Emerging Leader Fellowship

Maximize Your Nursing Leadership Potential with NANN and Synova’s Emerging Leader Fellowship (ELF)

NANN and Synova’s neonatal nursing fellowship program provides 5 months of learning and a quality improvement project.

The Emerging Leader Fellowship is a virtual five-month, joint program between the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and Synova Associates. Master leadership competencies in nursing through this unique nursing professional development program. Also known as ELF, the Emerging Leadership Fellowship provides neonatal nurses with a unique learning structure devised to maximize their leadership potential. Participants gain the skills to thrive in today’s fast-paced, rapidly evolving healthcare environment. Fellows will complete a quality improvement (QI) mini project to improve outcomes in their healthcare settings and to showcase their leadership growth.

To be eligible to become an Emerging Leader Fellow, you must be a full individual or international NANN member. (If you’re not a member or you’re an e-member, find out how to join NANN as a full member before you apply!)

The Emerging Leader Fellowship Program Overview details the program objectives, expectations, and program structure and schedule. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled meetings.

How to Apply for the Nursing Fellowship from NANN and Synova

The 2026 Emerging Leader Fellowship application period is now open. Submit your application by November 17, 2025, to be considered for the 2026 fellowship. The program begins February 18, 2026.

Emerging Leader Fellowship Application

Applications include

Several open-ended questions
A letter of recommendation less than 400 words, as a Word document, with the writer’s name, title, organization, and contact information
Video response for one question (record this with your phone or computer; professional recording is unnecessary and won’t influence your acceptance).

2026 ELF Program Dates

Session 1 – 2/18
- Session 1 coaching – 2/25
Session 2 – 3/11
- Session 2 coaching – 3/18
Session 3 – 4/1
- Session 3 coaching – 4/8
Session 4 – 4/22
- Session 4 coaching – 4/29
Session 5 – 5/13
- Session 5 coaching – 5/20
Session 6 – 6/3
- Session 6 coaching – 6/10
Session 7 – 6/24
- Session 7 coaching – 7/1
Session 8 disseminations – 7/14 & 7/15