The Nurse Scholar Fellowship (NSF) is a year-long professional development program, with an optional extension up to 18 months, that provides nurses with foundational, hands-on research experience through participation in a guided group inquiry project.

This fellowship is more than a lecture series. It emphasizes hands-on experience by engaging fellows in conducting a real, nurse-led research study. Fellows are introduced to core inquiry concepts and apply them by moving a practice-based question through the research process, with guidance and support from nurse leaders and inquiry experts. 

Over the course of the 12-18 months, fellows will: 

• Build foundational inquiry literacy to distinguish research from evidence-based practice and quality improvement 
• Develop and refine a practice-based research question  
• Conduct and synthesize a focused review of the literature 
• Participate in study design decisions and IRB submission preparation
• Contribute to data collection, analysis, and interpretation with expert guidance 
• Prepare a scholarly, dissemination-ready product such as a poster or presentation 
• Learn and work collaboratively with peers, nurse leaders, and inquiry experts

To support meaningful participation, fellows receive 8 hours per month of paid, protected time dedicated to fellowship activities and project work. 

The Nursing Scholars Fellowship is offered through the Johns Hopkins Center for Nursing Inquiry (CNI) and is intended for nurses who are curious about research and want practical exposure to the full process.

Eligibility 

Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Johns Hopkins Hospital nurses who report to the Department of Nursing
• No active discipline at the time of application 
• Employed at least 0.9 FTE 
• BSN or higher in nursing 
• Minimum of one year of clinical experience at the time of application  

Application

The application for the 2026 Nurse Scholar Fellowship is open. 

The application includes: 

• A current resume or curriculum vitae 
• A brief statement describing the applicant’s interest in nursing inquiry and goals for participating in the fellowship 
• One letter of recommendation - The letter should speak to the applicant’s professional character, work ethic, initiative, and ability to collaborate effectively. Letters may be written by a supervisor, educator, or professional colleague familiar with the applicant’s work. 
• Manager support required -  After an application is submitted, the applicant’s current nurse manager will receive an email with instructions to complete a brief approval form. Applicants are encouraged to inform their manager in advance and follow up as needed.