Equity in the Workplace a key focus during Frontier Nursing University Virtual Event

November 8, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

FNU hosts free virtual event in honor of National Nurse Practitioner Week

National Nurse Practitioner Week (NP Week) is Nov. 13-19, and Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is celebrating by hosting a free virtual event, Empower 2022, from Nov. 14-17. Dr. Tiffany Love, founder of the Love Leadership Foundation and an award-winning keynote speaker and C-suite executive will keynote the event on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. ET, with a session on creating safe and equitable work environments.

Empower 2022 is presented by Southern Cross Insurance Solutions. Those interested in participating are asked to register at Frontier.edu/NPWeek.

NP Week recognizes the positive impact NPs make in the lives of patients through more than 1 billion annual visits. More than 355,000 NPs are increasing access to equitable, person-centered, high-quality health care. These health care professionals practice in clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, nursing homes and private practices across the country — wherever patients are in need. NPs assess patients, order and interpret tests, make diagnoses and provide treatment, including prescribing medications. As clinicians who blend clinical expertise with an added emphasis on disease prevention and health management, NPs are the health care provider of choice for millions of Americans.

FNU’s virtual event offers four sessions on the latest practices and topics influencing NPs and includes two free continuing education opportunities:

KEYNOTE SESSION – The Best Place to Work: Creating Safe and Equitable Work Environments for All
Monday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m. ET
This keynote session is presented by Dr. Tiffany Love, founder of the Love Leadership Foundation.
Join FNU for this special kick-off to NP Week and hear from Dr. Tiffany Love, Adult and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, award-winning keynote speaker, C-suite executive and founder of the Love Leadership Foundation with more than 30 years of healthcare experience. During this presentation, Dr. Love will identify evidence-based strategies that advanced practice nurses can take back to their communities and practices to promote excellence and equity in the workplace. Her inspiring presentation will educate and inspire nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives to collaborate with their teams to create a supportive, inclusive, and safe work environment.

FREE CE Session – Demystifying Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Clinical Setting
Tuesday, November 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET
This session is presented by FNU faculty member Dr. Kevin Scalf.
Autism Spectrum Disorder consists of a wide range of symptoms and can be very challenging for both client and caregiver. Effective treatment consists of gaining an understanding related to hypothesized causes, becoming familiar with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches, and learning how to support the individual that has been diagnosed with the disorder. In addition, caregivers must recognize the need for self-care, reflection, and health. To fully support and be an effective member of the treatment team, the caregiver must be able to utilize and employ coping strategies to help deal with stress, anxiety, and perceived failure.

This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hours of continuing education (which includes 0.25 hour of pharmacology) by Frontier Nursing University. Activity ID # 22110001P. This activity was planned in accordance with ANCC Commission on Accreditation Standards and Policies. This activity has been approved through 11/15/23.

PANEL DISCUSSION – Nurse Practitioner Community Connection: Building Communities Through NP Care
Wednesday, November 16 at 6:00 p.m. ET
A panel discussion with FNU students, alumni and faculty.
Join Frontier Nursing University to learn about the distance education journey and career path for nurse practitioners and how FNU alumni and students are serving diverse, rural and underserved communities. Get the inside scoop from a panel composed of students and alumni from FNU’s three specialty tracks including family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and women’s health care nurse practitioner. Hear from these students and graduates as they discuss their experiences as graduate level nursing students and how they are impacting their communities.

FREE CE SESSION – The Second Victim Experience: Caring for our Own
Thursday, November 17 at 6:00 p.m. ET
This CE session, presented by Adjunct Associate Professor Dr. Susan Scott, is sponsored by FNU’s Chi Pi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.
Today’s healthcare workforce has faced many clinical challenges. Most clinicians adjust well to the variety of demands encountered during an emotionally charged clinical event. However, emotional stress can cause the individual to experience what is now known as the ‘second victim phenomenon.’ Realizing the impact of this experience and recognizing the need for supportive interventions is critically important to help safeguard a healthy recovery. This presentation provides insights into the lived experience and interventional support that helps to ensure support strategies are readily available for members of our healthcare workforce.

This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 22095744. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies. This activity has been approved through October 31, 2023.

National Nurse Practitioner Week is held annually to celebrate NPs as exceptional health care providers and to remind lawmakers of the importance of removing outdated barriers to practice so nurse practitioners will be allowed to practice to the full extent of their experience and education.

