Indian Health Geriatric Nurse Fellowship (GNF) Program
Program Overview
The Indian Health Geriatric Nurse Fellowship Program is a partnership between the IHS Division of Nursing Services and the Alzheimer's Program. It began as a pilot in 2023 using the successful Indian Health GeriScholars model. The fellowship focuses on whole-person care, proven methods, and leadership development.
This nine-month program helps nurses working with American Indian and Alaska Native communities become local leaders in elder care.
Each cohort is limited to 20 fellows for personalized support.
Fellows participate in:
- Online classes and hands-on learning guided by experienced mentors.
- Core and specialty training in geriatric care and elder health.
- A nurse-led improvement project at their local facility or in their community.
- Webinars, coaching sessions, and ongoing peer support.
- A final presentation of their project.
Fellows receive the following financial assistance:
- Up to $1,000 reimbursement for training courses and $2,500 reimbursement to their facility to offset participation time
- Up to $2,000 reimbursement for travel to the in-person final fellowship meeting
- Up to $1,000 reimbursement for optional certification or advanced training after successful completion of the fellowship
Watch a Geriatric Nurse Fellow discuss her final project focusing on on assessing medication label literacy before and after using the intervention she created.
Eligibility
The program is open to the following nurses working in IHS, tribal, or urban Indian health programs:
- Registered nurses (RNs)
- Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
Additional Criteria:
- Must be a permanent employee
- Cannot be enrolled in the GeriScholars Program
- Must have endorsement from the CEO or clinical supervisor of their sponsoring facility
- Facility must be part of the I/T/U system
