Training programs
Nursing Research Scholar Program
The Mayo Clinic Nursing Research Scholar Program elevates the roles of nurse researchers in advancing clinical and translational research. With protected research time, mentorship from experienced nurse scientists and access to robust resources, Nursing Research Scholars have the unique opportunity to develop and test innovative strategies, improve patient outcomes and shape the future of nursing practice.
Designed for Ph.D.-prepared nurses, this program provides an individualized research career development plan supported by the associate dean for nursing research and the director of the Mayo Clinic Academy for Nursing Science.
The Nursing Research Scholar Program's infrastructure was designed to eliminate barriers often faced by researchers, such as limited time, lack of mentorship or insufficient funding. The program's emphasis on grant writing, dissemination and collaboration ensures that research is not only conducted but also translated into practice and shared widely, amplifying its impact.
The scholars' focus areas reflect a broad spectrum of research interests — from symptom science and nonpharmacological interventions to educational innovation via gamification and nursing student self-efficacy. These areas demonstrate how the program supports both clinical and educational research, making it a model for integrating inquiry into everyday practice.
The Nursing Research Scholar Program offers Mayo Clinic nursing staff an opportunity to contribute to a culture of scientific discovery and influence nursing practice. Additionally, it provides openings to collaborate across disciplines to accelerate the translation of evidence into better patient care.
Nursing Research Scholars illustrate the importance of engaging nurses as stakeholders early in the research process, fostering a research-minded, evidence-informed nursing workforce.
2025 Nursing Research Scholars
In its inaugural year, the program welcomed three scholars.
- Jeanine E. Gangeness, Ph.D., R.N., NPD-BC
- Program Director, Nursing Professional Development
Nursing student belonging and self-efficacy
As a Nursing Research Scholar, Dr. Gangeness is exploring critical issues influencing nursing student retention, resilience and readiness for practice, such as self-efficacy and belonging. Her research informs evidence-based strategies to enhance the nursing student learning environment, improve clinical training, and ultimately produce a more confident and competent nursing workforce. Additionally, her work offers educators a model of how academic-practice partnerships can elevate nursing education and ensure that the next generation of nurses is equipped to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.
- Amanda C. Rossley, Ph.D., M.S.N., R.N.
- Manager, Nursing Education
Gamification
Dr. Rossley is focusing her program research on improving nursing staff education through innovative methods such as gamification. Through this work, she aims to enhance teaching strategies and long-term knowledge retention and develop evidence-based educational practices.
- Savannah M. Zins, Ph.D., R.N.
- Nursing Education Specialist
Symptom science
Dr. Zins' research aims to advance education and training by identifying and validating nonpharmacological and nursing interventions in symptom science. Her goal is to develop evidence-based content that can be integrated into nursing curricula, simulation scenarios and continuing education programs.
King Hussein Nursing Research Scholars Program
The King Hussein Nursing Research Scholars (KHNRS) Program supports postdoctoral nursing research training. The goal of the program is to build a cadre of Mayo Clinic nurse scientists who are skilled in conducting clinical research and disseminating findings. This program was established through a generous contribution to the Department of Nursing from King Hussein of Jordan in recognition of the nursing care he received at Mayo Clinic.
Program offerings
The KHNRS Program provides research training support including:
- Mentorship from Mayo Clinic nurse scientists and multidisciplinary scientists.
- Monthly meetings with a mentorship team.
- Quarterly meetings with the associate dean for nursing research to review goals, progress and achievement of metrics.
- Salary support equal to a 0.2 to 0.5 full-time equivalent for research training for one or two consecutive years, subject to availability of funds.
- Modest travel funds may be available to support attendance or presentations at scientific meetings.
A maximum of two years of support is available. The second year is contingent on the availability of funds and successful achievement of first-year metrics. The trainee will work with the associate dean for nursing research and the mentoring team to develop clear and measurable monthly goals and yearly metrics to meet the trainee's scientific development.
Expectations
Trainees are expected to demonstrate success in the program through the following:
- Submitting two peer-reviewed, data-based manuscripts for publication each year, where the trainee is listed as first author for one manuscript.
- Presenting at a minimum of one competitive national or international conference, either virtually or in person.
- In the second year of the program, actively pursuing an extramural individual training or career development grant, or extramural grant funding to support an independent research program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the KHNRS Program, candidates must have:
- Registered nurse (R.N.) licensure in the U.S. and a doctoral (Ph.D.) degree. Preference will be given to candidates with doctoral degrees in nursing.
- A minimum of one consecutive year of employment at Mayo Clinic.
- An identified area of research focus.
- Written commitment from two mentors.
- Both mentors must be doctoral-level scientists in nursing, medicine or related fields.
- At least one mentor is required to be a Mayo Clinic employee, preferably a nurse scientist.
Applicants must have a commitment to their own scientific development, have a strong desire to conduct funded clinical research and be self-motivated.
Apply
For more information or to apply, contact: