Student Spotlight: Carrie Baker uses nursing experience to advocate for public health
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) student Carrie Baker, MSN, FNP, PMHNP, is utilizing her experience as a nurse practitioner to advocate for the health of her community. Baker is pursuing a Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at FNU (Class 40) and is set to graduate this year.
A former U.S. Army officer, Baker lives on a Marine Corps housing installation in Hawaii with her two children and her spouse, who is an active member of the U.S. military. There, she serves as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) for a local nurse practitioner-owned telepsychiatry practice and as a Periodic Health Assessment provider.
Baker's patient base is wide-ranging, including urban and rural, male and female and local and military. By completing psychological evaluations and medical management via telehealth, Baker is able to reach patients through most of Hawaii's chain of islands.
Recently, Baker has served as an advocate for the public health and safety of her community. On Nov. 20, 2021, 14,000 gallons of jet fuel spilled at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, a military storage facility in Hawaii that is operated by the U.S. Navy. As a result, the Navy's water distribution system, which Baker's community uses, became contaminated. Soon, residents began complaining of a visible oil sheen on the water, odor and a variety of illnesses.
Seeking accountability and solutions from local leaders, Baker co-organized a community town hall meeting.
"Due to a lack of acknowledgement, validation and communication, our community has taken a stand to be heard," Baker said. "Somehow, I have found myself at the forefront of this."
Several key stakeholders were invited to the meeting, including the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Hawaii, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, local housing leadership, local water board personnel and members of the media. During the meeting, community members were given the opportunity to ask questions to leadership personnel.
Baker said some key takeaways from the meeting included increased communication, further water testing, flushing of the community water system, entitlements (such as funds for hotel lodging until the issue is resolved) and continued water points on the installation for retrieval of clean water.
"We are far from having this situation resolved, but we now have the attention of those leaders who matter," Baker said. "There is still some discord between the community and the leadership in that we still have not been acknowledged as affected."
Baker said her experience as a nurse practitioner gave her the confidence to advocate for the health of her community. To that end, she said she has decided to earn her DNP to gain confidence in being a leader and advocate for her patients and the community. She said FNU was the right choice in her pursuit of this goal.
"I decided to become a DNP to gain confidence in being a leader and advocate for my patients and community."
– Carrie Baker, MSN, FNP, PMHNP
"I decided to become a DNP to gain confidence in being a leader and advocate for my patients and community," Baker said.
Thank you, Carrie, for exemplifying FNU's Culture of Caring, both in your professional endeavors and in your community activism.
To learn more about FNU's Doctor of Nursing Practice, click here.
Filed Under: News Tagged With: DNP, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP, PMHNP Program, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
FNU's Winter Featured Preceptor: Robin Argyle, FNP
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 healthcare to underserved and rural populations.
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to recognize Robin Argyle, FNP as the winter term Featured Preceptor. In her role as a preceptor, Argyle is committed to shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners (NPs) into the best versions of themselves.
"As a preceptor, you get to have a hand in shaping the future of healthcare," Argyle said. "There are many voices out there trying to silence NPs. Teaching students to stand up for themselves and the profession is worth any bit of time precepting takes."
A 2015 graduate of FNU, Argyle serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) at Falls Community Hospital and Clinic in the small rural community of Marlin, Texas. A town with a population of about 5,600, Marlin's poverty rate is approximately 46 percent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In her role as an FNP, Argyle cares for the residents of Marlin, along with those living in the outlying communities of Falls County.
For many of her patients, access to the Falls Community Hospital and Clinic is a 30 to 40-minute commute, despite it being their nearest healthcare facility. Working in a rural setting, Argyle is often required to investigate complex problems and establish long-term plans for her patients due to a lack of specialists in the area and lack of patient resources. From providing COVID-19 vaccine information to resources for pregnant patients, Argyle serves as a consistent source of care for her patients.
Before working with Falls Community Hospital and Clinic, Argyle worked as an FNP for healthcare facilities throughout Oklahoma, including Grand Lake Mental Health Center.
Argyle balances her career as an FNP with her work as a preceptor. Over the years, she has served as a preceptor to countless students in central Texas. As a preceptor, Argyle said her favorite part of the experience is witnessing a student grasp a concept in practice that was difficult in didactic learning.
"When they see it done in practice, it's always fun to see the light come on," she said. "I also love the questions they ask because it challenges me to learn more."
As an alumnus, Argyle said she particularly enjoys working with FNU students.
"The students from Frontier are always well prepared and are ready to learn," Argyle said. "I've precepted several students from other colleges. I didn't realize how fortunate I was to have such a stellar education until I started precepting. I'm grateful for FNU every single day."
