title: Important considerations when applying for a postdoctoral fellowship.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine important decision points that graduates should consider before applying for a postdoctoral fellowship.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature review was performed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A synthesis of the present data on the postdoctoral fellowship, eligibility criteria, application process, and important considerations was provided. Experiential knowledge from four present postdoctoral fellows was included. The goals, advantages, and disadvantages of the fellowship were discussed. In conclusion, the postdoctoral fellowship was examined to offer important considerations in the decision to pursue this opportunity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The clinical relevance of this article is related to the training and education of nurses to become the next generation of independent, successful scholars and scientists. Postdoctoral training adds valuable contributions and quality to the field of nursing.
authors: US Department of Veterans Affairs, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL 60141, USA. daisyc6@juno.com
authors: Daisy
authors: D
authors: Sherry
authors: Michelle M
authors: MM
authors: Fennessy
authors: Viola G
authors: VG
authors: Benavente
authors: Todd M
authors: TM
authors: Ruppar
authors: Eileen G
authors: EG
authors: Collins
mesh_terms: D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D015399:Nursing Research