FNU Team Takes Culture of Caring to Local Community

September 6, 2024 By Frontier Nursing University

As FNU has settled into its campus in Versailles, Ky., university staff and faculty have become very active locally while extending our Culture of Caring to those who live in our community. Here are a few of the ways we have engaged with our community over the past few months:

Supporting Future Nurses
Lisa Colletti-Jones, Director of Annual Giving and Courier Programs, presented a scholarship to Woodford County High School graduate Falyn Gooslin. Each year Frontier Nursing University provides a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating Woodford County High School senior who has committed to study nursing. FNU is dedicated to cultivating future nurses in our home community and around the nation.

Preserving History
Frontier Nursing University sponsored the Pisgah Farms and Furlongs 1/2 Mare-athon and 10K race through the horse farms of Central Kentucky. FNU’s Director of Clinical Outreach and Placement Stephanie Boyd participated and won second place in her age group. This race is orchestrated by residents and members of the Pisgah Community Historic Association, and 100% of the proceeds and donations benefit their mission of preserving this historic community.

The 10K runs through Ashbrook Farm and WinStar Farm. The Half Mare-athon course runs through Ashbrook Farm, Ashview Farm, Buck Pond Farm, and WinStar Farm.

Thought Leadership
Frontier sponsors the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Health + Wellness Roundtable in Versailles, Ky., home to FNU’s campus. Dr. Stone discussed the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S. at the roundtable this summer. Key takeaways included:

According to 2022 data from the CDC, more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. from 2017-2019 were preventable by improving health care practices.
Non-Hispanic Black women experience maternal mortality at more than 2.5 times the rate of white women.
According to 2023 research, 88% of maternal deaths in Kentucky were deemed preventable.
There were a total of 402 maternal deaths in Kentucky from 2013 to 2020, 191 of which were natural, 157 were accidental, 32 were due to homicide and 22 were due to suicide.

Leadership Programs
FNU Clinical Credentialing Coordinator Amanda Revely graduated from Leadership Central Kentucky, and four FNU staff members recently graduated from Leadership Woodford County: Eileen Frazier, Brittany Bachman, Erica Schroeder, and Megan Cadwell.

Protecting the Earth
We celebrated Earth Day on campus by planting seedlings and a pollinator strip in our new bird sanctuary area!

Courier Program Public Health Internship
Frontier’s seven-week Courier Program Public Health Internship wrapped up in August. Eight students, with an interest in public health, healthcare, social work, or a related field, participated in this hybrid service-learning program. Students gained insight into the challenges and opportunities of providing healthcare in rural and underserved areas through summer readings, group discussions, and volunteering. Their clinical observation sites were located in Frontier’s home state of Kentucky.

An Age-Friendly University
Frontier was accepted into the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a collective platform for institutes of higher education committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments across the lifespan. A significant component of Frontier’s university-wide commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the university is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning opportunities and promoting active participation among older adults.

We’ve so enjoyed connecting with others this spring and summer through community involvement, and we’re looking forward to several more activities this year!

Learn more about advanced nursing degrees and specialties at Frontier Nursing University. Subscribe to our blog for the latest news and events at FNU and to get inspired with stories featuring our alumni, students, faculty, preceptors and staff!

FNU Receives Academic Healthy Work Environment Award From Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

February 13, 2024 By Frontier Nursing University

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma) has announced the clinical and academic honorees for the 2024 Healthy Work Environment Award. Frontier Nursing University was named the academic honoree. The application was researched and prepared by FNU associate professor Dr. Charlotte Swint, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC, CNE.

The Healthy Work Environment Award honorees will be recognized during Sigma’s Creating Healthy Work Environments event, which will be held March 8-10 in Washington, DC. The representatives of each honoree will present plenary sessions on Saturday, March 9. FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, DNP, CNM, FACNM, FAAN, will present A Culture of Caring: Frontier Nursing University. FNU’s Culture of Caring model includes elements of professionalism, inclusivity, respect, positive communication, and mutual support to promote a healthy work environment.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Academic Healthy Work Environment Award from Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing,” said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, DNSc, CNM, FACNM, FAAN. “We have intentionally created an inclusive work environment built on our Culture of Caring, in which all members of the FNU community are empowered and feel valued as part of a mission and organization that is larger than ourselves.”

Sigma’s Healthy Work Environment Awards recognize and honor clinical facilities and academic settings that have demonstrated commitment to promoting a healthy work environment and excellence in healthcare outcomes.

