DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

Veterans Health Administration

Office of Academic Affiliations

Washington, DC

PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

**Post-doctoral Nurse Fellowship Program**

**1. PURPOSE AND GOAL**

The Post-doctoral Nurse Fellowship Program is designed to provide
nurses, who have earned doctoral degrees, the opportunity to broaden
their scientific or research background, or to extend their potential
for clinical research in nursing. The major goal of the Post-doctoral
Nurse Fellowship Program is to develop a cadre of clinical nurse
researchers who will be able to: (a) conduct clinical nursing research;
(b) secure funds for clinical studies through grants; (c) foster
communication of clinical research findings through presentations and
publications; and (d) promote integration of significant research
findings into the clinical care of patients.

**2. BACKGROUND**

Clinical activities are strengthened when research is conducted in
conjunction with patient care. VA has a need for nurses who can
integrate research findings with patient care. Additionally, the program
focuses on preparing nurse researchers who will contribute to the body
of nursing knowledge by expanding, synthesizing, or testing theories
relevant to nursing phenomena, or testing clinical interventions derived
from these theories using diverse research methods and knowledge from
other disciplines. Additional training of doctorally prepared nurses is
essential to augment their knowledge and competencies in clinical
research, or in assuming research leadership or education roles.

**3. POLICY**

a\. The fellowship is intended to support research training for those
who lack research experience, not to serve as support for experienced
researchers to conduct investigations.

b\. The fellowship program will include: (1) intensive training in
research methodology and techniques at a university or VA facility, and
(2) research experiences at a VA facility under the direct supervision
of an established investigator. The research training will be guided by
a preceptor who holds a doctoral degree, has a proven record of research
pertinent to nursing, and is qualified to serve as a mentor for the
fellow(s). Up to 25% of the fellow's time may be devoted to clinical
activities that are approved by the program director.

c\. Proposed research must be relevant to VA care of veterans[^1].

d\. [Fellows will be]{.underline} [appointed full-time (40-hours per
week) for up to two years or part-time (minimum of 20 hours per week)
for up to 3 years. Part-time fellows will receive a pro-rated stipend at
the same hourly rate as full-time fellows.]{.underline} Continuation in
the program for a second or third year will depend upon a satisfactory
performance evaluation during the prior year.

e\. Appointments will be made under 38 U.S.C. 7405(a)(1)(D) as reflected
in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section 6b. for a period not to
exceed two (2) years full-time (40 hours per week) or three (3) years
part-time (minimum of 20 hours per week). However, continuation of
appointment for a second year or third year will depend upon a
satisfactory evaluation of the nurse fellow\'s performance during the
prior year. For PAID coding purposes, these trainees will be identified
by the use of occupation series and title code 0610-84-K5, pay plan code
M, grade 00, step N.

f\. Post-doctoral Nurse Fellows are not eligible to be appointed under
the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA).

g\. The annual stipend for the Post-doctoral Nurse Fellowship Program is
locality based and may be found on the OAA Support website
(<http://vaww.oaa.med.va.gov/>). Part-time fellows will receive a
pro-rated stipend at the same hourly rate as full-time fellows. OAA will
provide approved VA facilities with funding for stipends and for VA's
share (7.65%) of Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) and VA's
share of health and life insurance premiums.

h\. The Office of Research and Development will provide \$3,000 per year
to support research related costs. Management of these funds is
considered to be part of the educational experience. A report of
expenditures must be incorporated into the annual progress report.

i\. Fellows may be detailed to other educational institutions without
loss of pay. However, under no circumstances may the total time spent in
non-VA institutions exceed one-sixth of the total hours a fellow is in a
pay and training status with VA. (Reference: VA Handbook 5007, Part II,
Chapter 2, Section 2m(1)(b)).

j\. Post-doctoral Nurse Fellows are eligible to participate in the
Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Federal Employees
Group Life Insurance Program. The Office of Academic Affiliations will
provide funds to the VA facilities to pay for VA's share of the
premiums. The fellow will be required to pay for the employee's share of
the premiums.

