Eligibility and Application

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“I have found it very helpful in learning to honor my gifts and talents, not just identifying areas of growth. As a result, my confidence has grown and allowed me to take on more leadership responsibility with a mindset that I am fully capable.” Stephanie DiRubbo, MSN, RN - 2023 - 24 Fellow
"NLI has opened my eyes beyond the traditional walls of health care. Collaborating with all the amazing Fellows from across the state has reinvigorated my sense of purpose in nursing leadership. This experience has exceeded all of my expectations and has provided me so many resources to prepare me for my professional future. We are working together to better serve our communities, profession, and future nurses of Maryland." Shara Becker, MBA, BSN, RN, CEN - 2023 - 24 Fellow
"NLI made me realize that it is OK to be your authentic self as a leader. This has positively impacted my engagement with my team with proven results. The program, coupled with my mentor, gave me the confidence to pursue my ambition to elevate myself in the nursing profession and to be the engine behind growing others." Brandi E. Caver, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC - 2023 - 24 Fellow

Before You Begin

Carefully review all of the information on this webpage as well as the following webpages:

Applicants are required to have institutional support for their participation in this program.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact nrsnurseleadershipinstitute@umaryland.edu. 

Eligibility

Eligibility

Applicants are registered nurses with:

  • an active Maryland nursing license

  • a graduate degree OR
  • a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and:
    • enrollment in a graduate program OR
    • two years in a leadership position

Employed in Maryland within either:

  • academia
  • a health care system
  • a public health/community health organization

Able to:

  • demonstrate leadership potential through your work and professional activities
  • provide documented support from your institution's leadership to participate in all NLI activities
  • provide documented commitment from a nurse mentor

2025 - 26 Application Timeline

April 4, 2025 Applications Open
May 5, 2025 Early (priority) application submission deadline
June 13, 2025 Final application deadline
June 30, 2025 Applicant notified of decision

Completed applications received by the posted deadline will be reviewed by a committee comprised of academic and practice leaders. All applicants will receive notification of the committee’s decision.

Application

Apply Now

Submit your application using the red button above. 

Please ensure you have the documents below ready before you begin the application because you will not have the opportunity to save your work after you start.

  1. Signed NLI Institutional Support Form

  2. Copy of Active Nursing License  

  3. Personal Narrative
    a two-page personal narrative that describes:
    - career path and accomplishments to date
    - present and future goals
    - what you expect to achieve through your participation in this program

  4. Your Professional Curriculum Vitae

  5. Current Job Description
    - include the number of years in the position

  6.  For BSN Applicants Only:
    - Proof of Registration in Graduate Program OR
    - Description of 2 years in leadership (should be included in the personal narrative)

  7. Mentor Letter of Support
    - a brief description of the mentor’s career and accomplishments
    - a commitment to support the nominee through the yearlong program
    - a commitment to attend mentor designated activities

  8. Mentor Curriculum Vitae