Special Call for Proposals:
Rehabilitation Nurse Staffing and Patient Outcomes
Due: September 1, 2012

Application
Guidelines for Proposals
Submission Guidelines

The Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation (RNF) of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is soliciting proposals for one-time funding for research focusing on the relationship between inpatient rehabilitation nurse staffing, rehabilitation nursing certification, and patient outcomes.

The purpose of this call is to build upon existing work related to rehabilitation nurse staffing. In 2007, Nelson et al. published a study focusing on rehabilitation nurse staffing patterns at 54 rehabilitation facilities in the U.S. Findings from this study indicated that additional research is needed in the following areas:

  • Differences between RN and CRRN in hours of direct patient care, indirect patient care, and administrative duties, and in patient outcomes*.
  • Quantification and elucidation of inpatient rehabilitation nurses’ activities and staff mix that influence patient outcomes*
  • Relationship among inpatient rehabilitation staffing, CRRN mix, case mix, and patient outcomes*

*Patient outcomes in rehabilitation may include pressure ulcers, falls, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, other nosocomial infections, changes in patient functional status during inpatient rehabilitation, lengths of stay, and post-discharge functional status.

  • Submitted proposals should build on the existing RNF-funded nurse staffing study: Nelson, et al. (2007). Nurse staffing and patient outcomes in inpatient rehabilitation settings. Rehabilitation Nursing, 32(5), 179-202.
  • Maximum funding available; $30,000
  • Number of awards to be funded will depend on the quality of proposals submitted and the amount of funding requested.
  • Time period: January 2013 – December 2014
  • Preferences will be given to applicant’s who are members of ARN.
  • Proposals will be reviewed by a Special Review Committee selected by the RNF Chair, Research Fund Committee Chair, and ARN President.
  • Funded applicants will be expected to disseminate findings by submitting a manuscript for publication in the ARN journal, Rehabilitation Nursing, and an abstract for presentation at the annual ARN Educational Conference. Travel, hotel and conference registration expenses up to $1,000 to attend the ARN annual conference for presentation of this funded work will be reimbursed by RNF for grant recipients if the presentation is accepted by the ARN Annual Conference Committee.
  • Proposal must adhere to the attached “Guidelines for Proposals”

Guidelines for Proposals

Focus Areas
This is a special call for research proposals that address the relationship between rehabilitation nurse staffing and patient outcomes which build upon the existing work of Nelson, et al. (2007). Quantitative and qualitative research projects will be accepted for review.

Eligible Applicants
The principal investigator for the research grant must be a registered nurse who is active in rehabilitation or who demonstrates interest in and significant contributions to rehabilitation nursing. Preferences will be given to members of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

Responsibilities of Principal Investigator
Responsibilities include:

  1. Completion of the project within 2 years of initial funding
  2. Submission of a progress report to the RNF Research Fund Committee every 6 months until the research is completed;
  3. Submission of a publishable manuscript presenting the research to Rehabilitation Nursing;
  4. Presentation of a paper or poster pertaining to the research at an Association of Rehabilitation Nurses educational conference within 2 years of initial funding;
  5. Acknowledgment in any publication, paper, or poster that the research was supported by the Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

Required Information
Prepare the proposal narrative which is not to exceed 10 double-space, typed, 8 ½” x 11” pages exclusive of the project budget, appendices, references, and RNF required forms (e.g. Research Checklist, Summary Data Form, Administrative Approval Form, Abstract Form, IRB Approval Letter). Use a minimum of 11-point font (Arial or Times New Roman) and margins of no less than ½ inch for all documents included in the application.

  1. All applicants must complete the Research Checklist to verify inclusion of all required materials and include it as part of the application.
  2. All applicants must complete the Summary Data Form included in the packet.
  3. The institution or agency named in the proposal must complete the Administrative Approval Form to indicate acknowledgment and approval of the research or pending approval.
  4. Use the space on the Abstract Form for a typed, 250 to 350 word abstract defining the research, stating the significance of the research, the research methodology, and plan for analysis.