Frontier Nursing University has more than 80 years of experience in delivering graduate nursing and midwifery programs. This is the seventh consecutive year FNU has hosted a virtual event in support of National Nurse Practitioner Week. FNU nurse practitioner specialty tracks include family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and women’s health care nurse practitioner. Frontier Nursing University’s FNP program is ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

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.

Year in Review

December 28, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is grateful to each and every one of our community members- faculty, staff, alumni and students for sticking with us, being flexible and adaptable, and trusting us as we navigated a very tumultuous year. 2020, the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife as designated by the World Health Organization, has shown us more than ever the crucial need for nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners, as well as the necessity for diversity, equity and inclusion to create a kinder, more compassionate, and equal world. Below are this year’s highlights- we hope you enjoy!

COVID-19:

The reigning theme of the year has been the COVID-19 pandemic. As it came to a head in the United States, we quickly pivoted from our regular in-person gatherings to a virtual capacity including, Clinical Bound, Frontier Bound, Commencement, and more. Though distanced, the Culture of Caring was not lost in the transition. We humbly thank our skilled and compassionate faculty members for being available to students in any way possible as we shifted to more of a world with which we were already familiar. Enjoy this video of our students discussing their experiences at their virtual Bound events.

It is never lost on us how hard our nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners work, but this year made it even more apparent. In response, we created Maintaining a Culture of Caring During Crisis, an overall hub for updates on COVID-19, FNU’s response, and highlighting our brave faculty, staff, and alumni on the front lines of this pandemic. Their stories can all be found here.

With so many in the healthcare community facing the COVID-19 frontlines, University President Dr. Susan Stone provided hope and community in a confusing time by sharing a supportive and reassuring message with the Frontier family. Additionally, as the university worked to transition to a new normal, our nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner faculty created important resources for self-care strategies, maternity care, and infection control for our front-line workers. All can be found in our Culture of Caring in Crisis playlist on YouTube.

Social Justice:

In addition to a global pandemic, racial tension swept the nation this summer, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the inequities that people of color face daily inside and outside of healthcare. President Dr. Susan Stone emphasized our zero tolerance for injustice, cruelty, and racism in a statement to all of the FNU community. The unjust deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many more showed that we have a long way to go in eradicating racism and the insidious effects it leaves in its path.

On June 3, 2020, FNU held a moment of silence to honor those whose lives were unjustly ended at the hands of law enforcement.

Social justice was also the backdrop against the 10th annual Diversity Impact Conference, which also went virtual this year. Themed “Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020: Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” this year’s DI conference brought significant attention to the disparities that have become even more prevalent and apparent in the COVID-19 pandemic but still culminated in a weekend of enlightenment and community. Each of our speakers presented compassionate and informative sessions on implicit racial bias, mental health, and more. Thank you to all who participated!

Commencement

On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020, FNU hosted its annual commencement ceremony virtually. More than 800 nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners gathered to celebrate themselves in a year where it is apparent how vital they are to healthcare. We welcomed keynote speaker Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health, Rear Admiral (RADM) Sylvia Trent-Adams, Ph.D., RN, FAAN and celebrated the winners of our leadership awards.

FNU Community Accomplishments:

FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager was inducted as a fellow into the American Academy of Nurses (AAN) in a virtual ceremony on October 31, 2020.

FNU faculty member Dr. Catherine Collins-Fulea was inducted as the new president of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), succeeding FNU President Dr. Susan Stone. Dr. Collins-Fulea’s honor was announced during ACNM’s 65th Annual Meeting from May 29 – June 2, 2020, along with several other faculty and staff presenting and receiving their honors!

For the third consecutive year, FNU received the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, honoring our continued commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Programs and Events:

FNU hosted the 6th and 5th annual virtual events for National Midwifery Week and National Nurse Practitioner Week, where faculty members and student panelists presented on a variety of topics, especially relevant to racial bias in healthcare and the COVID-19 pandemic.

FNU also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Family Nurse Practitioner program.

Thanks again to our outstanding faculty and staff, students and alumni for showing immense compassion and strength throughout this unprecedented year. As we head into 2021, let us not forget all we have accomplished and all that we are capable of. Have a wonderful New Year!

Frontier Offers Many Continuing Education Opportunities

December 16, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Each year Frontier Nursing University (FNU) offers a variety of continuing education (CE) courses for students as well as practicing nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives. Most often, these are provided through live virtual events, but the courses are recorded and remain available for much longer. In this unprecedented year when higher numbers of healthcare workers are relying on virtual CE opportunities than ever before, FNU wanted to remind its community of the valuable courses currently available through the university.