FNU student Megan Hoang, who nominated Argyle, said she provides students with the clinical experience they dream about during didactic courses.
"She is a firm yet loving guide who constantly pushes you to grow into what she knows you can be," Hoang said.
Thank you, Robin, for your work as a preceptor and your compassionate care for rural, underserved patients in your community. Your work has truly exemplified FNU's Culture of Caring.
To read about previously recognized preceptors or to nominate a preceptor, click here.
Are you interested in becoming a Frontier preceptor? Learn more here.
Filed Under: Faces of Frontier, News Tagged With: Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP, Preceptor
Featured Preceptor: Shannon Conley, FNP, Providing Compassionate Care for Underserved, Rural Patients
Shannon Conley, FNP
Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to showcase Shannon Conley as the Fall Term Featured Preceptor. Conley was nominated by FNU graduate Channa Arnett, FNP, for her dedication to patients in Eastern Kentucky.
Conley, a graduate of FNU, serves as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) for Big Sandy Health Care in Eastern Kentucky, a role she has taken on for the past 10 years. Working with a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Conley interacts with many underserved adult patients, most of whom are dealing with chronic conditions and have obstacles when it comes to accessing treatment.
Keeping this in mind, Conley provides patients with transportation assistance, medical assistance and remains cognizant of the cost of medication. Conley also serves as a preceptor in her community, training future FNPs to address the shortage of providers in her region.
They begin as nervous students — unsure of where to start — then gradually grow into an independent provider. It makes me proud to know that I have taken a part in developing a competent, confident and caring nurse practitioner."
– Shannon Conley, FNP
"I really enjoy watching students grow and gain confidence in their knowledge and skills," Conley said. "They begin as nervous students — unsure of where to start — then gradually grow into an independent provider. It makes me proud to know that I have taken a part in developing a competent, confident and caring nurse practitioner."
Throughout her time at Big Sandy Health Care, Conley has successfully treated and cured multiple chronic hepatitis C patients. She also has educated others on appropriate guidelines to adjust diabetic medications. As a result of her guidance, numerous patients with Type 2 diabetes have been able to stop taking insulin and only use oral glucose-lowering medications.
"She has dedicated her life to providing care to the people of Eastern Kentucky," Arnett said. "I have been amazed by the time she spends with her patients and the effort she puts forth ensuring they have the knowledge they need to be an active part of their own healthcare."
"She loves teaching and serves the community by sharing her knowledge with future providers so they may go on to serve their communities," Arnett continued.
We want to thank Shannon Conley for her dedication to underserved patients in her community, for helping to train a new generation of nurse practitioners and for demonstrating FNU's Culture of Caring.
Click here to read more Featured Preceptor stories and find information on nominating a Featured Preceptor.
Those interested in becoming a FNU Preceptor can learn more here.
Filed Under: Alumni, Faces of Frontier, News Tagged With: Alumni, Family Nurse Practitioner, Preceptor
Frontier Nursing University's Family Nurse Practitioner Program Ranked #3 By U.S. News and World Report
February 2, 2022 By Frontier Nursing University
Frontier Nursing University (FNU), located in Versailles, Ky., has the third-best Online Family Nurse Practitioner Master's Program according to rankings compiled and released by U.S. News and World Report on January 25, 2022.
"We are very honored to be recognized by U.S. News and World Report as having one of the leading online FNP programs in the nation," said FNU President Dr. Susan Stone, CNM, DNSc, FAAN, FACNM. "We are even prouder of our more than 2,900 Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) graduates who are providing much-needed care to their communities across the country. These graduates are actively fulfilling FNU's mission to serve all individuals with an emphasis on women and families in diverse, rural, and underserved populations."
Founded in 1939 as the Frontier Graduate School of Midwifery, FNU has a long history of innovation and leadership in nursing and midwifery education. In the late 1960s, university leaders recognized the need for broader education to provide comprehensive primary care to all family members. This led to the formation of the first Family Nurse Practitioner program in the United States and the university changed its name to the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing to reflect the addition of the FNP program in 1970.
"In the 1950s and 1960s the birth rate dropped and there were more treatments developed to treat chronic conditions. Frontier Nursing Service identified the need for nurses trained in primary care to provide services to the rural and underserved communities," said FNU Dean of Nursing Dr. Joan Slager, CNM, DNP, FACNM, FAAN. "Launching the FNP program was in alignment with FNU's mission of educating nurses to meet the health care needs of rural and underserved communities."
