Frontier Nursing University Community Members Recognized at 2022 AANP Conference

August 8, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and preceptors of Frontier Nursing University (FNU) attended the 2022 AANP National Conference from June 21 to June 26 in Orlando, Fla. The AANP National Conference is the largest nurse practitioner conference in the United States! FNU is excited to highlight the many FNU community members who presented or were recognized and received awards during this year’s conference. We commend all of these individuals for their excellent work as nurse practitioner leaders!

: Dr. Katheryn Arterberry and Dr. Jennifer Stone

: Dr. Ellen Urquhart, Dr. Audra Cave and Dr. Rhonda Arthur

: Yasmin Alejandro, Dr. Audra Cave and Norah Ezike

Awards and Honors
– Student Brett W. Jordan, BSN, RN, CEN: AANP Student Scholarship Winner
– Student Kirsty Joy Nomch, FNP-C: AANP Student Scholarship Winner
– Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, PhD, PMHNP-BC, APRN and Dr. Audrey Perry, DNP, CNM, CNE, FACNM: Presentation – Leveraging the Voice of Nurse Practitioners to Facilitate Brave Conversations
– Dr. Sally Weiss, EdD, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, ANEF and Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP: Poster Presentation – Mast Cell Disorders: More Common Than You Think
– Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale: Awarded the 2022 AANP State Award for Excellence

: Brett Jordan, BSN, RN, CEN

: Kirsty Nomch, FNP-C

: Dr. Vicky Stone-Gale, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, FNAP and Dr. Sally Weiss, EdD, APRN, FNP-C, CNE, ANEF

In addition to our faculty and students, many FNU alumni members also presented during the conference.

: Alumni Charles Davis

: Alumni Allison Ensign

Students Edalyn Shaw, Yasmin Alejandro, and Norah Ezike attended the conference with FNU faculty member Thomas George as part of FNU’s Professional Organizational Mentoring Program (POMP). POMP offers underrepresented nurse-midwifery students and nurse practitioner students the opportunity to be mentored by faculty members at designated conferences, such as the AANP National Conference. It expands students’ learning, educational and professional experiences.

POMP Students with FNU Faculty

FNU hosted an Alumni & Friends Breakfast Reception where alumni, faculty, staff, students and preceptors were able to gather, reconnect and share the work they are doing. Our exhibit booth was busy with prospective students connecting with the FNU community. Many people were able to stop by and take photos with our photo booth and our Top-Ranked Master’s Program banner.

: FNU Faculty

: FNU Students

: FNU Alumni

It was great to be back in person again, and we can’t wait to see everyone again at the AANP National Conference next year in New Orleans!

* These photos were taken at the AANP Conference in Orlando, FL.

Join Frontier Nursing University in celebrating National Public Health Week

April 3, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

The past two years have shown us: Public health is critical. That’s why Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is excited to be a part of the 27th National Public Health Week, celebrated April 4-10.

We know public health is more than a single topic; it’s countless issues and practices that help every American to live as long and as well as they can. This year, we’re joining the American Public Health Association in their celebration: Public Health is Where You Are. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing public health crisis of racism in the U.S. have shown us it’s now more important than ever to come together and support well-being and health equity in our communities.

Over the past year, there are many things the FNU community has done to support health equity in our communities. Several alumni and students are already making an impact in their home communities and recognizing where the need is greatest. We’ve created content on the importance of advocacy. FNU provided educational sessions for nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners focusing on antiracism, quality improvement, health equity and substance use disorders. Additionally, our new Versailles, Ky. campus became a COVID-19 vaccination site for our local Kentucky community, Woodford County.

These initiatives and actions fit our mission, which is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education to prepare competent, entrepreneurial, ethical, and compassionate leaders in primary care to serve all individuals with an emphasis on women and families in diverse, rural, and underserved populations.

How can you get involved?

Celebrate and reinforce gratitude for public health. Look for ways to strengthen our communities, locally and globally. Name and dismantle racism in your community. Hold accountable those responsible for climate change. Urge your elected leaders to prioritize families by advancing policies for paid sick leave and a living wage, and to protect public health workers by ensuring public health authority. Work to make sure health and wellness are not just available, but accessible to everyone in your community. There are countless ways to make your voice heard and become part of the movement for public health.

Follow FNU on social media as we’ll share some facts and information on each day’s theme:

Monday: Racism: A Public Health Crisis
Tuesday: Public Health Workforce: Essential to our Future
Wednesday: Community: Collaboration and Resilience
Thursday: World Health Day: Health is a Human Right
Friday: Accessibility: Closing the Health Equity Gap
Saturday: Climate Change: Taking Action for Equity
Sunday: Mental Wellness: Redefining the Meaning of Health

You can also check out APHA’s toolkit for other ways you can keep the momentum going in your community. We encourage you to send the sample proclamation to your local and state representatives.

Let’s join together to work toward a brighter, healthier, equitable future.

FNU faculty offer sessions for nurse practitioners focused on health equity and substance use disorders

January 6, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) hosted a virtual event this past fall celebrating National Nurse Practitioner Week. FNU’s Empower 2021: Creating a Culture of Caring event, presented by university faculty members along with FNU alumni and students, included seven sessions educating and celebrating nurse practitioners.

There are more than 325,000 nurse practitioners nationwide that go the extra mile each day to provide quality, equitable patient care. These free educational sessions allow nurse practitioners to further their knowledge on the latest practices and topics influencing nurse practitioner care, and a continuing education (CE) opportunity is also included.