“Billing and Coding Tips and Tools: Is There a Hole in Your Bucket?”

*This program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $2,065,200. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.*

Presented by FNU Dean, Dr. Joan Slager CNM, DNP, FACNM during 2019’s National Rural Health Day. This workshop focused on selecting correct CPT and ICD-10-CM codes, especially for complex patient encounters, to reflect services provided and enhance revenue accurately. The continuing education credit is available until December 31, 2020. Once you have viewed the session, you must complete the post-test and evaluation to receive credit for your contact hours. If you have questions about completing the activity or the evaluation link, please contact Stephanie Boyd at stephanie.boyd@frontier.edu.

“Epigenetics”

Last April, FNU faculty member Dr. Laura Manns-James presented a free continuing education opportunity for FNU alumni, faculty, and preceptors titled “Epigenetics for the practicing clinician: the science of how environments shape health.” This activity is approved for 14.08 contact hours of continuing education (which also includes 0.33 hours of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and will be available until April 2021. Those interested can register at this link. Once you have viewed the session, If you have questions about completing the activity or course content, contact Laura Manns-James at laura.manns-james@frontier.edu. If you have technical questions, contact Support at support@frontier.edu.

“Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Trends in Treatment”

Billinda Tebbenhoff, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC took to the virtual stage for this year’s National Nurse Practitioner Week to discuss the approximately 4.4 million children and adolescents in the United States (CDC, 2020) who meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder. Though anxiety and stress are an expected part of the human experience, consistently elevated anxiety can interfere with a child’s sense of self and impact the entire family. The implications of the current pandemic related to child and adolescent anxiety are beginning to emerge and depend on the child’s stage of development and pre-pandemic functioning. Dr. Tebbenhoff discussed predictive trends and guidance regarding helping children, families and communities during the pandemic. This activity is approved for 1.5 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.0 hours of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Activity ID 20094484. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies. This activity’s approval expires on October 31, 2021.

Once you have viewed the session, you must complete the post-test and evaluation to receive credit for your contact hours. If you have questions about the completion of the activity or the evaluation form, please contact Eileen.Odonnell@frontier.edu.

“Midwifery Pearls of Telehealth”

Faculty members Dr. Tanya Belcheff, Dr. Cassie Belzer, Dr. Judith Butler, Martha Harvey, Dr. Audrey Perry, and Heidi Loomis presented this session during National Midwifery Week, which provided an overview of telehealth from a nurse-midwifery perspective. The course emphasized patient engagement, group care, provider satisfaction and best practices for meeting compliance requirements. This information is especially pertinent in the age of COVID-19 and included helpful information to anyone who has had to make adjustments to their practice during this unprecedented year. “Midwifery Pearls of Telehealth” is a continuing education course approved for 1.25 contact hour(s) of continuing education by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners if the post-test and evaluation are completed by Sept. 2021. If you have questions about completing this activity or the evaluation form, please contact Eileen.Odonnell@frontier.edu.

“Hot Topics in the Management of Perimenopause & Menopause: A Conventional & Integrative Approach”

Hosted by FNU faculty members Dr. Ruth Ellen Elsasser and Dr. Ana Verzone, this was another continuing education opportunity provided during National Midwifery Week. This session introduced a review of conventional and evidence-based integrative medicine interventions used during perimenopause and menopause. Some of the topics covered included: understanding menopause and its varied presentation and symptoms, knowing the critical differences between perimenopause and menopause, identifying complications of conventional pharmacology and developing a patient-centered, individualized plan of care when managing perimenopause and menopause. Reviewing this session can earn participants 2.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 0.75 hours of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners after completing the post-test and evaluation. The course will be recognized through Sept. 2021. If you have questions about completing this activity or the evaluation form, please contact Eileen.Odonnell@frontier.edu.

Health care is a continually evolving field, and those who choose to follow this path are undoubtedly lifelong learners. Frontier hopes that anyone interested will take advantage of these wonderful resources as they continue their journey as compassionate and knowledgeable nurse-practitioners and nurse midwives.

FNU’s 2020 Diversity Events in Review

December 3, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is built on a Culture of Caring with a mission to educate nurse practitioners and nurse-midwives who will go out and care for diverse and underserved communities. In 2010, FNU took a step further in defining goals of expanding diversity and inclusion throughout the university and the greater healthcare community by implementing the Diversity Impact Program.

