Women’s History Month Highlight: Dr. Kimberly Fenstermacher

Each March, the United States celebrates the impact of women in our nation and communities during Women's History Month. Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) eagerly joins in the celebration by highlighting just a few of the many impactful women who make up our staff, faculty, alumni, and student body.

Dr. Kimberly Fenstermacher's professional nursing career spans more than 40 years, including 15 years in academic nursing leadership. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Boston University, she worked for 20 years as a neonatal intensive care nurse before returning to school to earn a Master of Science in Nursing as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (2004) and a doctorate in nursing (2011) from The Pennsylvania State University. She received the National Institutes of Health F31 National Research Service Award to study the experience of perinatal bereavement in Black urban adolescents, and she has published several peer-reviewed articles on the topic of perinatal bereavement as well as other qualitative research studies.

Prior to joining PBA in 2024 to serve as dean of the School of Nursing, Fenstermacher was assistant dean and professor of nursing at Messiah University, a private Christian university in Pennsylvania. Fenstermacher is co-author of the book "Called to Care: A Christian Vision for Nursing" (2021). Learn more below about what Women's History Month means to her.

What's a recent development, breakthrough, or opportunity in nursing that you're excited about?

As a nurse educator, there is much to be excited about. We are laser focused on building nursing students' competency in clinical decision-making and interprofessional collaboration. The School of Nursing is blessed to have wonderful partners at PBA and through our clinical affiliations to afford our students rich learning opportunities. I am also excited to provide opportunities for professional growth for our PBA nursing students. For example, this past November, 20 nursing students from PBA attended the Nursing Consortium of Florida conference where they engaged with nursing leaders from across the state. Opportunities like this foster professional comportment in our students as they begin their nursing careers.

What's something you or your team are working on right now that advances nursing in research, best practices, or growth?

The faculty are working on infusing more competency-based simulation at the undergrad and grad levels to assess what students can "do" as opposed to just testing what they "know" on an exam. We are so blessed to have grant money to upgrade our simulation lab with state-of-the-art simulators that enable us to engage students in active learning in a space that is edifying and enriching.

Why is Women's History Month meaningful to you?

The history of the profession of nursing can be traced back to so many influential women. Most notable of course is Florence Nightingale, who is legendary in our profession for her many contributions to both the practice and the science of nursing.

Who is a woman who has made a significant impact upon your life, and how?

My grandmother made a significant impact on my life. She is the one who took me to church every time the doors were open! She made it possible for me to attend summer church camp, which is where I accepted Christ. My grandmother had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but she grew up during The Great Depression and was forced to drop out of school after the 8th grade to help at home after her mother passed away. Despite her many hardships, she was still quite an intellectual and one of the most informed, bright, and thoughtful people I have ever known. She taught me the most important things in life: love God, love people, and be kind.

What are some challenges you have faced in your career and how have you sought to overcome them?

The most impactful challenge of my career came when I was in my doctoral program at Penn State in 2010. My father and my grandmother both passed away within 18 hours of each other (on my birthday) after lengthy illnesses that required my involvement in their care. I was juggling a family, a part-time job, and caregiving while maintaining a full-time doctoral program and a graduate assistantship with a National Institutes of Health-funded grant to manage. That season taught me to depend on God for strength and to lean into the scripture to guide me through really hard times of loss and challenge. God is so good, He is so faithful. I love that we can trust Him to carry us when we are weak. That season of life left me more resilient and more compassionate towards my future students who need support when they are facing difficult life situations.

What advice would you give to young women launching their careers?

Always work as unto the Lord and do everything with excellence. Never burn a bridge. Always keep your professional connections healthy and positive. Always be kind… always. First impressions matter. Opportunity will come to you when you least expect it. Pray without ceasing so that you can discern God's will and calling.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

It is never too late to pursue your calling! I did not even consider a career in higher education until I was in my 40s. I finished my doctorate at age 50. Life comes in seasons; be patient and follow God's call.

Learn more about PBA's School of Nursing and health care programs at https://www.pba.edu/academics/schools/nursing/.