k\. The fellows will receive annual and sick leave under the General
Schedule leave system (5 U.S.C., chapter 63). [Fellows are strongly
encouraged to use accrued annual leave prior to the end of the
fellowship]{.underline} so that a lump sum payment for the leave will
not be required. The Office of Academic Affiliations generally does not
pay for this lump sum payment so the facility will be required to pay it
from local funds.

l\. Transportation to the VA facility site and housing arrangements are
the sole responsibility of the selected fellows.

m\. Fellows will be protected from personal liability while providing
professional services at a VA health care facility under the Federal
Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act, 28 U.S.C. 2679
(b)-(d) and will be provided compensation for job-related illnesses or
injuries under 5 U.S.C., chapter 81.

n\. There is no employment obligation required following completion of
the fellowship program although fellows are encouraged to seek permanent
employment within the VA system. Fellowship program directors and
preceptors are encouraged to assist the fellow in obtaining VA
employment after the fellowship.

o\. Fellows must identify their VA fellowship in all reports,
publications and presentations while a fellow and after the fellowship
if the activity is related to the fellowship. Failure to do so may
result in termination of the fellowship award or program by the Office
of Academic Affiliations. Fellows should provide the Office of Academic
Affiliations with an abstract for all publications and presentations
based on research supported by the fellowship program.

**4. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR THE VA FACILITY**

a\. [Resources and Environment]{.underline}: The VA facility must
document clinical/patient care and research programs that will support
research activities of the post-doctoral fellow.

b\. [Precepto]{.underline}r: A doctorally prepared preceptor must be
available, either on the staff of the VA facility or on the faculty at
the university, holding a paid or without compensation (WOC) appointment
at the VA facility. The identified preceptor must have had experiences
as a mentor, and research experiences in nursing, biological, or
behavioral sciences and other health related sciences.

c\. [Program Director]{.underline}: A VA nurse who is employed full-time
must be available to serve as the program director. The nurse program
director will be the liaison person between the fellow and appropriate
VA facility and affiliated university personnel. If qualified, the nurse
program director can also be proposed as the preceptor for the fellow.

d\. [Affiliated College/University]{.underline}: The VA facility must
have established affiliations with college and university graduate
programs in nursing or other related disciplines.

**5. APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY**

a\. The applicant must be a [citizen of the United States]{.underline}.
No exceptions will be made.

b\. The applicant must hold active, current registration as a graduate
professional nurse in a State, Territory or Commonwealth (e.g., Puerto
Rico) of the United States or the District of Columbia. This
registration does not have to be in the state, territory or commonwealth
where the fellowship will take place.

c\. The applicant must have, or anticipate having, a doctoral degree by
the beginning of the fellowship program, from a program accredited by an
accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of
Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If
the applicant does not have the degree at the time of application,

-   a letter from the academic program should be included with the
    application that states the expectation that all degree requirements
    will be met by the intended start date of the fellowship program.

-   and if the applicant is selected for the fellowship program, the
    applicant will not be allowed to start the fellowship until official
    documentation is received by the Office of Academic Affiliations
    stating that the degree requirements have been met.

d\. The applicant must hold a master\'s degree in nursing, or a
master\'s degree in a field related to nursing and a baccalaureate
degree in nursing. Nursing degrees must be awarded from programs
accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission
(NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) of the
American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

e\. The applicant must be able to meet the applicable credentialing and
licensing requirements of VA. (see VHA Handbook 1100.19, Credentialing
and Privileging)

**6. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS**

a\. The VA facility should e-mail their proposal to
<Linda.McInturff@va.gov> so that it will be received in OAA at least 60
days prior to the requested start date of the fellowship program. If for
any reason you cannot e-mail your proposal, you may fax your proposal to
Linda McInturff at 202-357-4057; however, an e-mail is preferable.

b\. The application **must not exceed 36 single-spaced pages** including
the transmittal letter, core narrative, and appendices other than
curricula vitae of the applicant, program director, and preceptor. The
font must be at least 10 point and all margins must be at least one
inch. The application must contain the information listed below.

