When Dr. Jennifer Hunter retired from her role as the Northern Kentucky Health Department’s director of clinical services in 2018 after working at the agency for 28 years, she had no plans for her future in health care. That quickly changed, however, when Northern Kentucky University reached out to Hunter to fill in as an instructor in the School of Nursing later that year.
“I had never taught in a classroom before, but I knew the content well,” she says. “Fast forward five years, and now I’m a full-time faculty, as well as the director of the Nurse Advocacy Center for the Underserved (NACU). I consider this my ‘second act,’ and I’m happy that I have a new path in my professional career.”
Hunter graduated from NKU with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1996, and her initial interest in the field developed into a passion for assisting underserved and vulnerable populations as she became more involved in her own nursing practice.
“I consider this my ‘second act,’ and I’m happy that I have a new path in my professional career."
In her current role, Hunter teaches the importance of community and public health nursing, connecting students and registered nurses with NACU clinics based in Covington. A volunteer-based organization, NACU offers free or reduced-cost health care to those living in areas facing health disparities.
“It’s rewarding to open up their world and bring awareness to the clinical setting in the community,” she says. “As a student, college should broaden your horizons in academia but take the extra step to get involved in efforts to help the community. NACU is always looking for student collaboration and fresh ideas on ways to help the underserved.”
Hunter has used her time at NKU to further her own education as well, graduating with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in December 2022 and receiving the program’s Outstanding Student Award for the fall semester. This summer, she will travel the country to disseminate her DNP study—“Social Health Needs Assessment and Community Resource Program at a Medically Underserved Clinical Site”—and was invited to present her findings at the Association of Community Health Nursing Educators’ annual conference in San Diego.
Off-campus, she enjoys spending time with her husband, daughters and their dog, Mollie.
“My older daughter is a nurse and lives in downtown Chicago, which is a fun place to visit. My younger daughter is graduating from the University of Kentucky in May 2023 and will be moving home to find a job,” she adds. “And, I can’t wait to see where my new career takes me and the students I teach.”
Hunter recommends that incoming nursing students remain open to learning anything—even if it makes them uncomfortable.
“Be flexible and push yourself to be the best you can be,” she says. “Take constructive criticism from your teachers as a blessing and realize everyone is there to support your success. Nurses are held to a high standard. NKU School of Nursing will get you there!”
Those interested in getting involved with the NACU can contact Dr. Hunter via email.
