Frequently Asked Questions

2014 Application FAQs

The Coordinating Center is available to assist you Monday - Friday during regular business hours (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Eastern Time).

1. When should I start preparing my application?
2. Who can help me with this process?
3. Which degree(s) are recognized by this program?
4. Are there any exceptions to the page limits?
5. What is an official transcript?
6. To whom should letters required by the application be addressed?
7. How do I provide references?
8. When is my application due?
9. How soon will I know the status of my application?
10. Is the Award taxable?

1. When should I start preparing my application?

START AS SOON AS THE CALL COMES OUT. Do not underestimate the time it takes to properly prepare and complete the application process. Applicants are encouraged to start gathering necessary information as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Things to do as soon as the call is posted:

• Update your Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Begin thinking about your professional development plan and research project.
• Identify and contact 3 individuals (other than your mentor) who will provide strong letters of recommendation; be sure to provide the references with enough information about the program so that they can speak to your qualifications for the award.
• Identify a primary mentor whose research and background is a good match with your goals and research interests and begin discussions regarding their availability to serve in this role.

2. Who can help me with this process?

Your advisor, your mentor, a professor or a current or previous NHCGNE (formerly BAGNC) Scholar or Fellow can assist you with the preparation of an application. Depending on the organizational structure and processes of your school, the office of research or graduate studies also may be helpful.

3. Which degree(s) are recognized by this program??

Our program is designed to support the preparation of academic gerontological nurses. The NHCGNE Scholar and Fellow Award Program thus supports nurses enrolled in accepted into or having a doctoral nursing degree program with a focus on research and preparation for an academic role in nursing. Examples of such degrees are PhD and DNS. An example of a degree not supported is DNP. If in doubt, please contact us.

4. Are there any exceptions to the page limits?

All specified page limits and format guidelines are absolute. If you do not follow the guidelines, your application will not be reviewed.

5. What is an official transcript?

An official transcript is a transcript prepared and approved by the university's registrar office, enclosed in a sealed envelope from the university with the university's official stamp. Please be aware that once the envelope has been opened the transcript is no longer considered official. It is recommended that you request transcripts from current institutions of study in September so that grades from as many courses as possible are listed.

NOTE: When possible have all official copies sent to you, and when you have them all gathered, forward them to the Coordinating Center in one package using a mail service that allows you to track your package.

6. To whom should letters required by the application be addressed?

All letters required by the Application are to be addressed to:

J Taylor Harden, RN, PhD, FAAN
National Hartford Centers of Gerontological Nursing Excellence
Gerontological Society of America
1220 L Street NW, Suite 901
Washington, DC 20005

7. How do I provide references?

The procedure for this aspect of the process is different from the recent past. The references are confidential and are composed of two elements: A formal letter of reference, and an Applicant Evaluation Form. Each reference should be uploaded as a PDF document and should be named Candidate Last Name_ Candidate First Name_ Reference Last Name_ Scholar Application

Please see the application checklist for more detail.

8. When is my application due?

The deadline for receiving applications is Monday, January 13, 2014 by 12:00 Midnight, EST. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete (this includes all transcripts, as well as all references). There will be no exceptions made. Incomplete and/or late applications will be ineligible for review.

9. How soon will I know the status of my application?

We provide a response as soon as possible following the completion of the selection process; in the past applicants have generally heard by May 1.

10. Is the Award taxable?

Each person's situation is different. You should work with a tax accountant regarding how to handle the award in your particular situation.