\(1\) [Transmittal letter]{.underline} from the facility Director
stating

> \(a\) that the facility is prepared to support the fellowship program
>
> \(b\) the name, routing symbol, e-mail address, telephone number and
> fax number of the fellowship program director at the VA facility and
> the preceptor
>
> \(c\) whether the applicant is requesting a full-time or part-time
> fellowship. If requesting part-time, state the proposed number of
> hours per 2-week pay period.
>
> \(d\) the requested start date of the fellowship program.
>
> \(2\) [Core narrative]{.underline}, which **must not exceed 15
> pages**, is to describe the facility characteristics, the academic
> institutions' characteristics and roles, the fellowship program
> training staff, the proposed fellowship program curriculum, and the
> proposed evaluation plan. The following information should be
> included:
>
> \(a\) [Applicant]{.underline}

-   Name and description of background, including undergraduate and
    graduate education and past clinical, education and research roles
    and responsibilities. Curriculum vita or résumé should be included
    in the appendix and does not count toward page limits.

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-   Short and long term goals

-   Areas of interest as they relate to the proposed fellowship program.

> \(b\) [VA Facility Characteristics]{.underline}. A sponsoring VA
> facility must have an environment conducive to research in the areas
> of clinical care of patients, nursing care delivery, and/or basic
> science. Information should include, but is not limited to the
> following:

-   Description of research programs in nursing, or areas relevant to
    nursing, offered by the VA facility and the record of training
    researchers.

-   List of individuals in the VA facility who will be involved in the
    fellowship program by providing clinical, educational, and research
    opportunities for the fellow. List the individual's name, status of
    VA employment (paid or WOC and number of hours per 80-hour),
    position title, role in the fellowship program, and percent of time
    being dedicated to the fellowship. Brief biographic sketches
    (abbreviated curricula vitae), not to exceed three pages per person,
    should be included in the appendix to provide educational
    background, competitive research grant awards within the last three
    to five years (by title, source, time period, and dollar amount),
    selected relevant peer-reviewed publications (not to exceed six),
    and previous experience in working with/supervising postdoctoral
    fellows.

-   List of other resources (e.g. office space, computers, statistician,
    etc.) available to the fellow. Animal research facilities should
    also be included, if pertinent.

-   Program Director's name, position, and background. This full-time VA
    employee will be the liaison between the fellow and appropriate VA
    facility and affiliated university personnel. If qualified, the
    program director can also be the preceptor for the fellow. A brief
    biographical sketch or curriculum vita should be included in the
    appendix.

-   If the Preceptor is a VA employee, provide the name, position, and
    brief background, including record of precepting/mentoring
    postdoctoral fellows. This person must be doctorally prepared,
    qualified in the field of clinical research, and fully committed to
    the applicant\'s research training. A curriculum vita should be
    included in the appendix.

> \(c\) [Academic Institutions]{.underline}. Information should include,
> but is not limited to the following

-   Description of the affiliated academic institutions including the
    extent of committed participation and support (e.g., staff
    commitments, space assignments, library access, reduced rate for
    tuition fees for academic courses, or continuing education
    programs). A letter of support/commitment should be included in the
    Appendix.

-   Information about ongoing projects and individuals the fellow may
    collaborate in or with during the fellowship program.

-   If the Preceptor is an employee of an academic institution, provide
    the name, position, and brief background, including record of
    precepting/mentoring postdoctoral fellows. This person must be
    doctorally prepared, qualified in the field of clinical research,
    and fully committed to the applicant\'s research training. A
    curriculum vita should be included in the appendix.

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-   List of individuals in the academic institutions who will be
    involved in the fellowship program by providing clinical,
    educational, and research opportunities for the fellow. List the
    individual's name, academic title, status of VA employment
    (paid/WOC/none), role in the fellowship program, and percent of time
    being dedicated to the fellowship. Brief biographic sketches
    (abbreviated curricula vitae), not to exceed three pages per person,
    should be included in the appendix to provide educational
    background, competitive research grant awards within the last three
    to five years (by title, source, time period, and dollar amount),
    selected relevant peer-reviewed publications (not to exceed six),
    and previous experience in working with/supervising postdoctoral
    fellows. Do not include persons who are only responsible for
    providing classroom/didactic instruction.

