Supporting Family Caregivers through Education: A Call for Proposals
Advancing Rehabilitation Nursing and Caregiving through Education
The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce a new initiative aimed at supporting family caregivers through education. The ARN Advancing Science and Practice Subcommittee invites proposals for grant support to contribute to the development of the ARN Family Caregiver Resource Center.
Formerly known as The Barbara Lutz Stroke Rehabilitation Grant, which was developed to honor the 2019-2020 ARN President, Barbara J. Lutz, PhD RN CRRN PHNA-BC FAHA FAAN, and provided funding to pursue stroke research, this ARN Caregiver Resource Development Grant seeks to create essential educational resources for family caregivers, ensuring they receive the most current and effective support from rehabilitation nurses.
This initiative is funded through the Rehabilitation Nurse Foundation (RNF). All materials developed under this call will be trademarked by RNF.
Applications are now being accepted through August 30, 2024. Winners will be announced in October 2024.
Purpose of the Caregiver Resource Development Grant
The primary goal of this grant is to identify and address the educational needs of family caregivers during inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing care. Proposals should be grounded in the latest evidence-based practices and should aim to create impactful, accessible educational modules.
These resources will form the foundation of the new ARN Family Caregiver Resource Center, hosted on the ARN website, providing invaluable support to caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for loved ones with disabling conditions.
Grant Proposal Requirements
Successful proposals will include the following components:
- Educational Topics: Identify a comprehensive list of topics that are crucial for family caregivers, focusing either on specific disabling conditions (e.g., stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis) or general caregiver needs.
- Evidence-Based Resources: Include resources currently in use or available in the literature, such as the ARN Core Curriculum, now the new ARN Rehab Nursing Knowledge Base.
- Resource Identification: Locate existing family caregiver education resources available on the internet and identify gaps in these resources.
- Education Module Development: Develop a voice-over PowerPoint educational module to fill an identified gap in current resources.
Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
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Applicant Requirements: Applicants must be current ARN members and registered nurses.
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Proposal Review: Proposals will be reviewed by a peer review group consisting of members of the ARN Advancing Science and Practice Subcommittee, Dr. Michelle Camicia, and Dr. Barbara Lutz.
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Submission Format: Applications must be submitted electronically in one PDF document to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by August 30, 2024.
Funding and Project Timeline
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Grant Allocation: Each grant will provide $2,000, with up to three grants awarded annually. Funds will not be awarded to develop a research proposal.
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Funding Schedule: Funds will be issued in October of 2024.
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Project Completion: Funded projects must be completed within 6 months of approval, including a final project report.
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Presentations: Awardees will present their findings at ARN’s 2025 Rehabilitation Nursing Conference. Conference registration will be provided. Awardees will also engage in intermittent mentoring sessions scheduled in collaboration with Drs. Camicia and Lutz.
Mentoring and Support
Throughout the project, awardees will receive mentorship from renowned experts Dr. Barbara Lutz and Dr. Michelle Camicia, PhD RN CRRN CCM NEA-BC FARN FAHA FAAN, ensuring the development of high-quality educational resources.
Join Us in Advancing Caregiver Support
This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a meaningful impact on family caregivers' lives. By contributing to the ARN Family Caregiver Resource Center, you will help provide essential education and support to those who need it most.
Together, let's advance the science and practice of rehabilitation nursing and enhance the support system for family caregivers. Apply by August 30, 2024, and be a part of this transformative initiative!
Questions?
Nurses who have specific questions or concerns should contact ARN's Member Services department at 800.229.7530 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