FNU leadership designed the Diversity Impact Program to promote an inclusive learning and workforce environment at FNU with the goal of increasing diversity in the nursing and midwifery professions by recruiting and retaining underrepresented students and employees.

In alignment with the Diversity Impact Program, FNU launched the first annual Diversity Impact Conference in 2010. This year celebrated the 10th year of the event. Although it moved to a virtual platform due to COVID-19, it was still a wonderful time dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding minority identities. This year’s conference took place June 11-13 and carried the theme ‘Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020: Increasing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’. Some of this year’s topics were: “What is Race Literacy – 4 Dimensions of Racial Conditioning,” “Addressing Health Disparities: The Role of Healthcare Providers & Educators,” and “Microaggressions in Nursing Education and Health: Why They Matter and What We Can Do About Them.”

Other virtual events hosted by FNU throughout the year also highlighted diversity within the nursing community, including, Racial Disparities in Maternity Care: Where Do We Go From Here? during National Midwifery Week, and Dismantling Implicit Bias to Promote Optimal Health Outcomes during National Nurse Practitioner Week.

Additionally, prior to COVID-19 and the turn to virtual events, FNU student Shamekia Wilson volunteered to host an exhibit at The 41st Minority Health Conference in Chapel Hill, NC. During the show, potential students visited the FNU booth to learn more about their various educational programs and diversity initiatives. Wilson said the event helped her further understand the importance of diversity in healthcare education for ensuring that patients from diverse backgrounds receive quality care.

This year, Frontier’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) also launched a new mentoring program, the Professional Organization Mentoring Program. Through this program, students are selected to join a faculty member at a virtual professional nursing conference to network and learn more about their chosen field. To qualify for the program, students must complete an application and submit an essay, which will be graded by the Office of DEI. If selected, the Office of DEI will cover the conference’s cost and the student’s membership for a related professional organization. Students interested in this opportunity can begin the application process here.

The Office of DEI is also currently in the pilot phase of a comprehensive mentoring program designed to support and retain students of color by meeting their specific professional and academic needs. FNU is excited about expanding this program and believes it will help the university continue to grow a more diverse population within their community and the nursing field.

For these initiatives, as well as the university’s holistic dedication to supporting and understanding students, faculty and patients from all backgrounds, FNU was honored to receive the INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine’s Health Profession’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award for the third year in a row. Upon receiving the award this year, FNU President Dr. Susan Stone made the following statement:

“We know that culturally competent care improves health outcomes and begins with a more diverse healthcare system. We are proud to be taking a leadership role in this movement by educating an increasingly diverse student body, but we fully recognize that we have much to learn and areas to improve. The HEED Award confirms that we are continuing to move in the right direction and to make meaningful progress.”

FNU is proud to continue to push programs, events, and mindsets that promote equality for people of all races, cultures, and gender identities.

To learn more about the steps Frontier has taken to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, visit the university’s diversity page. Additionally, if you are interested in joining a university with a passion for including and supporting students, patients and staff of all backgrounds, please visit the FNU admissions page.

FNU Looks back on 2020’s National Nurse Practitioner Week

November 24, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

National Nurse Practitioner Week is always an exciting time for Frontier Nursing University (FNU). This year was particularly noteworthy as the celebration corresponded with the 50th anniversary of FNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program, which was the first of its kind in the United States. In honor of this important week, FNU hosted its fifth annual virtual event to educate, support, and encourage those in the nursing field.

This year’s virtual event was themed Empower 2020 and ran Nov. 8-14, featuring a remarkable line-up of speakers and course selections. Below is a recap of all of the great sessions, including a FREE pharmacology CE session on anxiety in children and adolescents that interested parties can participate in through Oct. 2021.

Empower 2020’s Virtual Sessions:

Becoming a Nurse Practitioner: A Journey in Distance Education

Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech and Dr. Lisa Chappell

Designed to enlighten current nurse practitioner students or anyone interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, this session offered a 360-degree view of FNU’s distance education program. A panel composed of current students from FNU’s family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, and women’s healthcare nurse practitioner tracks gathered to share their personal experiences as graduate-level nursing students in an online program.

Free Pharmacology CE: Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Trends in Treatment

Billinda Tebbenhoff, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-B

This session discussed the approximately 4.4 million children and adolescents in the United States (CDC, 2020) who meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and the many more who remain undiagnosed. Though anxiety and stress are an expected part of the human experience, consistently elevated anxiety can interfere with a child’s sense of self and impact the entire family. The implications of the current pandemic related to child and adolescent anxiety are beginning to emerge and depend on the child’s stage of development and pre-pandemic functioning. Predictive trends and guidance regarding helping children, families and communities during the pandemic are all discussed.