> \(d\) [Fellowship Curriculum Plan]{.underline} other than proposed
> research project or pilot project. Use format shown on *Attachment A*
> of this program announcement. State the major goals and learning
> objectives that will assist the fellow in developing expertise in a
> specified area of research. Outline the specific knowledge and skills
> to be learned or developed by the postdoctoral fellow. Corresponding
> learning experiences to the program objectives must be included.
> Planned learning experiences should at least include:

-   Research projects that are available for the fellow's participation

-   Topics for the fellow's own program of studies/research

-   Proposed academic courses or didactic education that support the
    fellow's development (e.g., advanced education in research
    methodology, statistics, and sciences/humanities related to nursing
    and the fellow's area of research)

(e) [Proposed research project or pilot study]{.underline}. Include an
    abstract (**must not exceed three pages)** that includes:

-   Title of the proposed research

-   Introduction and statement of the problem

-   Research questions or hypotheses

-   Background/brief literature review

-   Statement of significance/relevance of the proposed research for the
    care of VA patients.

-   Research design, methods, and analysis plan. (Generally, the veteran
    population should be the major component of the sample. See footnote
    1 on page 2 regarding when inclusion of non-veteran populations
    would be appropriate.)

> \(f\) [Evaluation Plan]{.underline}. If evaluation criteria other than
> the criteria identified in section 9 of this program announcement will
> be used, please describe them
>
> \(3\) [Appendices]{.underline} **must not exceed 20 pages** excluding
> the curricula vitae of the applicant, program director, and preceptor.
>
> \(a\) Letter of application from the potential postdoctoral nurse
> fellow. Letter should briefly state background, area of research
> interest, career goals, including interest in VA career opportunities,
> and whether applying for full-time or part-time fellowship and number
> of hours per 2-week pay period if requesting a part-time fellowship.
>
> \(b\) Letters of support from the following people. Others, as
> appropriate may be included.

-   VA facility's Nurse Executive. If a component of the fellowship
    program will be at another VA facility, the Nurse Executive at the
    second facility should also submit a letter of support.

-   VA facility Fellowship Program Director

-   Preceptor (if the program director also is the proposed preceptor,
    one letter of support is sufficient).

-   Dean or Chairperson of the relevant schools/colleges/departments at
    participating academic institutions. Letters should make reference
    to joint activities between VA and university, if appropriate.

> \(c\) Curricula vitae or resumes of applicant, program director, and
> preceptor. (These do not count in page limits, but should be
> abbreviated if possible)
>
> \(d\) Biographical sketches or abbreviated curricula vitae (not to
> exceed three pages per person) for individuals in the VA facility and
> academic institutions who will be involved in the fellowship program
> by providing clinical, educational, and research opportunities for the
> fellow. Do not include persons who are only responsible for providing
> classroom/didactic instruction.

**7. REVIEW PROCESS**

An ad-hoc committee of scientists, nurse researchers and clinicians
selected by OAA/143 will review program packets. The committee will
evaluate specific items in the application that reflect:

a\. Facility Commitment - evidence of a commitment from the VA facility
to establish and support a Postdoctoral Nurse Fellowship Program; and
degree of commitment for establishing the program from the affiliating
institutions.

b\. Demonstrated Clinical Nursing Research Capacities - qualifications
for providing postdoctoral training opportunities in clinical nursing
research (e.g., VA facility\'s accomplishments in clinical nursing
research, etc.).

c\. Fellowship Program Faculty/Staff or Preceptors - qualifications of
faculty/staff or preceptors who will be involved in the program.

d\. Fellowship Program Curriculum - clear understanding of the
program\'s purpose, philosophy, goals and objectives, and specific
learning experiences for the fellow.

e\. Fellow\'s qualifications and goals.

f\. Evaluation Plan.

