The nursing profession is deeply rooted in the life and behavioral sciences, having evolved from the historical image of white dresses and caps to modern scrubs and lab coats. Despite its strong foundation in scientific processes, nursing is not yet recognized as a STEM profession. Nurses trained in research and PhD-prepared nurse scientists are paving the way for academia and healthcare to acknowledge the contributions of nursing to science through research, promotion of evidence-based practice, and dissemination of curated knowledge. Nurse scientists play a crucial role in involving more clinical nurses in research efforts. However, clinical nurses face several challenges in participating in research. To address these challenges, ChristianaCare launched the Nursing Fellowship in Robotics and Innovation in 2024. This fellowship provides clinical nurses with research opportunities and mentorship from nurse scientists. It successfully bridges the gap between clinical practice and research, fostering a future where nurses are integral contributors to scientific advancement.
Abernathy et al. (Mon,) studied this question.