Throughout her career, Jacquelyn “Jacq” Free, APRN, FNP-C, has made an impact not only on the patients she serves, but also on the next generation of healthcare providers.
Free, who began practicing in Sidney in 2009, currently provides primary care at MonDak Family Clinic in Fairview, Montana, an outreach service of Sidney Health Center. Throughout her career, she has served as a mentor and preceptor for 19 nurse practitioner and physician assistant students.
Clinical experiences are an important part of preparing future advanced practice providers for their careers. By welcoming students into her practice, Free has shared her clinical knowledge and experience while providing opportunities for students to develop their skills caring for patients in a rural healthcare setting.
“I enjoy precepting NP and PA students because I believe in giving back to the profession and helping prepare the next generation of providers,” Free said. “Working and living in a rural community, I’ve seen firsthand how important access to quality healthcare is, and I hope to encourage students to stay invested in and become part of communities like ours.”
Free said serving as a preceptor also contributes to her own professional growth.
“Precepting keeps me on my toes. It challenges me to continually learn, stay current with medical guidelines and make sure I’m providing the best care I can to my patients,” she said.
The impact of Free’s mentorship can be seen throughout Sidney Health Center today. Six individuals she has mentored are now members of the Sidney Health Center team, including four advanced practice providers and two registered nurses pursuing their nurse practitioner education:
- Chloe Senn, FNP-C – Same-Day Clinic
- Sarah Farrow, AGNP – Primary Care Clinic
- Kaci Dean, FNP – ENT Clinic
- Courtney Miller, AGNP – Cancer Care Medical Oncology Clinic
- Ainhoa “Noa” Fasching, RN, NP Student – OR Nurse
- Ashley Braun, RN, NP Student – Hyperbaric/Wound Care Supervisor
Fasching has had the opportunity to learn from Free twice during her nurse practitioner education and said Free’s willingness to share her knowledge has been an important part of her development.
“Jacq is incredibly supportive while also challenging me to think independently and grow in my confidence as a future nurse practitioner,” Fasching said. “She has taught me so much about clinical decision-making, patient care and what it means to be a well-rounded provider. She has had a tremendous influence on the provider I am becoming.”
For Sidney Health Center, the connection between education and employment is especially meaningful. Providing clinical learning opportunities introduces future healthcare professionals to rural practice while helping develop the workforce needed to care for communities throughout the region.
Free’s willingness to invest her time and expertise in students has created an impact that extends well beyond her own practice. Through teaching, encouragement and hands-on mentorship, she is helping prepare healthcare professionals who will care for patients and communities for years to come.