**8. PROGRAM EVALUATION**

a\. Evaluation reports should be submitted to the Office of Academic
Affiliations (143) no later than one month after completion of each year
of the fellowship and at the conclusion of the fellowship program if the
fellow leaves before the end of the usual fellowship year. The
evaluation reports should be e-mailed to <Linda.McInturff@va.gov>.

b\. The evaluation should include input from the fellow, the VA program
director and involved facility staff, and the preceptor(s). Evaluation
criteria will include the following:

> \(1\) Review of the fellow's fellowship plan and attainment of the
> fellow's goals, objectives, and learning activities. Describe relevant
> activities that occurred that were not in the original fellowship plan
> as well as activities that were not able to be accomplished with
> reasons why not.
>
> \(2\) Plans for second year for all fellows and for the third year for
> part-time fellows.
>
> \(3\) Fellow's satisfaction with the program including suggestions for
> improvement both locally and nationally.
>
> \(4\) Descriptions of presentations, posters, publications, honors,
> etc. by or for the fellow during the fellowship program. Copies of
> abstracts or complete documents should be submitted whenever possible.
> These may be posted on the OAA web site or cited in VA public affairs
> documents.
>
> \(5\) Employment of the fellow upon completion of the program. If not
> recruited to VA employment, why not and will the fellow have
> continuing involvement with VA activities?
>
> \(6\) Satisfaction of the following individuals related to his/her
> role in the program, the fellow's progress and the program in general.
> Suggestions for program improvement both locally and nationally from
> the Program Director, Preceptor(s), and other facility staff such as
> Chief of Staff, Associate Chief of Staff for Education and/or
> Research, Clinical Service Chief, Service Line Manager, etc.
>
> \(7\) The outcome of the fellow's research

**9. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION**

Contact Linda D. Johnson, Ph.D., R.N., Office of Academic Affiliations
(143), at <Linda.Johnson@va.gov> or at 202.357.4014.

**10. PROGRAM SCHEDULE**

+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| Applications due in the Office of        | > Any time during the     |
| Academic Affiliations (OAA), VA Central  | > year                    |
| Office, Washington, DC.                  |                           |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| VA facilities notified of                | > Within 60 days of       |
| approval/non-approval of application     | > receipt of application  |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| Fellowship begins (unless                | > Any date during the     |
| August/September funding is requested    | > year that is approved   |
| and approved by the Office of Academic   | > by OAA                  |
| Affiliations)                            |                           |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+
| Evaluation reports due to Office of      | > One month after         |
| Academic Affiliations                    | > completion of each year |
|                                          | > of fellowship and at    |
|                                          | > the end of the          |
|                                          | > fellowship if other     |
|                                          | > than at the end of a    |
|                                          | > fellowship year.        |
+------------------------------------------+---------------------------+

# ATTACHMENT A

### SAMPLE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM CURRICULUM PLAN

[Long Term Goal #1]{.underline}: Establish a research program in
intervention research related to the care of patients with hypertension
and coronary artery disease with specialized focus of aging veterans.

[Long Term Goal #2]{.underline}: Develop a strong team of researchers
within the VHA, University of XXXXXX, and community agencies that can
support postdoctoral studies related to the health care of patients with
hypertension and coronary artery disease and their families across the
lifespan.

[Long Term Goal #3]{.underline}: Improve quality of health care for
veterans with hypertension and coronary artery disease by disseminating
research findings to improve clinical practice.