“With more than 2,500 students and over 9,000 alumni from all across the country, our Culture of Caring ultimately extends well beyond the campus of Frontier Nursing University,” Dr. Slager said. “Our students are prepared to be excellent clinical providers as nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives. By experiencing the FNU Culture of Caring, they are also prepared to be caring, inclusive, and compassionate leaders within their own practices and communities.”

Sigma’s Creating Healthy Work Environments event is designed specifically to help leaders in both academic and clinical settings develop, implement, and maintain strategies to improve their organizations’ work environments.

“The 2024 Healthy Work Environment academic and clinical honorees represent healthy, welcoming places actively demonstrating caring culture, compassion, and collaboration,” said Sigma President Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN. “I congratulate Frontier Nursing University for their accomplishments and leadership in this important area.”

Staff Spotlight: Jodi Dickey, MAHEA, CPCS leads team dedicated to helping students prepare for their clinical experiences

January 12, 2023 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 who are focused on the mission of educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners to deliver quality healthcare to underserved and rural populations.

For over 12 years, Jodi Dickey has been an essential member of the team at Frontier Nursing University (FNU). Starting out as Clinical Credentialing Coordinator in 2010, Dickey now serves as Director of Clinical Credentialing, a role that is vital to the success of FNU students during their clinical experiences.

As Director of Clinical Credentialing, Dickey leads Clinical Credentialing services at FNU. Credentialing is in place for the protection of the student, preceptor, clinical site, and the University. Dickey leads a team made up of several clinical credentialing coordinators who are dedicated to helping students navigate the credentialing process as smoothly as possible so they can focus chiefly on learning and growing in their field of nursing.

“We prepare the legal aspects of the clinical sites where students rotate before they begin,” Dickey explained. “It's a risk-management service to keep everyone involved protected in our litigious society.”

Dickey earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Kentucky in 2006 and later went on to work as a media and communications manager for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. Her longtime passion as an equestrian led her to her career at FNU, as she developed an interest in improving childbirth education and options for women after working on a thoroughbred broodmare farm where she foaled mares, which is the equivalent of midwifery in the equestrian field.

"I came to FNU because I am interested in increasing birth options through midwifery in the U.S. I stay because I love the culture at FNU and having a role in bringing healthcare to rural and underserved populations."
- Jodi Dickey, MAHEA, CPCS, Director of Clinical Credentialing

“I came to FNU because I am interested in increasing birth options through midwifery in the U.S.,” she said. “I stay because I love the culture at FNU and having a role in bringing healthcare to rural and underserved populations.”

Throughout her time at FNU, Dickey has continued to further her education, earning a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville in 2018 and earning her Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS) certification.

“I love FNU's dedication to educational development for their employees” she said.

In addition to the development opportunities afforded to her, Dickey also appreciates the university’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

“DEI is a critical part of becoming a better community member, both professionally and personally, so I really appreciate FNU’s commitment to DEI,” she said.

Dickey said overall, her appreciation for FNU has always felt mutual.

“I've always felt like a person at FNU rather than a number on a badge,” she said.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Kristin Gianelis Recognized with Circle of Caring Award

June 16, 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.

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to recognize faculty member Kristin Gianelis, DNP, APRN, ANP, WHNP, who was one of the recipients of the Winter 2021 Circle of Caring Award.

A resident of Barrington, Rhode Island, Gianelis serves as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) faculty member for FNU. Through this role, she mentors DNP students to become agents of change in their communities. Outside of her work with the university, she also works in a clinical setting and dedicates her time to improving healthcare access for underserved populations.

“If I can provide patient-centered care to even a few individuals who wouldn’t have been able to receive healthcare otherwise, I consider my work a success,” she said. “I walk into each clinical day not knowing what I will encounter, but with only the intention of providing each person dignity, respect and the opportunity to have their individual needs met.”

Over the last 17 years, Gianelis has worked in a variety of settings as a dual-certified Women’s Health and Adult Nurse Practitioner. She currently works for an urban Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and provides OB/GYN care for a gender-diverse and largely undocumented immigrant population.

Gianelis said her initial inspiration to pursue nursing was to help women and families navigate normal life changes, but her scope of perspective has changed throughout her career.

“As I have developed a more broad understanding of gender and sexuality, I would now say that I recognized the importance of this aspect of our beings and honor the unique path to sexual wellness for each individual,” she said. “It is my honor to give voice to all individuals and provide patient-centered sexual health care across the lifespan.”

Before receiving her bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, Gianelis applied for immediate direct entry into a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.

