Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is pleased to bring on alumna Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM to spearhead FNU’s nursing education. Joan assumed her new position as dean of nursing in August 2018 after serving as interim dean beginning in March 2018. As dean, she is poised to address healthcare gaps by educating nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners amidst the transition to a new campus in Versailles, Ky. Joan graduated from the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing in 1991 and … [Read more...]
The History of Nursing
At its very core, nursing has been around for centuries, although the profession of nursing started at the height of the Roman Empire, around 300 A.D. The Empire wanted to place a hospital within every town under its rule. Nurses were needed to assist doctors in caring for patients in the newly-erected hospitals. Modern Nursing Born in the Middle Ages During the Middle Ages, the nursing industry became infused with religion, with most nurses being nuns or monks. The early hospitals during … [Read more...]
Featured Preceptor: Sandi Hayes, APRN, CNP
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) preceptor Sandi Hayes, APRN, CNP, from St. Cloud Medical Group in Clearwater, Minn., was honored as FNU’s “Featured Preceptor” for the spring 2018 term. Sandi was nominated by recent DNP graduate Kelly Papesh. Sandi has been practicing Family Medicine at Clearwater Clinic in rural Minnesota since 2012. Through her practice at Clearwater, an outpatient family practice clinic, she upholds the values of Mary Breckinridge by serving a rural community and giving … [Read more...]
Bring Mary C. Breckinridge to Your Community or Classroom
Frontier Nursing University’s story started back in 1925 with one woman: Mary Carson Breckinridge. Now, the Kentucky Chautauqua, a touring series of solo performances, has brought her to life for this generation to see her legacy - and you have the opportunity to see it for yourself. Mrs. Breckinridge was the first American trained nurse-midwife in the 1920s. Living in the the mountains of eastern Kentucky, she recognized a need for better healthcare systems and made it her mission to improve … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Florence Booker Rawleigh
The late Florence Booker Rawleigh claimed that working for the Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) as a Courier was the most interesting thing she did in her 95 years of life. Florence was asked to serve as a Courier during a flu outbreak 1942. During the epidemic, many prominent families in the area were asked to send their children to volunteer with FNS to tend to those ill from the flu in rural and underserved Appalachia. “They would call and say they need you desperately, ” said Florence. … [Read more...]
Frontier Nursing University to attend March for Moms in 2018
The week before Mother’s Day, moms and advocates for moms will come together at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the second annual March for Moms rally. Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will be in Washington, D.C. again this year as a proud sponsor of the event. Below, we answer some important questions you might have about the rally and why FNU is joining thousands of other healthcare providers, women and advocates in our nation's capital on May 6th. What is the March for Moms and … [Read more...]
Courier Spotlight: Joan Todd
Joan Todd decided to become a Courier in 1953 through the influence of two women well-connected with Frontier Nursing Service (FNS). Joan’s grandmother had befriended Mary Breckinridge in college, and her mother had served as a Courier in her younger years. Although she was hesitant, Joan traveled to Wendover in 1953 to take part in the program. Joan served in many roles as a Courier, such as organizing medications, removing the expired medications and stocking new shipments. She also … [Read more...]
FNS: A Legacy Lives On
In 1927 in the hills of Kentucky, the Frontier Nursing Service began building a hospital. A year later, Mary Breckinridge, founder and director, saw her dream to bring exceptional healthcare to rural Kentucky come true. Frontier Nursing University (FNU) roots run deep in Appalachia. For many years, nurse-midwives have met the needs of families, focusing on not only giving women a healthy birth experience, but also knowledge of how to care for themselves and their children. Keeping Mary … [Read more...]