Institutional eligibility

Applicants must come from the list of eligible, academic nursing programs and hold a permanent, career position. Visiting or contract faculty roles are not eligible. Institutions are selected based on a variety of factors that demonstrate commitment and capacity to support diverse nurse scholars, including presence of a nursing Ph.D. program, national recognition of the school or college, National Institutes of Health funding, and evidence of the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Or, applicants may come from a major health system or organization (e.g., academic health system with inpatient and outpatient services, community hospital, public health, private organization, non-government organization, etc.) with a demonstrated commitment to nursing science, innovation and leadership as evidenced by at least one of these criteria:

  • A position dedicated to nursing research or innovation
  • Presence of a nursing research unit, center for innovation or evidence-based practice
  • Magnet Recognition Program designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center

All applicants must also submit a nomination from a nursing school dean, chief nurse executive or chief nursing officer at their organizations. An institution may nominate one applicant. If an institution already has a fellow in the program, it becomes eligible to nominate again once that fellow's program is complete after three years. The nomination must include a statement of commitment to provide the nominee with at least 30% release time throughout the three-year fellowship – including a plan to backfill applicant’s responsibilities. It must also include a brief narrative regarding the intended use of the one-time payment of $50,000 to the institution.

Applicant eligibility for 2024 cohort

  • Be five to 10 years post-Ph.D. (Ph.D. conferred between 2014-2019)
  • Hold at least one degree in nursing or nursing science from an accredited nursing school or college
  • Firmly commit to at least 30% effort for the fellowship effective July 1
  • Commit to attend the annual convocation held during the last two weeks of July, including the subsequent convocation after graduation
  • Commit to participate in the online mentorship and learning community as well as monthly meetings throughout the duration of the program

Please note: Applicants must have a Ph.D. to apply. D.N.P.s and Ed.D.s are not eligible. Applicants may reapply each year as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Elements of successful applications

Below are elements from successful applications among our cohorts to serve as a guide for you and your mentor to consider, should you decide to apply.

Selected fellows applications included:

  • A strong description of leadership aspirations and the potential to bring innovation to the leadership journey.
  • A well-developed, big-picture vision for an important health or health care issue with a compelling description of how the applicant aspired to address this issue through the proposed project.
  • Evidence of strong support from both the mentor and the home institution.

Application tips

Here are some tips and strategies for you to consider as you prepare an application:

  • Reflect, share and request feedback about your leadership aspirations and potential to bring innovation to your leadership journey with trusted peers, mentors and multiple others in your professional and social networks. This trusted feedback can be helpful as you consider ways to refine and more clearly articulate your aspirations and innovation.
  • Practice communicating your big-picture vision for an important health or health care issue, verbally and in writing, including a compelling description of how you plan to address this issue through your proposed fellowship project.
  • Think globally about how the fellowship will advance your leadership and innovation.
  • Share drafts and schedule time to discuss your application with your mentor and dean or chief nursing officer, along with a discussion of your strengths, successes and specific support needs.
  • Ask for feedback from diverse stakeholders and viewpoints in your professional and social networks.

Please contact us at hs-NurseLeaderFellows@ucdavis.edu with any questions about your eligibility or to discuss individual considerations.