Social network analysis: Exploring connections to advance military nursing science

Background Military nurse scientists are embedded in service-affiliated branches (Army, Navy, Air Force) with different missions, but with the singular purpose of generating and disseminating research impacting the health and well-being of DoD beneficiaries. Purpose This project examines collaboration among TriService Nursing Research Program (TSNRP) members, seeking opportunities to strengthen, diversify, and expand research collaboration. Method Social network analysis (SNA) is the empirical inquiry of relations among social actors at different levels of analysis. An electronic SNA assessment and total enumerative sampling were used to explore current collaborations among PhD-prepared military nurse scientists (N = 136). Findings The TSNRP collaboration network has a complex service-driven structure with high status actors whose advice, knowledge, or skills are sought by others, and who function as connectors or bridges across service branches. Discussion For military scientists, SNA is instrumental in identifying influential individuals, visualizing opportunities for intraservice mentoring, designing responsive policy, and directing career opportunities for novice scientists.