In 1989, FNU established itself as a pioneer in distance education when its leaders recognized the national shortage of nurse-midwives. They understood that there were nurses living in rural and underserved areas who would pursue graduate education if they were given the opportunity without a requirement to leave their home community. FNU developed a hybrid model of distance learning that transformed the university into one of the largest and most successful graduate schools of nursing in the United States. The overall student experience is a hybrid model of two campus experiences, combined with didactic coursework online and community-based clinical practicum in students' home communities. The FNU network consists of more than 140 didactic faculty and Regional Clinical Faculty (RCF) located nationwide, alumni, clinical preceptors, and more than 2,500 students located in every state, and a dynamic online presence for academic and peer support.
"In the 1950s and 1960s the birth rate dropped and there were more treatments developed to treat chronic conditions. Frontier Nursing Service identified the need for nurses trained in primary care to provide services to the rural and underserved communities. Launching the FNP program was in alignment with FNU's mission of educating nurses to meet the health care needs of rural and underserved communities."
The U.S. News and World Report rankings are held in high regard due to their thorough and rigorous review process. The online FNP rankings were compiled using these five weighted categories:
Engagement (30%): In a quality program, aspiring advanced practice nurses can readily collaborate with fellow students in their classes and clinical settings. In turn, instructors are not only accessible and responsive but are also tasked with helping create an experience rewarding enough for students to stay enrolled and complete their degrees in a reasonable amount of time.
Faculty Credentials and Training (20%): Strong online nursing programs employ instructors with academic credentials that mirror those of instructors for campus-based programs, and they have the resources to train these instructors to teach distance learners.
Expert Opinion (20%): A survey of high-ranking academic officials in nursing helps account for intangible factors affecting program quality that statistics do not capture. Also, employers may hold in high regard degrees from programs that academics respect.
Services and Technologies (20%): Programs that incorporate diverse online learning technologies allow greater flexibility for students to take classes from a distance. Outside of classes, strong support structures provide learning assistance, career guidance, and financial aid resources commensurate with quality campus-based programs.
Student Excellence (10%): Student bodies entering with proven aptitudes, ambitions and accomplishments can handle the demands of rigorous coursework. Furthermore, online degrees that schools award judiciously will have greater legitimacy in the job market.
FNU has been highly rated in other U.S. News and World Report rankings, including 37th out of 330 Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs in 2021. Updated rankings for the DNP and other categories are scheduled to be released in March.
Are you or someone you know interested in applying to our top ranked FNP program? Request to learn more by filling out this form.
Filed Under: News, Nurse Practitioners Tagged With: Family Nurse Practitioner, Family nurse practitioner program, US News and 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
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
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.
Filed Under: News, Nurse Practitioners Tagged With: Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Community, Culture of Caring, Family Nurse Practitioner, FNU, Frontier, Frontier Nursing University, National Nurse Practitioner Week, NP Week, nurse practitioners, primary care
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.
Filed Under: Faces of Frontier, News, Nurse Practitioners Tagged With: Alumni, alumni spotlight, faces of frontier, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family nurse practitioner program, FNU, Frontier Nursing University, Master of Science in Nursing, MSN, Nurse Practitioner, nurse practitioners
FNU Mentoring Programs Seek to Improve Retention and Encourage Lifelong Learning – PART 2
October 4, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University
The community at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) understands and appreciates the positive role mentorship plays in preparing competent, entrepreneurial, ethical and compassionate leaders in primary care. The University has launched two programs to support underrepresented students, including FNU's Professional Organization Mentoring Program (POMP) and the Comprehensive Mentoring Program. For more details on the programs, read part one which details the program specifics.
The Benefits of Being a Mentor
"Being a mentor allows me to experience the brilliance and determination of our students in new ways," said course faculty Lauren Arrington, DNP, CNM, "My mentee and I have discovered new approaches to navigate the challenging balance of work, life, and school. My mentee has already made valuable contributions to the field of nursing and community health, and I find myself inspired and motivated to ensure her success. She embodies the innovation and love for humanity that our healthcare system needs. It's an honor to be a mentor."
"I am fortunate to be involved in the FNU mentoring program and to be partnered with mentees who come with varied knowledge, skill, and experience," said Dr. Diane John, FNU Course Faculty (2021) and Mentor. "Mentoring extends far beyond the traditional one-way model where the mentor predominantly serves as a role model, with the sole purpose to serve as the expert. It is my goal to meet mentees where they are, to listen, to collaborate, to guide, and to learn. This has certainly been the case with the FNU mentoring program that allows the mentor and the mentee to engage in an experience designed to meet individual goals and objectives."