+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| #### F         |                          |               |         |
| ELLOWSHIP PROG |                          |               |         |
| RAM CURRICULUM |                          |               |         |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| **[Long Term   |                          |               |         |
| Goal           |                          |               |         |
| #1]{           |                          |               |         |
| .underline}**: |                          |               |         |
| Establish a    |                          |               |         |
| research       |                          |               |         |
| program in     |                          |               |         |
| intervention   |                          |               |         |
| research       |                          |               |         |
| related to the |                          |               |         |
| care of        |                          |               |         |
| patients with  |                          |               |         |
| hypertension   |                          |               |         |
| and coronary   |                          |               |         |
| artery disease |                          |               |         |
| with           |                          |               |         |
| specialized    |                          |               |         |
| focus of aging |                          |               |         |
| veterans.      |                          |               |         |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| **[Short Term  |                          |               |         |
| Goal           |                          |               |         |
| (1)]{          |                          |               |         |
| .underline}**: |                          |               |         |
| Further        |                          |               |         |
| develop        |                          |               |         |
| theoretical    |                          |               |         |
| f              |                          |               |         |
| ramework/model |                          |               |         |
| that will      |                          |               |         |
| support        |                          |               |         |
| doctoral       |                          |               |         |
| dissertation   |                          |               |         |
| research.      |                          |               |         |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| **Learning     | **Learning Experiences** | ## Evaluation | ##      |
| Objectives**   |                          |               | Trainin |
|                |                          |               | g Staff |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| Increase       | Independent literature   | Demonstrates  | Dr.     |
| understanding  | review: review related   | through       | Anna    |
| of the         | literature on            | discussion or | Mocha   |
| theoretical    | theoretical models,      | publication   |         |
| basis of       | frameworks, theoretical  | knowledge of  | Dr.     |
| intervention   | basis of hypertension    | . . . . . . . | Mary    |
| research r/t   | management and research. | . . . . .     | M       |
| hypertension.  |                          |               | itchell |
|                | Review previous work in  |               |         |
| Enhance        | theoretical model        |               | Dr.     |
| constructed    | building, especially r/t |               | Joyce   |
| "SBP           | hypertension research.   |               | B       |
| Estimation     |                          |               | rothers |
| Model"         |                          |               |         |
|                |                          |               | Dr.     |
|                |                          |               | Katie   |
|                |                          |               | Lee     |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| [**Short Term  |                          |               |         |
| Goal           |                          |               |         |
| (2**)          |                          |               |         |
| ]{.underline}: |                          |               |         |
| Increase       |                          |               |         |
| knowledge of   |                          |               |         |
| statistical    |                          |               |         |
| methods and    |                          |               |         |
| computer       |                          |               |         |
| applications   |                          |               |         |
| used in        |                          |               |         |
| interventions  |                          |               |         |
| research.      |                          |               |         |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| **Learning     | **Learning Experiences** | ## Evaluation | ##      |
| Objectives**   |                          |               | Trainin |
|                |                          |               | g Staff |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+
| Increase       | Enrollment in Course X   | Present data  | Dr. Al  |
| knowledge and  | at the University of Y.  | analysis to . | B       |
| skills in      |                          | . . . . . . . | erstein |
| quantitative   | Data analysis of project | . . . .       |         |
| data analysis  | A using the B            |               |         |
| and use of     | statistical processes.   |               |         |
| \_\_\_\_\_\_   |                          |               |         |
| \_\_\_\_(e.g., |                          |               |         |
| specific       |                          |               |         |
| computer       |                          |               |         |
| software).     |                          |               |         |
+----------------+--------------------------+---------------+---------+

[^1]: *To demonstrate the relevancy of the research to VA care of
    veterans, it should involve the veteran population in the sample.
    However, there are situations when non-veteran populations would be
    appropriate:*

    *The study compares an intervention with a veteran population and a
    non-veteran population. Studies that compare VA to non-VA care are
    acceptable.*

    *(2) The local sample is not large enough to provide adequate
    statistical power. Thus, for example, a sample from a VA nursing
    home may need to be supplemented with a community-based nursing home
    to provide adequate statistical power. An additional justification
    for a non-veteran sample might be to have an adequate number of
    women or minority patients in the sample*

    *(3) The study intervention or measurement tool is not presently
    available at a VA site, yet is relevant to a veteran population.
    Generally, the goal in these studies is to show that the
    intervention or measurement tool is efficacious in a non-VA site
    before incurring the high cost of developing and implementing a
    pilot at a VA site.*