BAGNC Predoctoral Scholarship

2012 Predoctoral Scholarship Application Specifics

John. A. Hartford Foundation
Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity
Predoctoral Scholarship Program

The American Academy of Nursing seeks applicants for its Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity (BAGNC) Predoctoral Scholarship Program. This 2-year scholarship program supports full time doctoral education for nurses committed to careers in academic geriatric nursing. Through generous funding from The John A. Hartford Foundation, the BAGNC Program awards a total of $100,000 to each selected Predoctoral Scholar.  The Mayday Fund provides an additional $5,000 award to selected candidates whose research focuses on pain in older persons.

Eligibility

Predoctoral applicants must:

• be registered nurses,
• hold degree(s) in nursing,
• be United States citizens or permanent U.S. residents,
• plan an academic and research career, and
• demonstrate potential for long-term contributions to geriatric nursing.

If Selected, Scholars must:

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

Program Description

Overview

The goal of the BAGNC Scholarship program is to increase academic geriatric nursing capacity in the United States by increasing the number of well-prepared geriatric nursing faculty. BAGNC 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 geriatric nursing (research, teaching and community service),
• leadership skill development,
• a national network of scholars, fellows and academic geriatric 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 nations ability to provide culturally competent care to its increasingly diverse aging population.

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.

The John A. Hartford Foundation funds nine Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence. These Hartford Centers demonstrate strong commitment to gerontological nursing, and have outstanding leadership and capacity in gerontological research, practice and education. Although applicants are encouraged to consider these Hartford Centers as potential sites for their doctoral program, it is not a requirement for this application. Research in Gerontological Nursing publishes characteristics of graduate programs that include an emphasis on gerontological nursing in their April issue each year.


Mentor

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

Support

The Predoctoral Scholarship Award offers each candidate a total of $100,000, not to exceed $50,000 per year. 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.  The Coordinating Center covers the scholars travel and hotel for participation in the Leadership Conference.

Criteria Considered in Selection of Scholars

Strong applications will demonstrate all of the following:

• Evidence of commitment to a career in academic geriatric 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 Application Checklist.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The BAGNC program includes ongoing administrative support as well as oversight. Please review BAGNC Program Policies.

2012 Timeline

January: Applications due 12:00 Midnight EST, January 11th

March: BAGNC 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, 2012

Questions?

Please first check our FAQ page. If you need further clarification or have additional questions, please contact the Coordinating Center.