Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research

The Yvonne L. Munn Nursing Research Award

Overview

Jeanette Ives Erickson, RN, DNP, FAAN, Chief Nurse, Patient Care Services, supports research awards annually through the Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research. These studies are initiated by MGH nurses for the purpose of advancing nursing science and improving outcomes for patients and families. Studies must support PCS strategic goals. A doctorally-prepared MGH nurse serves as a consultant and mentor to each research team in order to develop the investigators’ research skills and to enhance the rigor of their research. Completed studies are featured as presentations during the annual Research Day held in May during Nurse Recognition Week activities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants seeking an Yvonne L. Munn Nursing Research Award must work full-time as a nurse at MGH. The awards are given to promote research initiatives among staff nurses. All research teams must include a doctorally-prepared nurse mentor who has agreed to provide support and guidance for the study. The Research Award Committee, in conjunction with the Munn Center, can also provide assistance to potential applicants in locating a mentor.

It is not necessary to have MGH Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval prior to proposal submission; however, all funded proposals must be approved by the MGH IRB before the study is conducted. Additionally, all nurses participating in research studies must complete the IRB’s on-line educational program, Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) (http://www.citiprogram.org), prior to beginning the study.

Proposal Preparation and Mentoring

Doctorally prepared nurses, along with the Munn Research Award Committee, will provide assistance in proposal writing, budget preparation, study implementation, and evaluation. Questions regarding proposal preparation and submission should be directed to the co-chairs of the Munn Research Award Committee: Paul Arnstein, RN, PhD, FAAN (pmarnstein@partners.org) or Marion Phipps, RN, MSS, FAAN (mphipps@partners.org). Questions on budget preparation should be directed to Ryan Sullivan, Grant Manager (rksullivan@partners.org).

Time Frame for Proposal Submission

Dec. 15 Letters of Intent and Nursing Director Support Letter due
Jan. 16 (5 pm) Proposals due for the 2012 funding cycle
Jan. 20 Feedback to applicants following internal review for completeness
Feb. 1 (5 pm) Requested revisions (if any) are due
February Proposals sent to external reviewers
March External Review Committee ranks proposals
April Final recommendations for funding sent for approval and Munn Award Committee chair provides feedback to applicants.

Proposal Format and Evaluation Criteria

Proposals must meet Institutional Review Board (IRB) criteria for proposals. The Partners Human Research Committee IRB may be reached at http://healthcare.partners.org/phsirb or at 617-424-4100.

The External Award Review Committee will consist of doctorally prepared nurses from the MGH, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston College, Northeastern University, or other area schools of nursing. The panel utilizes the format and criteria below in evaluating proposals. It is highly recommended that applicants use these criteria to develop their proposals and comply with the associated page limits.

Abstract (500 word maximum)
Introduction (1 page maximum)
Background/Significant (2 page maximum)
Purpose/Statement (2 page maximum)
Aims with Research Question (1 page maximum)
Methodology (1 page maximum)
Data Analysis (1 page maximum)
Potential Contributions (1 page maximum)
Attachments (no page limit)

Note: The information session slide presentation elaborates on the criteria listed above.

Resources to Support Your Project

Information sessions
Your mentor
Previous Munn Award recipients
Yvonne L. Munn Center for Nursing Research staff
Treadwell Library staff
Your Nursing Director and CNS
Munn Research Awards Committee

Award Notification and Funding

All applicants will be notified of the funding decision in April. Approved grant awards may be funded up to $1500. Munn Award recipients will be notified by phone, e-mail and/or in writing. Formal announcements will occur at the annual Yvonne L. Munn Research Lecture held during Research Day activities as a part of Nurse Recognition Week each May. Recipients are expected to attend the award ceremony. Awardees’ names will be placed on a plaque in the Ellison corridor.

Key Timelines for Awardees

First step: Planning with Munn award mentor and Senior Nurse Scientist in Munn Center.
Two years to complete study (actual studies are usually conducted over 6-12 months).
Submit a progress report to the Munn Center annually until the research is completed.
Present results of study during Nurse Recognition Week in May 2014.