The Benefits of Being Mentored
"I started the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Program in Summer 2020," said Dorcas Adeniyi, BSN, RN, PMHNP Class 196. "The day that I started the Frontier Bound orientation, I was full of excitement with a promising future ahead. All of the professors that did orientation for us on those three wonderful days were excellent, but there was a fear of survival. My heart was full of fear of the unknown, and how I will survive the program and be able to achieve my goals. To my surprise, I got an email from the University inviting me to join the mentoring programs. Having a mentor has given me assurance, served as a resource, exposed me to what I need to know about the program, and showed me the way to the future. Since I have been assigned to Dr. John, I have never regretted having a mentor. Dr. John has met with me several times to see how I am doing and to check if I have any difficulty with my courses. Dr. John has introduced me to the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) because I love serving the underserved such as the people who lack access to care and insurance and live in rural and remote areas. I was fortunate to attend the NRHA webinar and learn how to serve these people and how to establish my own private clinic in the future because these are my future goals.
As a PMHNP student, I have been taught that PMHNPs are role models, educators, and leaders in the curriculum. Therefore, I have been exposed to preparing a poster for teaching and educating purposes by Dr. John. Dr. John and I are looking forward to presenting our poster titled "Traumatic Stress Prevention" in 2022. I am thankful for the privilege to have a mentor at Frontier Nursing University. I did not take the mentoring program for granted."
"For years, I've advocated for mentoring programs wherever I go and have mentored others, but I've never had my own mentor," Kimether Redmon said. "It's very exciting!"
Be sure check out Part 1 of this blog which highlights the details of the mentoring programs!
Benefits of being a Mentee
Gain practical advice, encouragement, and support
Learn from the experiences of others
Increase your social and academic confidence
Become more empowered to make decisions
Develop your communication, study, and personal skills
Develop strategies for dealing with both personal and academic issues
Identify goals and establish a sense of direction
Gain valuable insight into the next stage of your university career
Benefits of being a Mentor
Improve communication and personal skills
Develop leadership and management qualities
Reinforce your own study skills and knowledge of your subject(s)
Increase your confidence and motivation
Engage in a volunteering opportunity, valued by employers
Enhance your CV
Increase your circle of friends
Gain recognition for your skills and experience
Benefit from a sense of fulfillment and personal growth
Filed Under: Diversity, News Tagged With: Community, Comprehensive Mentoring Program, COVID-19, Family Nurse Practitioner, Frontier Nursing University, mentor, mentoring, Mentorship, Nurse-Midwife, Nurse-Midwives, Nursing Workforce Diversity, Professional Organization Mentoring Program
September 30, 2021 By Frontier Nursing University
The community at Frontier Nursing University (FNU) understands and appreciates the positive role mentorship plays in preparing competent, entrepreneurial, ethical and compassionate leaders in primary care. The University has launched two programs to support underrepresented students, including FNU's Professional Organization Mentoring Program (POMP) and the Comprehensive Mentoring Program. This blog highlights the details of the programs, and part two will share the experiences of both mentors and mentees.
In an effort to create even stronger interaction and connection between students and faculty, FNU's Professional Organization Mentoring Program (POMP) was created in 2018. POMP matches FNU faculty with underrepresented nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery students to provide support and mentorship. The program allows students to join a professional organization in their field, as well as gives them the opportunity to attend a professional conference with their mentors, with conference registration and professional membership fees covered. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, POMP has been redesigned to allow participating students to attend conferences virtually with faculty mentor guidance.
Frontier has also launched the Comprehensive Mentoring Program, a pilot program initiated via funds from the Nursing Workforce Diversity (NWD) grant. This program is designed to support and retain students from underrepresented groups, by meeting their specific professional and academic needs The goal of the program is to form an ongoing relationship between mentor and mentee and expose the mentee to other means of mentoring to continue support and lifelong learning.
While the program is a pilot, it is expected to be fully implemented beyond the NWD grant period.
Expectations for both the mentors and mentees are well-defined and presented to all program participants.
Student mentees are expected to:
Create an essay to explicate their need for a mentor (no more than 500 words)
List at least 3 individualized professional and/or program-specific goals
Meet with the mentor at least once a month for 1 hour for 1 year
Complete an evaluation of the FNU Comprehensive Mentoring Program every 3 months
Mentors will be expected to:
Attend one mandatory professional mentor education and training session offered by FNU
Participate in the mentoring program for at least 1 year
Mentor at least 2 students
Meet with mentees at least once a month for at least 1 hour for 1 year
Document meetings and activities with mentees
Expose mentees to internal and external professional activities
Assist mentees with programmatic needs
The implementation of mentoring programs at FNU has positively impacted the retention rate for students of color which is currently 84 percent, exceeding our goal of 80 percent.
Many students like Kimether Redmon have benefitted from the mentoring program.
"For years, I've advocated for mentoring programs wherever I go and have mentored others, but I've never had my own mentor," Redmon said. "It's very exciting!"
Check out Part 2 of this series which will share more detailed stories of students and mentors.