Training in Nurse-LEd models of care ADdressing the Systems of Care and Community Health
Nurse-LEADS aims to offer innovative training to nurse scientists focusing on population and community health.
Trainees develop skills in digital health, advanced analytics, engagement science, and multisector partnerships as methodological approaches. Nurse-LEADS builds upon a partnership with North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).
Any questions, please contact: NurseLEADS@duke.edu
Funded by the US National Institute of Nursing Research (Grant T32NR021171).
Predoctoral Applications Are Open
PREDOCTORAL:
Applications Due: December 1, 2025 - Start Date: August 2026
Postdoctoral Applications Are Open
POSTDOCTORAL:
Applications Due: February 6, 2026. - Start Date: August 2026.
Current Duke Student Link External Application Link
Once the application is complete, send a copy of CV, transcript, recommendation letters, statement of research, and scholarly papers to nurseleads@duke.edu
Predoctoral
- Aim: Offer innovative training to nurse scientists
- Support: First 2 years of PhD Program
- Requirements: In residence, submit F31/R36 or equivalent, work 8 hours/week on mentor’s project
- Eligibility: Students admitted to the PhD program with a BSN or MSN degree
Postdoctoral
- Eligibility: RN or Advanced practice nurse with PhD/DNS within 5 years of graduation; Evidence of U.S. Citizenship, non-citizen national status, or admission for permanent residence (NIH requirement)
- Aims: Promote independent research on nurse-led models of care addressing population health and systems of care
- Support: Up to 2 years
- Requirements: In residence submit K-level grant or equivalent
- Effort: 25% on mentor’s projects, 75% on coursework and pilot projects
- Application Requirements:
- CV
- Statement of research
- Official transcripts
- One or two scholarly papers
- Two letters of recommendation
Fellowship Components:
Funding: Two years for predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees.
Key Activities:
- Research career development
- Monthly seminars (Duke, NCCU, and UTEP)
- Three experiential learning courses (9 credits):
- N990: Nurse Led Models of Care Addressing SDOH
- N992: Digital Solutions to Attain Health Equity
- Course 3: Engagement Science and Multisector Partnerships
- Tailored learning experiences
- Training in responsible conduct of research
Short term:
- More nurse scientists with advanced training in population health and systems of care.
- Improved competency in developing evidence-based nurse-led care models.
Log term:
- Create a new generation of nurse scientist to reduce health disparities through nurse-led models.
Postdocs trainees will also:
- Complete a pilot research study
- Mentor pre-doctoral trainees
Nurse-led Models of Care
- Nurses are uniquely positioned to lead care models addressing health inequities.
- These models emphasize patient and family involvement, respect for values, and provide equitable, holistic, and coordinated care.
- Proven to improve outcomes, reduce costs, and increase satisfaction.
- Effective in managing chronic conditions and serving underserved populations, including rural and low-income communities..
Strengthening the Nursing Workforce to Meet National Needs
- Expanding opportunities for nurse scientists helps ensure that research and care address the full range of health concerns across the nation.
- This leads to better access and more effective healthcare for all populations.
Digital Health & Advanced Analytics
- Digital health technologies and advanced analytics offer new methods for strengthening population health and improving systems of care.
- Nurse scientists trained in digital health can improve patient outcomes and drive healthcare innovation.
- Digital literacy and internet connectivity are now critical factors influencing population health and the effectiveness of care delivery.
- These technologies have the potential to transform healthcare but may also perpetuate existing gaps if not equitably implemented.
Engagement Science & Multisector Partnerships
- Engagement science and multisector partnerships are essential for developing nurse-led care models.
- Community engagement enhances research design and impact on health outcomes.
- Nurse scientists must engage with sectors beyond healthcare to influence living conditions.
- Multisector coalitions can identify priorities and develop effective interventions for population health and systems of care.
Research Fellows:
Steering Committee
- Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda
Program Director - Ryan Shaw
Porgram Director - Michael Relf
- Sharron Docherty
- Devon Noonan
- Debra Brandon
Advisory Committee
- Lusine Poghosyan
Chair, Columbia School of Nursing - Yolanda VanRiel
NCCU Nursing Department Chair - Leslie Robbins
UTEP Dean of College of Nursing - Suzanne Barbour
Duke Graduate School - David Edelman
Duke School of Medicine - Margarita Alegria
Harvard Medical School
Mentors
Nurse-LEADS Aim 1: Recruit and retain pre- and postdoctoral trainees from underrepresented groups in nursing science, in research training on health equity, SDOH, and nurse-led models of care.
Recruit and retain pre- and postdoctoral trainees in advanced research training in population and community health and nurse-led models of care.
Primary DUSON Mentors
Debra Brandon, Donna Biederman, Rosa Gonzalez-Guarda, Michael V. Relf
NCCU/UTEP Mentors
Karen Fowler, Cherise Harrington, Seronda Robinson, Guillermina Solis
Nurse-LEADS Aim 2: Support trainees to contribute to emerging theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to develop and scale nurse-led models of care addressing the SDOH.
Support trainees to contribute to emerging theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches to develop and scale nurse-led models of care addressing population and community health.
Primary DUSON Mentors
Co-Mentors
Nurse-LEADS Aim 3: Develop methodological expertise to leverage digital health and advanced analytics to conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate nurse-led models of care addressing SDOH.
Develop trainee methodological expertise to leverage digital health and advanced analytics to conduct cutting-edge research to evaluate nurse-led models of care addressing community health.
Primary DUSON Mentors
Co-Mentors
Nurse-LEADS Aim 4: Apply engagement science and multisector partnerships.
Apply engagement science and multisector partnerships in the development of nurse-led models of care addressing population and community health.