On November 21, 2019, healthcare providers and organizations across the country came together to celebrate National Rural Health Day (NRHD). Organized by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, NRHD is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” by bringing to light the unique challenges that rural communities face and the efforts of rural healthcare providers to address these challenges.
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) participated in the NRHD festivities by offering free online sessions led by FNU faculty and alumni as they discussed how they address unique healthcare challenges faced by people in rural communities.
NRHD kicked off with FNU alumna and preceptor Estella Wetzel, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, in her session, “Improving Care through Drug Testing Education.” Studies show that misinterpretations of drug test results are quite common and can lead to many negative outcomes. Estella addressed commonly prescribed controlled medications by metabolites to simplify drug test interpretation.
FNU Dean Dr. Joan Slager CNM, DNP, FACNM went live to present a free Continuing Education Course, “Billing and Coding Tips and Tools: Is There a Hole in Your Bucket?” The workshop focused on how to select correct CPT and ICD-10-CM codes, especially for complex patient encounters, in order to accurately reflect services provided and enhance revenue.
Course faculty member Stacie Olson, DNP, PMHNP-BC gave a presentation entitled “Rural Health Opioid Overdose Prevention.” She spoke to viewers about general opioid overdose, public health prevention strategies, and identification of FDA approved medication for treatment of opioid use disorder.
Our last session, “Midwifery and Women’s Health in the Last Frontier,” was presented by FNU alumna and preceptor Ana Verzone, DNP, APRN, CNM, FNP-BC. Ana drew from her experience as a healthcare provider and educator in Alaska to discuss the unique challenges midwives face providing care for rural Alaskans and the Alaska Native Population.
Since its foundation more than 80 years ago, FNU has been committed to serving rural communities and meeting their unique healthcare needs. Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate NRHD and the Power of Rural!