These free recorded educational sessions are all available for viewing below:

Assessment and Screening for Substance Use Disorders in the Primary Care Setting

Presented by 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

Presented by 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.

This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour(s) of continuing education (which includes 1.0 hour(s) of pharmacology) by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners®. Activity ID# 21095172. This activity was planned in accordance with AANP Accreditation Standards and Policies. This activity’s approval expires on October 31, 2022.

Advanced Practice Nurses: Adopting a Health Equity Lens

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.

Creating a Culture of Impact: Stories of Community Quality Improvement – Alumni and Faculty Panel

Moderated by Dr. Kristin Gianelis

This impactful panel presentation is 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. After watching, viewers 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.

Creating a Culture of Community Engagement from a Distance – The Frontier Student Experience

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.

FNP Program Q&A – Creating a Culture of Community

Presented by Dr. Katheryn Arterberry and Dr. Lisa Chappell

This session is designed for registered nurses considering the path to becoming a family nurse practitioner. By watching this session, you will find out 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.

PMHNP Program Q&A – Creating a Culture of Community

Presented by FNU Dr. April Dobroth

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.

FNU All-Access Podcast Episode 2: What the Heck is an RCF?

November 22, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Episode 2: What the Heck is an RCF?

Welcome to the Frontier Nursing University All-Access Podcast! This podcast provides a closer look at Frontier Nursing University through lively and entertaining discussions with a wide variety of guests and topics.

In Episode 2 “What the Heck is an RCF?”, host Angela Bailey welcomes Dr. Mary Jones and Stephanie Boyd to explain the role of the Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF) at Frontier Nursing University. An assistant professor at FNU as well as an RCF, Dr. Jones explains the unique role RCFs play in supporting students throughout their journey. Boyd, who is FNU’s Director of Clinical Outreach and Placement, further explains the additional support that students and preceptors receive from her department. The trio also explains Case Days, discusses traveling on behalf of FNU, and shares their passions for their professions and exercise.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

The role of Regional Clinical Faculty at Frontier
The role of FNU’s Clinical Outreach and Placement team
What Case Days are and why they matter
FNU’s connection to Every Mother Counts

Listen to the Full Episode

Full Episode Transcript

Enjoy the show?
Be sure to follow the Frontier Nursing University All-Access Podcast on Google Play, Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Visit the FNU All-Access Podcast page here.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Alumni Spotlight Junise Belizaire: Providing In-Home Care to Vulnerable Floridians

October 11, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University (FNU) graduate Junise Belizaire, FNP is working to change the way people think about healthcare access in Wesley Chapel, Fla. Belizaire has made it her mission to bring quality healthcare to an underserved population.

After working as a nurse for several years, Belizaire knew that she wanted to do more within the healthcare field. She enrolled in FNU’s Family Nurse Practitioner program and went on to earn her Master of Science in Nursing from FNU.

“I chose Frontier because their model encompasses everything that I believe in: family, community, and a passion for the underserved,” Belizaire said. “And, when you attend Frontier, you quickly see that the school is so much more than a well-written mission statement; the Frontier community is truly united in their passion for improving the healthcare field. The people of FNU ignited a fire in me that helped to fuel my career and lead me to where I am today.”

Upon graduation, Belizaire found herself in many jobs as a nurse practitioner. While she loved caring for patients, she found herself frustrated with the healthcare system and longed for a more personal approach to patient care.

“I became a nurse practitioner so I could make a greater difference in my patients’ lives and a greater impact in the healthcare system. I wanted to be a part of the solution by breaking down health care disparities and reaching more individuals. In more traditional roles, I felt like I wasn’t able to meet my full potential as a provider,” Belizaire said.

With that in mind, Belizaire launched Bay Area Mobile Clinic, a house call practice. Through this new practice, Belizaire uses her mobile clinic to provide services to individuals, families, and underinsured employees to bring cost-efficient healthcare to everyone.

“Whether a person is homebound, has transportation difficulties, or simply needs convenience, everyone deserves quality, affordable care,” Belizaire said.

Belizaire is attending to patients who often went without care before her services arrived.

“Many of my patients have not seen a provider in years,” Belizaire said. “My hope is that by bringing care to these individuals, I can decrease the number of healthcare disparities within my community.”

Belizaire said that opening the practice has been the highlight of her professional career because, through this clinic, she can bring compassion and caring to patients without the rush and disconnect of more traditional medical settings.

Frontier educates its students with the primary goal of assuring that they are well prepared to serve rural and underserved populations. The need is great and the challenges are many as the U.S. continues to face healthcare crises, disparities, and provider shortages. Women of color die from pregnancy-related illness at three times the rate of white women, mental health issues plague our country, and suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. In addition, more than 130 people die each day from opioid-related illnesses.

“We must create a diverse healthcare workforce, a workforce that can competently serve persons and families from many different cultures that are representative of our United States,” said Dr. Susan Stone, FNU president.

Frontier encourages students to be leaders and entrepreneurs, just like Belizaire.

Thank you, Junise, for your dedication to the Bay Area, your commitment to the Frontier mission, and the hope you are bringing to your community. We are proud to have you as a member of the FNU community!

If you are interested in reading more stories about the fantastic work of FNU alumni members, visit the FNU Alumni stories page.