Nurse Practitioners Leading Care Through Telehealth

Dr. Jess Calohan, Martha Harvey, Dr. Rachel Mack and Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale

Made up of a panel of Frontier Nursing University nurse practitioner faculty members, this session discussed the rise of telehealth in the panelists’ respective specialties. Panel members represented family nursing, psychiatric-mental health, nurse-midwifery and women’s health departments within FNU. Throughout the session, panelists shared current telehealth trends along with their professional experiences using telehealth as a patient care delivery model and the effects it could have on the future of healthcare.

Dismantling Implicit Bias to Promote Optimal Health Outcomes

Dr. Katheryn Arterberry, Dr. Diane John and Dr. Lisa Chappell

In reaction to the rise in social justice movements this year, this session focused on the negative impact of implicit bias in optimizing health outcomes. In this session, advanced practice nurses identified new processes for changing attitudes and behaviors that can lead to health disparities and move towards equality throughout the healthcare system. The session intended to engage participants in reflective and introspective thoughts leading to individual plans for minimizing personal biases.

FNU would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s virtual National Nurse Practitioner Week event. It has been a challenging year for many in the field, and it was encouraging to celebrate all of the great work being accomplished while looking towards the future. To view all of the details of Empower 2020 visit the event page here.

FNU Virtual Event to Focus on Anxiety in Children, Telehealth and Implicit Bias in Healthcare

October 26, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

This year, National Nurse Practitioner Week will take place November 8-14, and Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is celebrating by hosting its fifth annual virtual event dedicated to nurse practitioners. This year’s theme is Empower 2020: Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

Over the course of the week, Empower 2020: Year of the Nurse and the Midwife will explore the experiences of nurse practitioners who are committed to better care for families, women and underserved populations. Throughout the virtual event, anyone is welcome to log onto the Empower website to hear from outstanding speakers and participate in a FREE pharmacology CE session on anxiety in children and adolescents. Frontier faculty, staff and students have put a lot of thought and energy into this week and they can’t wait to share it with the healthcare community.

Here is a look at Frontier’s schedule for this exciting event:

Empower will begin at 6:30 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 9, with Becoming a Nurse Practitioner: A Journey in Distance Education. Designed for current nurse practitioner students and those interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, this session will give prospective students a glimpse into the FNU distance education journey as current students discuss their experiences. The session will be led by Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech and FNU Chair for the Department of Family Nursing Dr. Lisa Chappell. Attendees will get the inside scoop from a panel composed of current students from three specialty tracks, including family nurse practitioner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner and women’s health care nurse practitioner. Panelists will be taking questions before or during this live session.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 5 p.m. EST Billinda Tebbenhoff, DNP, PMHNP-BC, PMHCNS-BC will take to the virtual stage to present Pharmacology CE – Anxiety in Children and Adolescents: Trends in Treatment. This educational opportunity will focus on the approximately 4.4 million children and adolescents in the United States (CDC, 2020) who meet diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder and the many more individuals who remain undiagnosed.

Though anxiety and stress are an expected part of the human experience, consistently elevated anxiety can interfere with a child’s sense of self and impact the entire family. The implications of the current pandemic related to child and adolescent anxiety are beginning to emerge and depend on the child’s stage of development and pre-pandemic functioning. Dr. Tebbenhoff will discuss predictive trends and guidance regarding helping children, families and communities during the pandemic. Following this session, viewers will have the opportunity to complete the post-test and evaluation to earn 1.5 contact hours of continuing education through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m. EST a live panel will lead a session titled Nurse Practitioners Leading Care Through Telehealth. Panel members will include FNU Nurse Practitioner Faculty Members Dr. Jess Calohan, Martha Harvey, Dr. Rachel Mack and Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale. The team will discuss a brief history of telehealth use in their respective specialties, including family nursing, psychiatric-mental health, nurse-midwifery and women’s health. They will also share current telehealth trends and their professional experiences using telehealth as a patient care delivery model.

This enlightening week will wrap up with Dismantling Implicit Bias to Promote Optimal Health Outcomes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m. EST. Presented by FNU Faculty Members Dr. Katheryn Arterberry, Dr. Diane John and Dr. Lisa Chappell, the session will focus on the negative impact of implicit bias on optimizing health outcomes. Advanced practice nurses will begin to identify a process for changing attitudes and behaviors which contribute to health disparities. Participants can expect to engage in a reflective and introspective approach while developing a plan to minimize personal biases.

