Nurse educators and the future of nursing.
Calls for transformation in nursing education and practice abound. Nurses are part of a trusted profession, but they have been under-represented in conversations about health care compared with other, more vocal professionals. Nurses may not consider that they already have many leadership skills, and nurse educators in staff development roles are positioned to foster growth in other nurses. The relationship between nurse educators and their constituents provides the context for support that can motivate staff nurses to move beyond their concerns and accept challenges that may cause them some discomfort, such as writing for publication or public speaking. The leadership of nurse educators is essential to support colleagues who will shape the future of nursing.
Writing for publication: A practical Six Step Approach
Abstract There is a tendency amongst nurses in clinical practice to view writing for publication as something beyond their requisite. However, as UK nurses in particular move towards an all graduate profession, the need for clinical nurses to nurture a culture of writing is becoming more evident. Apart from an opportunity to share best orthopaedic and trauma nursing practice and innovation, writing for publication can also provide personal satisfaction and professional growth. The aim of this article is to inspire and encourage new authors in clinical practice to write for publication. The authors outline a practical Six Step Approach to act as signposts towards creating that first publishable journal article. This includes the need to read as preparation for writing, selecting an appropriate journal, planning and structuring the work as well as what happens after submission of the publication. The article also includes practical tips that will help the clinical practitioner to remain focused and committed towards writing for publication.
Writing an article for publication: an open invitation
Abstract LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of the article, the reader should be able to: •Describe the importance of writing for publication as a practitioner working in an orthopaedic setting •Begin to identify some of the barriers that may exist in making the decision to write an article for publication •Have an awareness of the necessary skills and attributes in planning and preparing an article for publication •Use the structure of this article as a basis for presenting a future article for publication to the journal •Develop a knowledge and understanding of the publishing process after the article has been submitted for publication. NMC* CATEGORIES *From April 1st 2002, the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) for nurses, midwives, and health visitors was replaced by the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) although PREP categories have remained the same. This article will enable the reader to address PREP categories: •Care enhancement •Practice development •Education development Examples of how this may be achieved and possible evidence for the reader's professional profile are given throughout the article. Other ways to demonstrate your continuing professional development may be to: •Use this article as an agenda or discussion item for staff in a ward meeting to consider either individual or group writing about a practice issue you have been, or are, currently involved in •Use aspects of this article to help become more confident in writing up a piece of work or situations where you need to present your ideas to others in a formal way •Develop your own style of writing as a result of following the steps in this article, to become evidence of your own continuing professional development to maintain registration or extend your career opportunities •Approach a colleague or other significant person (perhaps in education) to support you becoming more involved in regularly preparing reports or items for discussion that might be required for practice. Keep a copy of this article together with the notes you make as evidence of completing the reflection items in the text.