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Do you want to become the best researcher that you are capable of becoming? If so you might wish to seriously consider applying for a post-doctoral fellowship. Post-doctoral work is becoming the norm in nursing for successful researchers and is generally considered to be a very important facilitator in developing a successful research career.

Why do post-doctoral fellowships help the beginning researcher? Post-doctoral opportunities are designed to help launch a beginning scientist toward success in their research career. Specifically, post-doctoral opportunities prepare beginning scientists to achieve success in their chosen field by providing:

· mentorship from more seasoned researchers,
· opportunities to work with established research teams,
· time so that a young researcher can develop additional research skills
· environmental support (coursework, funding, travel support, etc.)

Post-doctoral study is a unique opportunity to get a research career on the fast track. Post-doctoral fellows concentrate solely on the development of their research expertise and devote their time to a research agenda. Having both time and resources in terms of established mentors, excellent clinical facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, expertise in specific methodologies, and support to work with other leading scientists around the country, is critical in developing a research trajectory. Additionally, help is provided in terms of learning how to successfully present and publish research findings and in preparing competitive grant proposals.

At the School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania three separate post-doctoral programs have been funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research.

• Research in Vulnerable Women Children and Families
• Nursing Outcomes Research
• Nursing Sleep Research

Applications for each of these positions should be submitted by January to:

• Susan Gennaro, DSN, FAAN, RN
• Linda Aiken, PhD, FAAN, FRCN, RN
• Terri Weaver, PhD, FAAN, RN

School of Nursing
420 Guardian Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6096

Please contact us if there is information that we can provide to you as you decide whether a post-doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing is in your future.

For further information on the importance of post-doctoral fellowships you may want to read:

Waters, C. (1996). Professional development in nursing research-A culturally diverse post-doctoral experience. Image: Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 28, 47-50.

Wysocki, A. (1998). Launching your research career through post-doctoral training opportunities. Nursing Research, 47, 127-128.

Please let us know how we can help you to become the best researcher possible!