“I finished my bachelor’s on a Saturday and started my master’s on the following Monday,” she said.

Gianelis earned her MSN in 2005 after taking a break to work as a Registered Nurse (RN). She worked as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) for 13 years before earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from FNU.

“Obtaining my doctoral degree taught me to think differently,” she said. “It opened my eyes to quality improvement, developed leadership skills and gave me the confidence to be an agent of change in my community.”

After earning her DNP from FNU, Gianelis decided to stay with the university as a faculty member.

“I chose to work at Frontier because I firmly believe in the mission of this institution. I believe that health equity starts with educating a strong healthcare workforce for the entire country, especially those areas that are underserved.”
– Kristin Gianelis, DNP, APRN, ANP, WHNP

“I chose to work at Frontier because I firmly believe in the mission of this institution,” she said. “I believe that health equity starts with educating a strong healthcare workforce for the entire country, especially those areas that are underserved.”

Gianelis said she embraces FNU’s Culture of Caring, not only when interacting with fellow faculty members, but also with students.

“Working in the DNP program, I have the opportunity to mentor students longitudinally during their clinical quality initiative,” she said. “While they are my students, they are also my colleagues – fellow APRNs working in other parts of the country. Through our interactions, I have the opportunity to understand how practice and policy differs nationwide, while also expanding on my own narrow experience of life in the northeast. Not only does this enrich my life intellectually, but I am embraced by each students’ warmth and openness to share their experiences and unique points of view.”

The Culture of Caring also is important in the context of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work at FNU, Gianelis said.

“I am here to amplify marginalized voices, shelter those who need rest, and support diversity in all its beauty,” she said.

Gianelis is married to her husband Steve, and has two children and a dog. She enjoys traveling, boating, cooking and reading.

Thank you, Kristin, for your dedication to providing healthcare access to underserved populations and for living out our Culture of Caring!

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

Staff Spotlight: Samana Upadhyaya receives summer Circle of Caring award

January 13, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

Samana Upadhyaya

At the heart of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) 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.

Working in higher education and being able to serve a large community has always been a motivator for FNU employee Samana Upadhyaya.

Samana began her higher education career at Michigan Technological University as a Graduate Assistant as she was getting her Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. While there, she taught lab courses to undergraduate students.

“I loved interacting with so many students and faculty,” Samana said. “I got hands-on experience working with (these individuals) to solve complex problems.”

Now, Samana has worked at Frontier Nursing University for the past seven years and is currently the Process and Application Developer. She is involved in many projects and committees. Some recent projects she has worked on include clinical applications, workflows, system integrations and upgrades and much more.

Because of Samana’s dedication to her work and the patience, kindness, understanding, and professionalism she shows each day, she was nominated to be one of Frontier’s recent Circle of Caring winners.

One nomination wrote:
“ Samana is very helpful and professional in every call I have with her. I see this not only with myself but with others as well. I feel that she is the perfect nominee for the Circle of Caring award.”

Circle of Caring winners demonstrate FNU’s Culture of Caring, which is built on five main elements: Professionalism, Inclusivity, Respect, Positive Communication and Mutual Support. All of which are evident in Upadhyaya’s actions.

“I strongly believe one can achieve any personal or professional goal only if you initiate the positiveness from within you,” Samana said. “I always try to be mindful of being respectful to others, put ideas forward through positive communication, being transparent to what I deliver, supporting ideas, handling situations with patience, and treating others with equality.”

Samana, who grew up in Kathmandu, Nepal, came to the United States to receive her master’s degree and is proud to be a woman in IT. She lives in the US with her husband and two children. She enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures, hiking, gardening and spending time with her family.

In response to being a Circle of Caring winner, Upadhyaya says, “To be recognized with the Circle of Caring Award is incredibly gratifying. This motivates me to work hard and serve the Frontier Nursing University community. I want to say a big “Thank You” to the Frontier Nursing University community for recognizing me with this precious award.”

Thank you, Samana, for being an excellent example of FNU’s Culture of Caring! We are proud to have you as a member of our community.

Answer the call: Giving Tuesday 2021

November 15, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Giving Tuesday is right around the corner and we hope you “Answer the Call” to help support Frontier Nursing University students!

Giving Tuesday, taking place on November 30th, is a global movement that inspires people to do good. It encourages people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Generosity brings people of all races, faiths, and political views together. It gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value upon which anyone can act.

We need your help to reach our goal of $5,000 for the FNU Scholarship Fund. Consider giving this year to Frontier Nursing University where your contributions will help us provide scholarships to deserving students that demonstrate our Culture of Caring and support our mission of serving diverse, rural and underserved communities.

