A strong foundation of knowledge and commitment.

Colleen Frankenfield, RN, NHA, AAS, BA, MS, JD

I began working with older adults in senior care while I was in high school. I remember my mother always telling me that nursing was a great career choice and would open many doors for me. Fast forward 40 years later, and my mother was exactly right and she probably would never believe where the education, training and the values that I received from my Felician education would lead me.
    
Today, as the CEO of an organization that provides senior services, hospice, home care, senior housing and support services to over 6000 individuals a year, I draw on the education that Felician provided me in nursing, but also on the values and sense of responsibility to serve and care for others.  Through my course work at Felician, I learned to see the individual needs of others, to strive to alleviate pain and suffering and to value each moment of life so that I could make a difference. 

As I look back on these last few months, I know that no amount of education could have prepared us for the challenges that we find with caring for individuals infected with COVID-19.  It has been the values and commitment to others that has been really necessary during this challenging time. Anyone can learn infectious disease protocols, but only those that are truly committed can meet the challenge. 

During these last two months, I have watched our team members demonstrate that commitment over and over.  Talking to staff that were in tears, comforting family that were afraid for their family members or just lost a loved one.  These challenges can only be met when a nurse has a strong foundation of knowledge and commitment.  Felician instilled both and I am ever grateful for the education that I received at Felician.  Join me in supporting the development and scholarship of more nurses in one of the best programs on the East Coast!  

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