The Yvonne L. Munn Research Award

Overview
The Yvonne L. Munn Nursing Research Fund annually supports two or more research studies.  These studies are initiated by MGH nurses for the purpose of advancing Nursing Science and improving outcomes for patients and families.  A doctorally-prepared, MGH nurse serves as a consultant and mentor to each research team in order to develop the nurse’s research skills and to enhance the rigor of their research.  Completed studies are featured as poster presentations during the Annual Research Day held in May during Nurses’ Week activities.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants seeking an Yvonne L. Munn Nursing Research award must work full time as a nurse at MGH.  One award will be made to a nurse at the Baccalaureate level and the other award(s) to a nurse prepared at the Baccalaureate or Masters educational level. All research teams must include a doctorally-prepared nurse mentor who has agreed to provide support and guide proposal development.  The Munn Center can provide assistance in locating a mentor to potential applicants. 

It is not necessary to have MGH Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval prior to proposal submission.  All research proposals must be approved by the MGH IRB before the study is conducted.  Additionally, all nurses participating in research studies must complete the IRB’s on-line educational program (http://healthcare.partners.org/phsirb/) prior to beginning the study.

Award recipients must submit a progress report to the Munn Center every six months until the research is completed.  Upon completion of the research project, findings must be submitted for presentation during the annual Nurse’s Week Research Day held each May.

Mentoring
Doctorally prepared nurses will provide assistance in proposal writing and study implementation.  Questions regarding proposal preparation and submission should be directed to members of the Munn Research Award Committee: Paul Arnstein, RN, PhD at pmarnstein@partners.org; Marion Phipps, RN, MSN at mphipps@partners.org and Elaine G. Cohen, RN, MS at egcohen@partners.org 

Time Frame for Proposal Submission Proposals may be submitted at any time throughout the year but are due by February 1 

• December 15 Letters of Intent and Nursing Director Support Letter
• January 15 (5pm) Proposals due for the 2010 funding cycle
• January 22 Feedback to applicants following internal review for completeness
• February 1 (5pm) Requested revisions (if any) are due
• February: Proposals sent to External Reviewers
• March: Review Board ranks proposals

Award Notification and Funding
All applicants will be notified of the funding decision in April.  Two or more awards of $1,500 may be granted each year.  Munn Award Recipients will be notified by phone, email and/or in writing.  Formal announcements will occur at the annual Yvonne L. Munn Research Lecture held during Research Day activities in Nurse’s Week each May.  Recipients are expected to attend the award ceremony.  Recipient’s names will be placed on a plaque in the Ellison Corridor. 

Proposal Format and Evaluation Criteria
Proposals should include the following components and comply with the associated page limits. Proposals must meet the MGH Institutional Review Board (IRB) criteria for proposals. The MGH IRB can be reached at 617-726-3493 or through their website at http://mghra.partners.org.

The Proposal Review Panel will consist of doctorally prepared nurses from the MGH, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston College, Northeastern University or other area schools of nursing. The panel utilizes the format and criteria below in evaluating proposals. It is highly recommended that the applicant use criteria identified below to develop their proposals.

1. Abstract (500 word maximum)
2. Introduction (1 page maximum)
3. Background/Significance (2 page maximum)
4. Purpose/Statement (2 page maximum)
5. Aims with Research Question (1 page maximum)
6. Methodology (1 page maximum)
7. Data Analysis (1 page maximum)
8. Potential Contributions (1 page maximum)
9. Attachments (no page limit)

 Note:  The information session slide presentation elaborates on the criteria listed above.
 
Resources to Support your Project

1. Information sessions
2. Your mentor
3. Previous Munn Award recipients
4. The Yvonne L. Munn Center staff
5. The Treadwell Library staff
6. Your Nursing Director and CNS
7. The Munn Research Awards Committee

Key Timelines for Those Receiving Funding

1. Notification of award April 2010
2. Public announcement/award  will be made during Research Day May 2010
3. Next steps: Planning with Munn researcher
4. 2 years to complete study (actual studies usually are conducted over 6-12 months)
5. May 2012 : present results of study at Nurses’ Week