Part 1: The FSMFN (in a Nutshell)

E. Preceptor Support

Regional Clinical Coordinators (RCCs)

Students are assigned to a Regional Clinical Coordinator by region once admitted to the program.

• Are experienced nurse-midwives or nurse practitioners residing in the region that they coordinate.
• Interview applicants for admission if asked by Department Chair.
• Serve as the liaison between the clinical sites, the Quality Assurance Coordinator, the clinical preceptors, the students, and the appropriate DC.
• Guide students through the clinical practicum and Level IV, fostering the networking of students in their area.
• Visit sites to assess student progress and to ensure positive learning environments.
• Evaluate clinical performance and assign the clinical grades with input from the Clinical Faculty.

rev. 3/9/05

President and Dean

As the leader of the FSMFN faculty and staff, the President and Dean implements policy and directs all functions of the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing. Policy development and all functions of the FSMFN are in keeping with the philosophy of the FSMFN. The Board of Directors of the FSMFN participates in these processes. The President and Dean provides direction to the Department Chairs, faculty, staff and students to ensure the efficient, economical and effective use of all organizational resources to meet the identified needs of the School.

rev. 6/16/04

Department Chairs (DC's)

• Provide leadership to the faculty staff, and students. Assume responsibility for the overall administration of their department and the smooth functioning of the specialty educational programs and faculty practices in their department. They are the administrative liaisons with the President and Dean. They are your contact for development of your plan of study and for issues that are not resolved with the course coordinator, student advisor or RCC.

• As the academic leaders of the specialty program(s) in their departments, the DCs are responsible for the overall integrity of the specialty curriculum including the quality of the clinical sites for area of specialty.

• Assure the smooth functioning of their programs, compliance with accrediting bodies, and adherence to the by-laws and policies of the FSMFN.  TheDCs are always available to students and faculty.

• Are knowledgeable concerning distance education practices and techniques and assist faculty and staff in remaining current in these areas.

• Assumes responsibility for the assigned education program curriculum development and distance education implementation using criteria of the appropriate specialty option credentialing organization, regulatory bodies, and/or relevant organizations if appropriate.

• Work with the Quality Assurance Coordinator to ensure the highest quality of clinical experience for the students.

• Evaluates transcripts and allows transfer of credits as appropriate.

• Provides individual and group student guidance and monitors individual and group student progress.

• Reviews student evaluations related to curriculum and teaching effectiveness of faculty and provides necessary feedback for faculty. Works to assure quality of the curriculum.

• Works with course faculty to develop and maintain criteria for success in academic and or clinical courses.

• Work closely with  student, Course Faculty and the RCCs on the resolution of student academic or clinical problems.

• Attends Frontier Bound to orient students to the School and the education program.

• Attends Level III to monitor student feedback related to curriculum and discuss clinical and/or Level IV coursework as appropriate.

• Work closely with Faculty, student leaders, and individual students in relation to student issues. 

• Supervise the work of the Regional Clinical Coordinators, including management of site information and evaluation and preparation of students for entry into the clinical practicum.

• Interviews applicants for admission.

rev. 5/28/04

Facilities

FSMFN has a central campus in Hyden, Kentucky. FSMFN is a part of the historic Frontier Nursing Service. In Hyden, there are learning facilities that include classrooms, computer laboratory, and a multimedia library specializing in distance education.

Administrative Support

The staff in Hyden supports students through the admissions process, helps them with financial aid, and provides them with course materials and library services. They also support students and faculty during their on-campus courses and meetings.

Quality Assurance Coordinator (QAC) (Hyden Office)

• Manages the clinical site Affiliation Agreements, providing the direct link between the clinical sites, the FSMFN administration, and the School’s legal counsel.
• Assures written evidence of compliance with Standards of Practice and accreditation of the educational programs.
• Coordinates the system of risk management and liability insurance and the computerized Student Management System.

rev. 2/1/02

The Multimedia Team

The MM Team is responsible for assisting students and faculty with computer skills, trouble-shooting computer problems and maintaining our communications bulletin board system, the Banyan Tree. The Multimedia Team also designs and maintains the FSMFN website, www.midwives.org. All of the didactic courses are delivered via the website.

rev. 3/4/04

“Your RCC is a great resource. Remember, we all want to be connected, to serve, and to contribute to the global community.” - Anonymous Preceptor

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