The interprofessional Veterans Affairs Quality Scholars program pre- and postdoctoral nurse fellow outcomes

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Scholars (VAQS) program, an interprofessional fellowship that includes pre- and postdoctoral nurses, aims to inspire practice change leaders. Fellows participate in a national curriculum, lead improvement/research teams, and establish professional development plans with expert mentor guidance.

To describe the distinctive elements of the VAQS program, nurse fellow outcomes, and accomplishments of nurse alumni as leaders, researchers, and educators.

Data were reviewed and aggregated from past and current fellow surveys.

Nurse fellows completed research and improvement projects that benefitted both the VA and the local health systems. Scholarly outcomes include publications, conference presentations, grant submissions, teaching/leading quality improvement, and research initiatives. Graduates transition to positions as nurse scientists, academic faculty, and operational leaders.

Fellows contribute to the strategic priorities of local and national VA and external health care organizations providing a pipeline of health system expert leaders, educators, and researchers.

Doctoral nursing fellowship experiences build human capital for enhancing the science of improvement and implementation, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership.