Returning in 2025, the Nursing Research Fellowship is designed to increase capacity and infrastructure for building a research culture that fosters a spirit of inquiry for developing new knowledge and innovation in staff nurses. The Fellowship follows a practicum model as an approach to learning the skills for conducting research guided by nurse scientists and mentors on a research project. The practicum provides a forum to actively participate in IRB-approved research at MSK and apply knowledge of research principles with a seasoned researcher. In collaboration with nurse scientists from our partner institutions, the Fellowship expands the nurse’s ability to investigate topics found in daily practice, empowering them to influence policies and change patient outcomes. This effort develops MSK’s future research leaders and enhances the research culture at each of our member institutions.
The full program timeline is 12-18 months from the first class to the required final presentation. A total of 18 protected or indirect days are required to attend formal classes and for independent assignments. The researcher is either collaborating on a Mentor’s program of research, or on a related study of their research. Each accepted Fellow actively participates in an established program of research and applies their knowledge of research principles with a Nurse Scientist.
Program Goals
- Learning conceptual and empirical foundations, study designs and methodological approaches, and statistical tools for collecting study data.
- Preparing to submit research projects through the institution’s ethical review processes and obtain Internal Review Board (IRB) approval to conduct the study.
- Generating research on topics that align with the institution’s mission and strategic goals.
- Leading a small research study in collaboration with experienced Nurse Scientists.
- Providing ongoing scientific assistance for external dissemination of research findings at professional conferences and journal submissions.
How to Apply
Nurses from the following institutions are invited to apply:
Hospital for Special Surgery (New York, NY), Baystate Health (Springfield, Mass), Cook County Medical Center (Chicago, IL), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Seattle, WA), NYCHHC Metropolitan Hospital (New York, NY), Hartford Healthcare Cancer Center (Hartford, CT).
Prospective candidates must complete the online application which includes an abstract of their research interest and reasons for applying to the Nursing Research Fellowship. This application is the sample that we will use to assess the strength of an applicant’s writing skills. Take time to develop your application, ideate a proposed project, and focus the relationship of your idea to organizational goals. The Abstract is the final step in the process.
The scoring criteria for the application was adapted from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and will be applied to your project overview. Be sure you have included sufficient information using the score sheet - PDF as a guide.
Applicants will be contacted for an interview with a combined group of Nurse Scientists. During this meeting, the candidate will have the opportunity to discuss their project with the Nurse Scientists. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and interview meetings will be scheduled upon submission. Early application is strongly encouraged.
For more information, download Intro, Expectations, and Schedule
Fellowship Prerequisites
Required documents must be completed prior to submission to be uploaded with the application. Incomplete applications will NOT be reviewed.
Applicants are required to obtain Endorsement Letters from frontline and/or Executive Nurse Leaders acknowledging their support for the research project, it’s alignment with institutional strategic goals, and significance to Nursing. You should seek input from colleagues and key stakeholders in determining a research project or idea.
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Curriculum Vitae
Submit a current resume or CV. -
Letter of Support & Endorsement Form
Applicants should seek input from colleagues and key stakeholders in determining a research project or idea. Applicant are required to obtain Endorsement Letters from frontline and/or Executive Nurse Leaders acknowledging their support for the research project, it’s alignment with institutional strategic goals, and significance to Nursing- Download Letter of Support & Endorsement PDF
Modules from the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) are required for all investigators who participate in research
These modules are free and available to employees of all member institutions; nurses may register with their email addresses and affiliation. These courses MUST be completed before acceptance to the Fellowship program is official. (Specific CITI courses required may vary by institution.)
Go to: citiprogram.org to register.
Application
The Applications for the 2025-26 Nursing Research Fellowship are open.