Program Summary
The Courier Program Public Health Internship is a hybrid summer service-learning program that encompasses a book assignment, community health assessment presentatations, and clinical observations in Woodford County, Kentucky.
Who Can Apply?
We are looking for students to fill 6-8 spots during the summer of 2024. Applicants should be majoring in public health, nursing, healthcare related fields, social work, or psychology. Successful applicants should have at least one year of higher education experience. All 4-year, community college, online, or master's programs will be considered.
Requirements & Qualifications
Applicants will be curious, adaptable, and self‐motivated. Candidates will have a commitment to respect and tolerance and be able to independently engage in unfamiliar situations. Strong written and verbal communication and computer skills are preferred. Personal transportation (a car) and a valid driver’s license are required.
If accepted, Couriers will be required to undergo a drug screen and background check, which they will pay for and be reimbursed at the end of the program. All vaccine policies of Frontier Nursing University will need to be met in order to stay on campus for the program.
What are the goals of the Courier Program Public Health Internship?
- To introduce students to the value of public health, advanced practice nursing, and primary healthcare services to people living in rural and underserved communities.
- To support clinical and other community sites.
- To foster cultural humility through engagement with diverse communities and fellow students.
- To facilitate student's experience of FNU’s mission in action and encourage them to embody the Frontier legacy in their later vocations and personal lives.
What will I do as a Intern?
Intern responsibilities will vary by site. Students will work approximately 25-30 hours per week at a clinical site and will also engage in the community through secondary projects. During the 8 week program, Couriers will:
- Participate in orientation, weekly discussions, Diversity Impact Conference, volunteer service projects, clinical observations.
- Complete a community health profile project from their home county. Paying particular attention to health equity issues.
- Shadow clinicians in their work with patients.
- Perform volunteer duties to meet critical clinical needs.
- Assist in the clinics or other primary sites, helping administrative, management, and staff teams as needed.
- Engage directly with the community through secondary project(s).
- Meet with other interns and staff members on a weekly basis.
- Complete summer reading assignment
The Courier Program does have a Hearts On, Hands Off Policy, meaning that Couriers are not, under any circumstances, permitted to touch clients without permission, nor provide any medical treatment whatsoever. Couriers are required to adhere to this approach with respect to all client interactions.
What kinds of clinical sites will I be serving at?
2024 Courier Program Public Health Internship sites will be in Central Kentucky. Courier sites will be rural and/or in primary or mental health care shortage areas serving medically underserved areas/populations. After applicants have been accepted, Couriers will have the opportunity to rank sites based on their personal interests.
What will I gain by participating?
- Insight into the healthcare sector and the challenges and opportunities of public health and primary care in rural and underserved communities.
- Mentorship from nurses, nurse practitioners, doctors, social workers, nurse‐midwives, community leaders.
- Personal growth including responsibility, accountability, and working in a team.
- Experience working with diverse populations.
- Reputable internship experience for resume building.
Working Conditions & Environment
Students will be working in rural and underserved areas. Each site varies in its level of structure and skill set desired. Successful applicants will be matched to sites in part based on their personal motivation level and skill set in addition to their personal preference. Though it is the ultimate goal of the Courier Program Public Health Internship, its sites, and its staff members to ensure that each student receives a meaningful shadowing experience, there will be times of lull and delay in the daily schedule. This is simply the environment of rural healthcare; some days may be extremely busy, others may not. It is important for the Courier to be flexible and adaptable to schedules and daily demands. Additionally, students should be self-motivated, seeking out opportunities to assist in areas without being told.
It is likely that students will be working and living with populations unlike their community of origin in respect to economics, race, religion, and health status. They are expected to do so with respect and tolerance, both in the workplace, as well as the living quarters. Negativity and banter will not be tolerated.
After the Work Day
Students will reside on FNU’s campus in Versailles, Kentucky, and after the workday is finished, students are encouraged to explore the art, history, and environment of the sites in which they will be staying. There are also may be opportunities for students to volunteer within the community. Information on potential volunteer sites will be provided to students.
