FSMFN Scholarship Criteria In Continue Continue Nursing FSMFN Statement of Scholarship
At Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing (FSMFN), scholarship is broadly defined to encompass activities that systematically advance teaching, research, and practice in midwifery, family nursing, and women’s health care through rigorous inquiry. FSMFN aligns with Boyer’s (1990) assertion that “theory leads to practice, but practice also leads to theory,” emphasizing that teaching at its best informs both research and practice. At FSMFN, the scholarship of teaching, research, and practice are equally valued, forming a continuum that strengthens the educational experience.
Scholarship Criteria in Distant Education
FSMFN evaluates scholarly work based on the following criteria, as outlined by Boyer (1990):
- Clear Goals: The scholarly work must have well-defined objectives that address significant issues in the field of nursing.
- Adequate Preparation: Scholarly work should build on prior research and a deep understanding of the existing body of knowledge.
- Appropriate Methods: Research methods must be systematic, disciplined, and relevant to the study’s goals.
- Significant Contribution: The work must contribute meaningfully to the advancement of nursing practice, education, or research.
- Effective Presentation: Scholars must present their findings clearly and effectively, ensuring their work can influence others.
- Reflective Criticism: Ongoing evaluation and refinement of the work is necessary to ensure continuous improvement.
FSMFN encourages a broad definition of “scholarly work,” including activities that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in nursing. These criteria guide faculty and students in assessing and advancing their scholarly work in both traditional and distant education settings.
Continue New Program Development
FSMFN remains committed to developing innovative educational programs. This includes the creation of new pathways for students, such as the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program (WHNP) and the combined Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) program. In 2001, FSMFN received licensure from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to offer the WHNP track within its MSN program. The program was further approved by the National Certification Corporation (NCC), allowing CNEP graduates to complete an additional clinical course and sit for the national WHNP certification exam.
FSMFN also developed a program plan for students seeking dual certification as both CNMs and FNPs. This program enables students to pursue both certifications without duplicating coursework, with several students successfully completing this pathway.
Increase Offerings in Continuing Education
FSMFN expanded its continuing education offerings by revising its curriculum to provide non-matriculated courses for nurse midwives and nurse practitioners who need to update their knowledge base. These web-based courses, which include pharmacology, physical assessment, and primary care, are designed to meet the needs of practitioners without requiring on-campus attendance. Additionally, FSMFN introduced courses aimed at enhancing clinical preceptors’ teaching skills, which are offered both in book format and via CD-ROM.
Develop a Comprehensive Facilities Management Plan
FSMFN recognizes the importance of maintaining a safe, technologically advanced, and aesthetically pleasing campus environment. Over the past three years, FSMFN has revised and improved its facilities management plan, which assesses the state of all campus facilities and identifies areas for improvement. This plan outlines a 10-year maintenance schedule to ensure continued upgrades related to safety, security, and technology while preserving the historic charm of FSMFN’s buildings.
Assessments of the facilities are regularly incorporated into student evaluations during on-site visits, with new improvements implemented based on student feedback. The school’s commitment to creating a wireless, technologically advanced environment ensures that students, faculty, and staff have access to cutting-edge resources that support learning and research.
Develop, Implement, Evaluate, and Improve a Comprehensive Plan for Institutional Effectiveness
Institutional effectiveness has become a major focus at FSMFN, influencing all aspects of the school’s operations. FSMFN’s administrators and faculty regularly attend the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) annual meetings, which offer valuable insights into implementing effective educational strategies.
In 2002, FSMFN developed a clear mission statement in collaboration with faculty, staff, and board members. Every five years, FSMFN establishes five-year objectives aligned with this mission, ensuring that the school remains focused on its long-term goals. Each year, the school also creates an annual strategic plan, which includes measurable goals and objectives to guide its activities. The evaluation process for these goals ensures that FSMFN uses data to continuously improve its programs and operations.
In 2003, FSMFN hired a consultant to assist in refining its institutional effectiveness plan. This consultant reviewed the school’s planning process and provided recommendations for improvement. As a result, FSMFN implemented a new format for planning and evaluation, which includes clearly defined goals and measurable objectives for each course and activity.
Evaluation tools, such as course evaluations, student satisfaction surveys, and faculty satisfaction surveys, are systematically implemented and the results are documented and used to improve processes. FSMFN also developed a Quality Enhancement Portal that collates all school evaluations and outcomes, providing a transparent and accessible system for faculty, students, and staff. Instructors can access their course evaluation results at any time, facilitating continuous course improvement.
The graduate survey, conducted annually, gathers feedback from graduates and their employers, both one year and five years post-graduation. This data is analyzed and used by the faculty to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the program. FSMFN’s commitment to attending SACS conferences, working with consultants, and implementing structured evaluation processes has led to a steady improvement in the quality of the institution.
Continuous Improvement in Institutional Effectiveness
The systematic approach FSMFN has developed for evaluating its processes and outcomes has resulted in improved quality across all aspects of the school. By aligning its operations with a clear mission and measurable objectives, FSMFN has embedded a culture of continuous improvement into the institution. This commitment to ongoing evaluation ensures that FSMFN remains a leader in nursing education and provides students with the highest quality education possible.
Conclusion
FSMFN’s efforts to develop scholarship, create new programs, and improve its institutional effectiveness demonstrate its commitment to excellence in nursing education. The school’s focus on using web-based courses, increasing financial resources, enhancing student retention, and expanding research opportunities ensures that it continues to lead in distance learning for nurse midwives and nurse practitioners. Through careful planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement, FSMFN is able to provide high-quality education that meets the needs of its students and the evolving demands of healthcare.