Because of the generosity from past Give Tuesday donations, we have been able to provide scholarships to many students who may be struggling to come up with finances for their advanced nursing and midwifery degrees. Many of these recipients share a story similar to Dawn P., a current Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner FNU student.

“My continuation in the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program has put a financial strain on my family. Due to COVID-19 and schools being closed, I have had to reduce the number of hours of work due to homeschooling,” Dawn wrote in her scholarship essay. “Not working has dramatically reduced the household income for my family. Also, this year, in particular, has presented additional challenges for our family, like in many other families, due to COVID-19.”

Dawn hopes to one day own and open an independent, holistically integrated healthcare practice for her community. Being a scholarship recipient helps ease any financial burdens she may have now to help her eventually open her own practice.

Besides a monetary donation, there are additional ways you can support FNU and help us meet our goal. Here are a few ways you can help:

Create a crowdfunding campaign or share FNU’s campaign.
Send texts or emails to friends and family asking them to join you in supporting FNU. Your text may sound something like this: Help Frontier Nursing University provide scholarships to students facing financial hardships or serious illnesses to continue their education. Every little bit helps. Click this link to give: (insert your crowdfunding link here).
Share FNU’s social media posts on your own social media accounts encouraging your friends and followers to donate. Include the reasons “Why I’m passionate about FNU” in your post!
Utilize Frontier’s Giving Tuesday Toolkit.

Every little bit helps us provide scholarships to our students who need them the most. It takes just a few clicks to make a big impact! Donate here today until Giving Tuesday on November 30th, and we thank you for your contribution to our Giving Tuesday campaign!

FNU to host NP Week virtual event focused on health equity and substance use disorders

November 4, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

National Nurse Practitioner Week is Nov. 7-13, and Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is celebrating by hosting a virtual event, Empower 2021: Creating a Culture of Caring, at Frontier.edu/NPWeek.

“We are excited to offer educational and engaging sessions to celebrate nurse practitioners and their contributions during National Nurse Practitioner Week,” said Dr. Susan Stone, FNU President. “The more than 325,000 licensed NPs nationwide go the extra mile every day to provide quality, equitable patient care.”

FNU’s free virtual event offers seven free educational sessions presented by FNU faculty and alumni on the latest practices and topics influencing nurse practitioner care and includes a continuing education opportunity:

Assessment and Screening for Substance Use Disorders in the Primary Care Setting
Monday, November 8 at 6 – 7 p.m. EST
Presented by FNU faculty members Dr. Beki Asti and Dr. Nancy Pesta Walsh.

The National Survey on Drug Use and Abuse report found that 1 in 12 American adults have a substance use disorder. In order to address the epidemic of substance abuse disorders, primary care nurse practitioners must universally assess, screen, and diagnose all clients. Participants in this session will explore evidence-based substance abuse assessment, screening, and diagnostic tools.

Free CE Session – Novel Treatment Approaches to Substance Abuse
Tuesday, November 9 at 6 – 7 p.m. EST
Presented by FNU Clinical Director Dr. April Dobroth.

The incidence of substance abuse in the United States has reached epidemic levels. To address this epidemic, advanced nurse practitioners must possess pharmacological competency in the treatment of common substance abuse disorders. Pharmacological treatments for common substance use disorders will be discussed during this session and participants will be eligible for pharmacologic CE credits.

FNP Program Q&A – Creating a Culture of Community
Wednesday, November 10 at 5 – 6 p.m. EST
Presented by FNU faculty members Dr. Katheryn Arterberry and Dr. Lisa Chappell.

Calling all future family nurse practitioners! This session is designed for registered nurses considering the path to becoming a family nurse practitioner. Find out about FNU’s distance education program and get the inside scoop from current students about their experience. Hear about the joys and challenges of life as a nurse practitioner caring for families.

Creating a Culture of Impact: Stories of Community Quality Improvement – Alumni and Faculty Panel
Wednesday, November 10 at 6 pm – 7 pm EST
Moderated by Dr. Kristin Gianelis.

Join Frontier for an impactful panel presentation hosted in collaboration with FNU’s IHI Open School Chapter. Hear stories of FNU’s mission in action through visual storytelling as nurse practitioner alumni and faculty share their community projects and initiatives for serving diverse, rural and underserved populations. Participants will be inspired by these real-life examples of quality improvement and community impact and leave with ideas to take back to their own community.

