Challenges and Tips for the Novice Grant Writer

Description/Overview: "Challenges and TIPS for the Novice Grant writer" is part of the Center for Excellence in Nursing Education (C E N E) at Sigma Theta Tau-Chamberlain College of Nursing's Faculty Professional Role Development Program which is designed to assist faculty members achieve career goals that lead to promotion and / or tenure. Specifically, the Faculty Professional Role Development Program is committed to assist faculty members on tenure - track positions and clinical, non - tenure - track positions progress through the ranks of the educational academy. While expectations of faculty members in various ranks vary from university to university, entrance into, and movement throughout the educational system frequently requires nurse educators to seek funding for projects designed to implement and evaluate ' best practices ' in nursing education. Differences and similarities between educational research and clinical research will be identified. Challenges inherent for novice grant writers will be explored and TIPS (Thoughts, Ideas, Possible Strategies) will be discussed. Challenges include identification of the changes in national trends, meeting the expectations for evidence - based practice and education, types of grants available and becoming / maintaining competence in grant writing infrastructures (Holtzclaw, 2009). Specific agencies and foundations that fund research in nursing educational topics will be introduced. TIPS to be discussed include selection of an appropriate team which includes all key personnel including the Principal Investigator, Co-Investigators, graduate research assistants, and staff support. Additional TIPS will provide information about the importance of a compelling abstract, specific aims, the background and significance of the study questions and any preliminary studies that have been conducted. The selection of the appropriate research design and methods to be used to conduct the study and analyze the data will be explored. Emphasis on a realistic budget and the rationale for funds which are requested will be discussed.