| Learning Objective #1: Describe the selection process for nurses applying for a research, education or leadership fellowship | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify three outcomes of the nurse fellowship program, which document leadership development |
In 2001, Gundersen Lutheran first initiated the nursing fellowship program, funded by their Medical Foundation. For a 1-year period, nursing units are reimbursed for 8 hours of paid staff time each month. The unique opportunity was designed to maximize learning through rigorous coursework and structured clinical applcation to encourage and assist nurses in development, implementation, and dissemination of nursing education, research, and quality assurance projects.
Up to sixteen nurses selected for a fellowship in the areas of leadership, education, or research are allocated 8 hours each month to develop and conduct a project. The nurses' clinical managers and mentors are actively involved in the application process. Projects must be designed to support the mission of the institution, and can be extended for two years.
The personal story of one of the program's research fellows will be presented to illustrate how the program works in practice. Personal and system outcomes will be described including requirements for both oral and written presentations to disseminate their results.
The programs and products of the Nursing Fellowship represent the leading edge of nursing practice. The program is the first of its kind in the nation and represents best practice in nursing education and nursing leadership. Each year, Pi Phi Chapter co-sponsors a “Research on the Green” event, which highlights posters from nursing fellows in this program.