PMHNP Program Q&A – Creating a Culture of Community
Thursday, November 11 at 5 – 6 p.m. EST
Presented by FNU Clinical Director Dr. April Dobroth.

Calling all future psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners! This session is for registered nurses considering the path to providing mental health care as a PMHNP. Find out about FNU’s distance education program and get the inside scoop from current students about their experience. Hear about the joys and challenges of life as a nurse practitioner.

Creating a Culture of Community Engagement from a Distance – The Frontier Student Experience
Thursday, November 11 at 6 – 7 p.m. EST
Moderated by Dr. Tia Andrighetti.

Frontier Nursing University is committed to students’ active engagement in their coursework with faculty and peers. FNU uses a variety of techniques throughout the curriculum to allow students to do this. Learn about the simulations, role plays, immersive discussions, games, grand rounds and other techniques Frontier currently employs.

Advanced Practice Nurses: Adopting a Health Equity Lens
Friday, November 12 at 12 – 1 p.m. EST
Presented by Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech.

Advanced practice nurses are positioned to play a major role in addressing health disparities and shaping the future of healthcare to ensure health equity. Join FNU for an inspiring session focused on adopting a health equity lens, and walk away with some key actions to take in your own practice or work environment.

The theme of this year’s virtual event, Empower 2021: Creating a Culture of Caring, acknowledges Frontier Nursing University’s culture of caring which is built on five main elements: professionalism, inclusivity, respect, positive communication and mutual support. Students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and others in the FNU community embrace this culture to fulfill their full potential, both individually and collectively, exemplifying the caring behaviors they hope to bring to the broader healthcare system.

Frontier Nursing University has more than 80 years of experience in delivering graduate nursing and midwifery programs. This is the sixth consecutive year FNU has hosted a virtual event in support of National Nurse Practitioner Week.

Those interested in participating in Empower 2021: Creating a Culture of Caring, sponsored by Southern Cross Insurance Solutions, are asked to register at Frontier.edu/NPWeek.

FNU Featured Preceptor Sari Maenza: Building Relationships with Underserved Immigrant Families in New York

October 14, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to celebrate Sari Maenza, FNP as this quarter’s featured preceptor. Each quarter, FNU chooses a nominated preceptor who goes above and beyond to help graduate nursing students take the next step of their educational journey. These preceptors highlight the FNU Culture of Caring by exemplifying professionalism, inclusivity, respect, positive communication and mutual support.

Maenza is a family nurse practitioner (FNP) in White Plains, N.Y., where she is the White Plains Family Health Center manager. White Plains Hospital (WPH) is a voluntary, not-for-profit health care organization with the primary mission of offering high-quality acute health care and preventive medical care to all people who live in, work in or visit the surrounding areas.

The family health center is a critical community resource for the medically underserved. Maenza provides care to vulnerable populations and mentors aspiring nurse practitioners and medical students who desire to do the same. This passion supports FNU’s mission to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education, preparing leaders in primary care to serve individuals in underserved populations.

Nurse practitioner program graduate Julie Rosenbluth, MPH, FNP-BC, recently had Maenza as a preceptor and nominated her, impressed with her kindness, professionalism, and dedication to her patients.

Working at White Plains Family Health Center for 20 years, Maenza has developed strong relationships with her patients, primarily Spanish-speaking immigrants who are currently undocumented. Because of their status, most of her patients do not have health insurance. Despite this, Maenza provides them with unmeasured and complementary care, knowing that, without White Plains, their only other option is the emergency room, which comes with hard-to-meet fees.

Many of Maenza’s patients suffer from multiple co-morbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. According to Rosenbluth, Maenza provides each patient with personalized plans and unending compassion.

“She treats each patient holistically and as an individual, often going above and beyond to identify and break down barriers to care,” Rosenbluth said. “As a result, she has long-standing relationships. Her patients trust and rely on her for the treatment of their entire families.”

Rosenbluth continued by remarking on what an excellent example Maenza was when she studied with her.

“Sari is not only an amazing provider to her patients, caring, empathetic and on top of her game clinically, but she is also a phenomenal teacher to her FNP students. She teaches by example as well as taking the time to educate students on the clinical process and best practices.”

Thank you to Maenza and all of the other exceptional preceptors who are helping to shape the next generation of nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners! Preceptors are instrumental for FNU students, providing them with a mentor and the clinical experience needed for long-term success. If you or someone you know might be interested in becoming a Frontier preceptor, click here to learn more on how you can make a difference in the healthcare community.

Read the inspiring stories of previously recognized preceptors or to nominate a preceptor.