Building Clinical Nursing Research Capacity: A Scalable Multi-Institutional Fellowship Model

The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Nursing Research Fellowship (NRF) is a structured, mentorship-driven program designed to strengthen clinical nursing research capacity across health systems. Originally developed within a single academic medical center, the fellowship expanded to a multi-institutional model providing protected time, PhD-prepared mentorship, and a standardized curriculum without requiring development of independent research infrastructure at each site. This article describes the NRF’s structure, implementation across partner institutions, and organizational value, including key facilitators, barriers, and leadership considerations. The NRF demonstrates a scalable approach for nursing leaders seeking to build sustainable research capacity, support professional development, and integrate nurse-led inquiry into clinical practice across diverse care settings.