Running head: FRONTIER BOUND REFLECTIONS
Frontier Bound Reflections
Stacey Stout
Frontier University
BT202
March 16, 2012
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FRONTIER BOUND REFLECTIONS
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Frontier Bound Reflections
The journey to Hyden, Kentucky for Frontier Bound impregnated me with a new
perspective on the role of midwifery in the birthing process and the way to approach learning to
become one. We all have reasons for furthering our educations and by Frontier Bound; we think
we have formulated a plan to attain ours goals. I wanted to become a midwife in the acute care
setting.
My idea of a midwifery stemmed from years of working with midwives in the acute care
setting. In the hospital setting, midwives follow a more medical approach to the role by
mirroring the image of their physician partners while offering the holistic care of a nurse (Rooks,
1999). This approach to midwifery still appealed to me as the labor and delivery nurse. It would
allow for more autonomy with patients and allow me to provide the care for not always possible
with physicians directing the care. This role would help facilitate more fulfilling birth
experiences for patients choosing delivery in the acute setting.
After Frontier Bound, I have a deeper desire to assist patients using the midwifery
model. According to Rooks, J. (1999), "The midwifery model recommends waiting until there is
evidence that the intervention is needed. Treating more labors as normal may help them stay
normal; some of the interventions applied because a woman is high-risk cause actual
complications” (para.19). Frontier Bound opened my mind to this way of practicing midwifery.
Births outside the hospital are ranked higher in my heart now. I realize that all pregnancies do
not need to be treated as an illness. Pregnancy is normal and births should be embraced. Every
women and family should choose to have their birth experiences the way they want them. As a
midwife, I should facilitate my patient's desires for their births when at all possible and find a
balance between the two approaches. I am already promised a job upon graduation in the acute
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care setting. The obstetricians that have afforded me this opportunity are willing to combine
these methods to offer the best options for our patients.
Frontier bound changed more than my ideas of what midwifery encompasses. It also
impressed upon me a new model for learning, the COI or community of inquiry. I interpret this
model as a mission for Frontier University to integrate teaching, a social network, and cognitive
learning together to accomplish a more in depth, learning community. Last year, I completed my
baccalaureate degree in an online program. I heard grumbles from many acquaintances regarding
the online educational experience. Common complaints were of forum posts, lack of motivation,
and the difficulty of online classes. I had no fear beyond the technological aspects of distance
learning. I knew my self-motivation and determination would ward off any of the concerns of
others and I trudged up that mountain fearlessly. I was elated when I found out my university did
not require forum postings or group work. I only had to rely on myself. I completed my BSN
successfully in 6 months. I went on to take the pre-requisite, non-matriculating courses through
Frontier and I loathed the forums and group work. I saw them as a delay, setback, and a bother. I
was dealing with strangers and felt no connection to anyone.
After attending Frontier Bound, I have been transformed. I feel like a real part of
something bigger, a family and a revolution! I completely comprehend the importance of the
COI. Students need each other and faculty to accomplish deeper learning and to carry forth the
mission of Mrs. Mary Breckenridge, founder of the Frontier Nursing Service (Breckenridge,
1981). The opportunity to meet fellow students and the faculty of Frontier University
personalized the relationships. It will now be welcoming to collaborate with Class 99 members
and the faculty. I feel like they are my school family and that they share my ultimate goals.
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As I reflect now, my skewed image of midwifery and my learning approach has
focused. I see the clear image of a member of the Frontier family that is ready to embark on a
journey of collaborative learning. I realize now that I don't have to be the burdensome
saddlebag, carrying all the weight of school on my own (Breckinridge, 1981). I'm a part of the
Frontier family. As Mary Breckinridge said, “from now on, in our plans as in our aims, we move
together” to lighten each other’s loads during the journey together through the CNEP program
using the COI (Breckinridge, 1981).
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References
Breckinridge, M. (1981). Wide Neighborhoods: a story of the Frontier Nursing Service.
Kentucky: University Press of Kentucky.
Rooks, J. (1999). Pregnancy & Birth-The Midwifery Model of Care. Retrieved from
http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=21&compID=121