier Bound Event Turns Virtual

April 20, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University’s (FNU) commitment to fostering a culture of caring has never been more evident than in our country’s current time of crisis.

In recent days, organizations across the U.S. have been forced to make urgent decisions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. To protect students and faculty, FNU transitioned its most recent Frontier Bound event, a multi-day orientation that normally takes place on campus in Kentucky, into a fully virtual event for incoming students.

Using video webinar technology, Frontier Bound attendees were able to see and talk to one another in real-time, share information and nurture dreams.

FNU associate dean of midwifery Dr. Tonya Nicholson said, “As presenters, we could share our screens in order to have the incoming students ‘see’ and get to know us as faculty, learn how to utilize the technology and connect face-to-face with fellow incoming students.”

Students exiting the Frontier Bound experience left feeling connected to one another and the university, inspired in their career choice and ready to start their FNU journey.

A Culture Of Caring

Everything we do at FNU is built on a foundation that embraces a culture of caring, recognizing that every individual has value and worth. The ripple effect of this culture of caring spreads far beyond FNU community members to the wider healthcare system, with the goal to improve patient outcomes all over the country and the world.

The five elements of FNU’s culture of caring include:

- Professionalism (Excellence, responsibility, transparency, consistency)
- Inclusivity (Equality, awareness, sensitivity, humility)
- Respect (Importance, uniqueness, friendliness, genuine interest)
- Positive Communication (Understanding, thoughtfulness, openness)
- Mutual Support (Helpfulness, awareness, patience, concern, kindness)

Frontier Bound Goes Virtual

To kick off their virtual Frontier Bound experience, students met together for a general welcome and a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of FNU. They saw pictures and heard stories from the early days of Frontier Nursing Service (FNS). Students enjoyed learning about the nurses who served the rural population of eastern Kentucky on horseback and were amazed at the fortitude and ingenuity of the early FNS nurses.

Nurse-midwifery (CNEP), Family nurse practitioner (FNP) and women’s healthcare nurse practitioner (WHCNP) students met together in small groups to review their curricula, learn about their roles, and develop mission statements for their future practices. Groups came up with inspiring mission statements such as these:

We will be a present force that empowers and educates through service. We will educate families to change and enhance their dynamic for generations to come.

Our mission is to provide holistic quality, evidence-based care, while empowering and educating women and their families across the lifespan. We will create a feeling of community and be fully present during moments of joy and grief, while continuing to remember the mission, values, and legacy of the midwives before us.

One of the most valued sessions was with FNU’s Mary Breckinridge Chair, Kitty Ernst, as she shared the history of the distance education program and highlighted the importance of the three Rs: Relationships, Resilience, and Reflection.

Each day of Frontier Bound began with acknowledgments of the stress and anxiety surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak and strategies for coping positively. Faculty actively engaged in supporting and meeting students’ needs by allowing extra time to resolve IT issues and offering frequent Q&A sessions. A sense of community was instilled through team-building activities and students left the experience having made friends for life!

Much like they would have at an on-campus Frontier Bound, students concluded their time with reflection and the ringing of a virtual bell signifying the achievement of the first step in their graduate education journey. The bell-ringing echoes Frontier’s history, recalling FNS nurses who were called to action when the bell outside their nursing center was rung.

Initial anxieties expressed by many students were quelled by the time the virtual Frontier Bound wrapped up, and at the conclusion, students reported that they felt the culture of caring in action.

One student said, “Frontier Bound was terrific! The staff and faculty were so engaged and helpful. I was anxious when I heard we were not coming to campus, but you all did a great job of easing our stress and answering all our questions; thank you.”

Another commented, “The staff was great, and most importantly, they expressed their willingness to support us throughout this program. I can honestly say, after this experience, any doubt I may have had is out the window! I can’t wait to become a fantastic nurse-midwife.”

FNU’s commitment to maintaining a culture of caring despite unexpected challenges was proven in the transition to a fully virtual Frontier Bound, and we can’t wait to continue to support students along every step of their journeys. FNU also plans to hold upcoming orientation sessions virtually through June.