It will be an unforgettable week learning about and celebrating exceptional health care providers and practices. Visit the Empower 2020: Year of the Nurse and the Midwife website to register for these free sessions, and tune in on Nov. 9 for a powerful week of speakers and inspiration. See FNU’s full lineup of virtual events here.

7 Ways FNU Alumni Can Stay Involved

September 17, 2020 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is much more than an educational institution – it is a community of like-minded nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, caregivers, advocates and friends dedicated to serving the underserved across the U.S. and abroad. When a student graduates from Frontier, they remain an essential part of the FNU community, joining over 8,000 graduates who bring care to their local areas. FNU alumni have various opportunities to stay connected, supported, encouraged and engaged with their alma mater.

Here are a few ways FNU invites their alumni to stay involved:

Attend FNU Events

Although the pandemic has put a temporary hold on in-person activities, FNU hosts numerous events throughout the year designed to cultivate fellowship amongst students, alumni, staff and faculty. One of the most popular alumni events is the annual Homecoming weekend, which usually takes place in October, but is postponed until 2021. Even with the temporary hold on in-person activities, alumni can remain engaged with the FNU community through many virtual events, including the FNU Empower Virtual Events for National Midwifery Week and National Nurse Practitioner Week. This year, the Diversity Impact Conference was also transformed into a virtual experience. Keep up with the FNU blog to learn how some of the university’s favorite events are taking on a new life during the pandemic.

Become a Wide Neighborhoods Ambassador

Frontier understands graduates have busy work, personal, and social lives, but just a few moments can make a massive difference in the lives of current FNU students. Alumni can give back to FNU by serving as a Wide Neighborhoods Ambassador. Ambassadors serve as a point of contact to provide education on the programs, resources and student experiences associated with FNU. Ambassadors engage in outreach activities and work to increase student enrollment. They also provide leadership to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all students.
Stay Up-to-Date with FNU’s Blog and Social Media Outlets

Frontier provides many valuable resources for alumni to stay engaged online. FNU’s blog is a great way to stay connected to all that is going on with the university. Our Alumni News category will inspire you with stories of fellow alumni serving their communities. Over the past few months, we’ve dedicated a section of the site to share the stories of alumni operating on the COVID-19 Pandemic frontlines. Make sure to subscribe to the blog and get weekly updates straight to your inbox.

FNU also has several social media platforms to follow, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter. In addition, Frontier created a private Facebook group specifically for alumni to engage one another. Go here and request to join and be accepted into a supportive community of FNU graduates.

Become a Preceptor

A preceptor holds an essential role in FNU’s education model. Preceptors work on the frontlines with students, preparing them for their practice through patience, wisdom and understanding. Although FNU works with preceptors from all backgrounds, there is always a distinct sense of excitement and unity when FNU alumni choose to step up and answer the call. FNU preceptors can take pride in their role as they expand the nurse practitioner and nurse-midwife fields through educating others. In this role, FNU preceptors also gain access to exciting and free CEUs, earn an honorarium, and continue to extend health care services to rural and underserved communities. Go here to learn more about becoming a preceptor.

Share your Story

FNU invites alumni to share their own stories. How are you serving your community? There is nothing more rewarding for Frontier faculty and staff than to hear about how you are impacting others with your passion and education. Your story will also encourage the broader FNU community. To share your information, fill out this form, and a staff member will be in touch soon with follow-up questions.

Become a Diversity Impact Partner

FNU is committed to diversifying health care. Frontier invites alumni to join that mission by becoming a Diversity Impact Partner. The Diversity Impact program is open to all students wanting to enhance and highlight cultural awareness trends within healthcare. As Diversity Impact Partners, alumni can help students find educational and networking opportunities and provide a seamless transition to advanced practice education.

Donate

As graduates of FNU, alumni have a unique understanding of its history, value, and impact. Alumni donations allow Frontier to maintain affordable tuition, expand programs that support its mission to prepare leaders in primary care, and attract and retain talented student-centered faculty. FNU thanks all of the friends and alumni who have made many generous gifts over the years!

Alumni are an essential part of the FNU community, and Frontier faculty and staff are always available to answer questions and provide additional information. Contact Angela Bailey at the office of Alumni Relations for support by phone, 859-251-4573 or email at angela.bailey@frontier.edu. Alumni can also find great information on FNU’s alumni page.

Frontier thanks all alumni serving their communities and making the world of health care a safer place!