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Have you ever wondered about what makes up a truly memorable experience? What are the components in this search for a dynamic encounter? There should be a fair amount of variety. The expression “variety is the spice of life” may come to mind in this pursuit. A deep sense of purpose must also be included. And of course such an experience must at least possess the potential to be life changing. The Courier Program of the Frontier Nursing Service is an exciting opportunity that fulfills all the above criteria.
The Frontier Nursing Service maintains six rural healthcare clinics, the Mary Breckinridge Hospital, Mary Breckinridge Home Health Agency, the Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing and the Bed and Breakfast Inn at Wendover. Our Couriers have the chance to observe everyday operations and to volunteer their time with many projects that are essential to the success our organization. Our Couriers have worked on many projects within the community such as helping construct a home for Habitat for Humanity, providing pet therapy at our local nursing home, or passing out food for the Leslie County Food Pantry. These are just a few of the countless ways to make the most of your time in this internship in Eastern Kentucky. Many of our Couriers have an interest in nursing, medicine, history, education, midwifery or a similar field.
The Courier program offers the chance to continue the legacy of our founder, Mary Breckinridge. Mrs. Breckinridge started the Courier Program in 1928 to assist the nurse-midwives in their everyday operations. Whether it is taking care of the horses, (the only way to travel around Leslie County in 1928 was by horses or mules.) caring for the Wendover gardens, or assisting the nurse-midwives with home births, the Courier’s role was an essential one. As times have changed, the Courier’s function has remained vital to FNS. Our program is very service oriented. Sometimes tasks such as filing in our development office or helping our kitchen staff with special dinners may first appear to be minor. However, every activity performed by our Couriers are not only very appreciated but also a significant part of the overall big picture.
How could the Courier Program become a life-changing experience? Have you ever heard of “Southern Hospitality”? This perception is a reality in Eastern Kentucky. The residents are extremely friendly, the food is outstanding and the simple life is very inviting. Life is indeed what you make out of it. If you are searching a new challenge, a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of city/suburban life, or just the opportunity to explore a behind-the-scenes look at some of today’s hottest careers, the staff at FNS encourages you to apply for the Courier Program today.
The Courier Program Internship is for young adults 18 years or older who wish to work in a rural healthcare environment and experience rural Appalachian culture. Couriers have the opportunity to observe or shadow medical professionals as they are providing healthcare - including internists, family nurse practitioners, nurse- midwives and others, in our 25 bed hospital and five rural healthcare clinics. Couriers also have the opportunity to pursue individual interest within the community through organizations such as Hospice, Adult Day Care, food pantries, Hyden Nursing Home, Adult Learning Center, free clinics, Habitat for Humanity, Housing Development Alliance, public schools, Rape Crisis Center, New Beginnings Child Day Care, Safe House Domestic Violence Program, and drug rehab. Couriers are required to wear the traditional khaki pants/skirt and a white shirt. The Courier Program is unique in the way it offers flexible scheduling, allowing couriers to shadow or work in the community as they choose. The Couriers live in the Daniel Boone National Forest at the historic headquarters of the Frontier Nursing Service at Wendover, overlooking the Middlefork of the Kentucky River. Also located at Wendover is the log home of Mrs. Mary Breckinridge, The Big House. Couriers are provided home cooked meals and onsite laundry. The Courier Program can be tailored to meet the needs of each individual volunteer. Motivated self-initiators will find the opportunities vast.
Duration: Eight weeks minimum - twelve weeks maximum: Year Round
Cost: $250 covers room and board for 8-12 weeks upon acceptance
To Apply: Must be over 18, graduated from High School, have valid U.S. Drivers License, vehicle, and auto insurance.
Applicants are encouraged to apply at least 2 months prior to their availability.
Supervisor: AnnDraia Bales, Courier Coordinator
Location: Wendover, KY
Enrollment: Rolling
Find us on Facebook – The Courier of the Frontier Nursing Service
Experience by past Couriers:
As I look back on my
time as a courier with FNS I have a sense of fulfillment. During my time in
Eastern Kentucky I was able to experience the many aspects of rural healthcare,
volunteer with some very noble
organizations, and form friendships with unique individuals. Each of these
experiences
has shaped my life in some way, and I hope to carry them with me in both my
personal and professional life. My most memorable volunteer experiences come
from the adult day care in Hazard. When I first visited the day care I had no
idea the impact the clients would leave on my life and how much I would enjoy
visiting with them, coloring, and doing craft projects. It was such a joy to
work with not only elderly adults, but also adults in their twenties and
thirties. They were always there to welcome me with a hug and a smile, which
made my day each time I visited. –Jenna Wenger Summer 2007 Courier
Getting to be a part of FNS for eight weeks was an amazing experience for me.
Not only did I learn so much from the opportunities I had shadowing in the
clinics and the hospital, but I also learned a great amount from the
organizations I got to volunteer with in the surrounding communities. The people
were so friendly and the Courier coordinator did a wonderful job at making me
feel welcome and meeting any of my needs. My goal before going to Southeastern
Kentucky was to help out wherever I was needed and I went willing to do just
about anything, but I feel as though I was the one who truly benefited from this
experience. I learned so much from the people I shadowed, the people I worked
with, the places I volunteered at, and from the people I lived with. Being
involved with so much while in Kentucky really made my stay worthwhile and I
have already recommend the Courier Program to others. I truly appreciated the
hospitality while staying at Wendover and the opportunity to experience the
Appalachian culture. -Amy Woodbury Summer 2007 Courier
Courier Application
If you are interested in volunteering your services, spending 12 weeks as a
Courier volunteer,
Click Here to Download the Application.
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