Headings
Complete proposals must include the following headings:

Statement of the Problem
This section includes the description of the problem, its significance to rehabilitation nursing, a concise and critical review of current literature including an explicit description of how the proposal will build on Nelson’s, et al. (2007) rehabilitation nurse staffing study, the research question(s), objectives, and hypotheses.

Methodology
This section describes the approach to the research question(s). At a minimum, include a description of the sample population, variables, data collection, procedures, instruments, analysis, and implications. If the research design is qualitative, corresponding methodology and scientific rigor are expected.

A precise timeline illustrating project tasks and objectives to be completed in less than 2 years is required.

References
This section cites bibliographic information in the proposal.

Project Budget

  1. A budget for the entire project must be submitted. If RNF funds are to be used for only a portion of the budget, identify the specific items for which you seek support. Identify remaining items to be funded from other sources and in-kind contributions. Clearly describe those sources of funding or support in addition to the amount you are seeking from each entity.
  2. This section must specify the direct costs associated with the research. Neither indirect costs nor travel expenses to conferences for presentations are funded by RNF. The purchase of a computer will NOT be funded unless significant justification is provided in the proposal. Include notation of contributed funds, personnel, or indirect allowances. The budget must represent sufficient funds to complete the project.
  3. Because funds are not distributed in one sum, the principal investigator should propose a strategy for the receipt and distribution of funds during the length of the project. The strategy should facilitate the conduct of the study and may be done on a semiannual basis, by expense voucher, by task or objective, or by another means. The funding year shall begin in January 2013.

Personnel
Clearly specify the principal investigator who will be responsible for the conduct of the study. Indicate the contributions of the principal investigator. Describe the functions of all personnel involved with the project.

If there are co-investigators, consultants, or other key personnel describe fully the contributions of each to the project. Include the NIH Biosketch of the principal investigator, all co-investigators, and consultants. Please see NIH Biosketch form and instructions or go to this link for the form and instructions: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/funding/phs398/phs398.html

Setting
Obtain written approval of the administrative officer of the institution or agency in which the proposed study or project will be conducted (Administrative Approval Form).

Review and Approval
The principal investigator (PI) must provide proof of administrative approval by an educational institution or the institution where the research project will be conducted. Proof of review and approval the Human Subjects Review Board or Institutional Review Board (IRB) from the PI’s institution is required, but may be pending when the proposal is submitted. The IRB approval letter must be received by ARN before any funds are awarded.

Appendices
Include citations of supportive information and data collection tools. Include any or all of the following in the Appendices:

Appendix A: Measurement Instruments
Appendix B: Institutional Review Board Approval
Appendix C: Consent Forms
Appendix D: Institutional Agreements
Appendix E: NIH Biosketches and Other Supporting Documents

Submission Guidelines

Deadline
Proposals must be emailed by September 1, 2012
Proposals received after that date will not be considered.

Requirements

  1. Submit the entire packet electronically in pdf format.
  2. Complete all proposal materials. Incomplete proposals will not be considered.
  3. Email proposals to:
    Rehabilitation Nursing Foundation
    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Evaluation Procedures

Proposals will be reviewed by a Special Review Committee selected by the Rehabilitation Nursing Chair, Research Fund Committee Chair, and ARN President. Proposals will be rated according to the NIH criteria for proposal review. For more information see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/peer_review_process.htm. The Special Review Committee members will make funding recommendations to the RNF Board of Trustees. The RNF Board of Trustees has the final authority on funding decisions.

All applicants will be notified of the disposition of their proposals after action by the RNF Board of Trustees. Principal investigators will receive a summary critique of their proposal from the review committee.

Notification of Award

Grant recipient will be notified in November.
Funds will be awarded to the institution, agency, or investigator at the discretion of the RNF Board of Trustees and will be based on the recommendations of the Special Committee. The strategy for funding proposed by the principal investigators directors will be considered in the decision. Proof of review and approval the Human Subjects Review Board or Institutional Review Board (IRB) from the PI’s institution must be received by ARN before any funds are awarded.

Tips on writing a research proposal.

Download the Application and Guidelines