RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Quality Scholars (VAQS) program, an interprofessional fellowship that includes pre- and postdoctoral nurses, aims to inspire practice change leaders. Fellows participate in a national curriculum, lead improvement/research teams, and establish professional development plans with expert mentor guidance. PURPOSE: To describe the distinctive elements of the VAQS program, nurse fellow outcomes, and accomplishments of nurse alumni as leaders, researchers, and educators. METHODS: Data were reviewed and aggregated from past and current fellow surveys. FINDINGS: Nurse fellows completed research and improvement projects that benefitted both the VA and the local health systems. Scholarly outcomes include publications, conference presentations, grant submissions, teaching/leading quality improvement, and research initiatives. Graduates transition to positions as nurse scientists, academic faculty, and operational leaders. DISCUSSION: Fellows contribute to the strategic priorities of local and national VA and external health care organizations providing a pipeline of health system expert leaders, educators, and researchers. CONCLUSION: Doctoral nursing fellowship experiences build human capital for enhancing the science of improvement and implementation, interprofessional collaboration, and leadership.
Asunto(s)
Escolaridad , Becas/métodos , United States Department of Veterans Affairs/estadística & datos numéricos , Empleo/métodos , Empleo/estadística & datos numéricos , Becas/tendencias , Humanos , Liderazgo , Desarrollo de Programa/métodos , Mejoramiento de la Calidad/estadística & datos numéricos , Estados Unidos , United States Department of Veterans Affairs/organización & administraciónRESUMEN
An oncology nursing fellowship program for undergraduate nursing students has the potential to help develop a much-needed talent pool for the next generation of oncology nurses. By raising awareness of the value of this program, the Oncology Nursing Society can help foster expansion of this program nationally to help address the growing need for oncology nurses. Improving awareness about this program could lead to the establishment of similar fellowship programs at other cancer hospitals and undergraduate nursing schools. This program provides an opportunity for experienced oncology nurses to serve as preceptors and program managers at leading cancer hospitals, select and mentor program participants, and, ultimately, recruit and develop future mentors for the program.