Effect of a Mentored Virtual Research Fellowship on Research Competencies and Activities of Nurses

Nurses should lead research activities to improve patient care, especially in Magnet^®-designated hospitals. One organization used a 6-month virtual mentored registered nurse research fellowship to overcome participation barriers.

Nurses across 24 hospitals in five U.S. states were nominated. Fellows were assigned to a team led by one of five doctorally prepared nurses. The fellowship consisted of monthly, 4-hour workshops and included time to complete institutional review board documents, analyze and interpret data, and disseminate results. Outcomes included fellowship completion rates, participant feedback on the program, and research dissemination activities.

A total of 12 nurses from four states and eight hospitals enrolled, and 10 (83%) completed the fellowship. Overall, self-reported research competency of the fellows increased. In addition, the fellows each disseminated their unique research after the conclusion of the program. Participants reported positive takeaways and challenges.

Hospital-based nurses can successfully complete and disseminate research aligning with Magnet^® requirements when provided with protected time and a nurse research mentor who has experience with the Meleis Transitions Framework.