Patricia G. Archbold Predoctoral Scholar Award

2013 Patricia G. Archbold Predoctoral Scholar Award

The goal of the NHCGNE Scholar Award program is to increase academic gerontological nursing capacity in the United States by increasing the number of well-prepared gerontological nursing faculty. NHCGNE Scholars, in collaboration with their mentors, will implement a tailored professional development plan which supports development of new competencies and enhanced effectiveness as an academic leader. The program also focuses on the development of academic leadership in gerontological nursing through:

• strong mentorship in the components of academic gerontological nursing (research, teaching and community service),
• leadership skill development,
• a national network of scholars, fellows and academic gerontological nurses, and
• exposure to a wide range of experts in gerontology and geriatrics.

The program is committed to advancing qualified applicants from underrepresented minority groups to improve the nation’s ability to provide culturally inclusive care to its increasingly diverse aging population. Members of underrepresented minority groups are encouraged to apply.
This program is designed to support 2 years of doctoral work for nurses committed to careers in academic gerontological nursing. Beginning in 2013, awards will total $100,000 ($50,000 per annum) to each selected Archbold Scholar with the requirement that 10% of that amount be contributed by the institution where the scholar is located. This contribution may be in the form of tuition waivers, research assistantships, teaching assistantships, grants-in-aid or scholarships. Neither in-kind support nor student loans are acceptable as matching funds. No indirect costs are allowed to the school and waivers of these indirect costs cannot be considered matching funds.
Applicants may also request an additional $5,000 Mayday Award if research focuses on pain in older adults, which may be used over the two year term.

Eligibility
Predoctoral applicants must:

• be registered nurses
• hold degree(s) in nursing
• enrolled or accepted in a doctoral nursing degree program with a focus on research (not including DNP)
• be United States citizens or permanent U.S. residents
• plan an academic and research career
• demonstrate potential for long-term contributions to gerontological nursing.

If selected, Scholars must:

• assume and maintain full-time student status throughout the award period
• eliminate or reduce work commitments to .5 FTE or less
• attend the NHCGNE Annual Leadership Conference as well as the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Annual Scientific Meeting. (Mentors are strongly encouraged to attend the Leadership Conference.) The meetings are held annually in November.

Institution
The selected institution is a significant consideration in the application review and selection process. It is important that the school chosen have the resources and capacity to support the Scholar in his or her doctoral study. Research in Gerontological Nursing publishes a survey on graduate programs that have an emphasis on gerontological nursing in their April issue each year that provides a rich snapshot of programs offered.

Mentor
Mentorship is the cornerstone of the NHCGNE program. Applicants must identify a strong mentor whose program of research in gerontological nursing is a good match with the applicant’s research interest area. Mentors must provide a letter outlining the plan for their work with the applicant. The applicant must designate one individual as the primary mentor for the grant term.

Criteria Considered in Selection of Scholars
Strong applications will demonstrate all of the following:

• Evidence of commitment to a career in academic gerontological nursing
• Evidence of involvement in educational, research and professional activities
• Potential for substantial, long term contributions to the knowledge base in gerontological nursing
• Potential for leadership
  

Detailed guidelines for preparing the application are part of the Scholar Application Checklist.

2013 Timeline
January: Applications due 12:00 Midnight EST, January 11, 2013

March: NHCGNE Selection Committee reviews all completed applications submitted by the stated deadline then selects a panel of candidates. All applicants are advised of decisions as soon as possible.

July: Award program officially begins July 1, 2013

Questions?
Please first check our FAQ page. If you need further clarification or have additional questions, please contact the Coordinating Center at proberts@geron.org