MSK Research Nursing Fellows (RNF) Consulting
Meet MSK RNF Consulting
Nursing research is the foundation for advancing clinical practice, shaping health policy, and improving patient outcomes. For those healthcare institutions that lack the infrastructure and expertise to develop research capacity among their nursing staff. MSK RNF Consulting is designed to address this critical gap—through a range of fee-based services that include coaching and consulting.
Building on MSK’s successful internal RNF program, we now offer our proven methodology to academic medical centers and healthcare institutions seeking to cultivate a culture of inquiry and develop nurse scientists from within their staff. Through our combination of educational training, consulting, and mentorship services, MSK RNF Consulting empowers institutions to achieve meaningful results and develop important research capabilities within their nursing communities.
A Proven Model for Building Research Capacity
MSK’s RNF program is designed to increase capacity and infrastructure for building a research culture that fosters a spirit of inquiry, develops new knowledge, and drives innovation in staff nurses. Our practicum-based model teaches nurses the skills for conducting research under the guidance of experienced nurse scientists and mentors.
Through active participation in IRB-approved research projects, Nurse Fellows apply research principles alongside seasoned researchers. This hands-on approach expands nurses' ability to investigate topics encountered in daily practice, empowering them to influence institutional policies and change patient outcomes.
By working with our RNF experts, your institution will be able to nurture future research leaders within your nursing community and an enhanced research culture throughout your institution.
Program Goals and Outcomes
Our comprehensive fellowship helps participating nurses achieve essential research competencies:
- Master research fundamentals, including conceptual and empirical foundations, study designs, methodological approaches, and statistical tools for data collection;
- Navigate the IRB process by learning to prepare and submit research projects through institutional ethical review processes and obtain approval to conduct studies;
- Align research with institutional priorities by generating studies that support your organization's mission and strategic goals;
- Lead original research by conducting a small research study in collaboration with experienced MSK Nurse Scientists;
- Disseminate findings through ongoing scientific support for presenting at professional conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Program Structure
The full program timeline is 12-18 months from pre-class modules to the required final Grand Rounds presentation. The curriculum includes:
- Eight protected days of virtual class sessions via Zoom—an easy, economical, and convenient delivery format;
- Full-day intensive sessions (8 hours each) with morning and afternoon components;
- Hands-on mentorship with MSK Nurse Scientists throughout the research process;
- Active participation in an established program of research or a related study of the Fellow's design;
- Required CITI training modules for all research participants, provided to employees of all partner institutions.
Fellows either collaborate on a mentor's program of research or develop a related study under expert guidance, ensuring meaningful contribution to the scientific literature while building essential research skills.
Why Nursing Research Matters
As the American Nurses Association and International Council of Nurses have affirmed, nursing research worldwide is committed to rigorous scientific inquiry that provides a significant body of knowledge to advance nursing practice, shape health policy, and impact the health of people in all countries.
At MSK, the Office of Nursing Research (ONR) has created a thriving culture of inquiry and scholarship within our Department of Nursing. Our Nurse Scientists conduct research studies in clinical specialties of oncology nursing, actively pursue internal and external grant funding, and disseminate research findings to enhance cancer care and nursing practice at MSK and around the world.
Now, we're ready to help you build this same capacity at your institution.
Our Track Record
To date, nurses from leading healthcare institutions have participated in MSK’s RNF program, including:
- Hospital for Special Surgery (New York, NY)
- Baystate Health (Springfield, MA)
- Cook County Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center (Seattle, WA)
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan (New York, NY)
- Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute (Hartford, CT)
These partnerships demonstrate our ability to work effectively with diverse healthcare organizations and adapt our methodology to different institutional contexts.
What We Offer
MSK Research Nursing Fellows Consulting provides a clear and validated infrastructure to help partner institutions operationalize and enculturate nursing research throughout their organizations. Our consulting services include:
- Virtual delivery via Zoom—convenient, cost-effective access to MSK's expertise without travel requirements;
- Flexible consulting packages tailored to each institution's specific situation and needs;
- Proven curriculum and materials developed and validated at MSK that your institution can continue to use for ongoing staff development;
- Expert mentorship from MSK Nurse Scientists with extensive research experience;
- Comprehensive support from program design through IRB approval, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
MSK is a world leader in cancer care and research. Our Office of Nursing Research represents decades of experience in developing nurse scientists and fostering a culture of inquiry. When you partner with MSK RNF Consulting, you benefit from:
- A methodology refined through years of successful implementation;
- Access to nationally recognized Nurse Scientists;
- A practicum model that produces tangible research outcomes;
- A collaborative approach that builds lasting research capacity;
- Educational content that can be sustained long after the initial consultation.
We are committed to broadening the impact of nursing research at healthcare institutions across the globe. Let us help you develop the next generation of nurse scientists at your organization.
For program information:
Ann M. Mazzella-Ebstein, PhD, RN
Nurse Scientist
Office of Nursing Research, Research Nursing Fellows Program, MSK
[email protected]
For contracting, including fee schedules:
Brendan Laing
Business Development & Licensing Manager
Office of Entrepreneurship & Commercialization, MSK