Writing Clinical Journal Articles as a Professional Nurse | Tips to Remember

Sharing is caring!

Quality writing is a crucial part of the nursing profession. Whether in print or online, journal articles help nurses to share their clinical experiences and knowledge with others in the nursing profession. The reports also offer professional nurses a platform to demonstrate their acumen. It is essential, therefore, for nurses to familiarize themselves with article writing worthy of peer-reviewed journal publication.

Evidence shows that successful nurses already have the skills needed to write articles for publication. However, top nurses need effective written and oral communication skills sharpened through daily clinical practice. As a result, nursing professionals spend considerable time and effort in training and, during practice, honing their rhetorical skills.

In other words, most nurses already have what it takes to write articles for professional publications. However, evidence shows that most nurses are terrified about creating articles for publication. The anxiety is understandable since drafting a publishable paper is not a small feat. This article summarizes valuable tips to help professional nurses with article writing.

Why Is Writing Important for Professional Nurses?

Writing is an essential element of nursing. Nurses must write detailed reports on patient care, briefs for families, and portfolios for their careers. Furthermore, there is nothing quite as exciting for the professional nurse as seeing their names in print in reputable journals.

However, the benefits of writing published articles go well beyond the thrill of seeing one’s name on an article. These articles offer crucial information for evidence-based practice. They provide a valuable way for nurses to communicate their achievements, knowledge, and research. In addition, the information in journals may cover healthcare concepts that lead to high-quality care and better patient outcomes. 

Writing journal articles can also benefit nurses in more practical and direct ways. For example, nurses can use their publications to get additional sources of income. Remember, peer-reviewed journals often pay for the rights to publish nurses’ work. The rates differ between journals, so make sure to research options.

The journal articles you have published can offer an extra edge when going through recruitment. However, don’t panic if you need help improving your writing skills. Many dependable platforms help with specialized nurse writing as well.

Article Writing Tips for Nursing Professionals

Despite the many benefits associated with article writing among nurses, writing for journal publication is not as simple as one might think. It entails much more than putting ideas on paper and making a submission. Here are several stages and procedures you can take to enhance the quality of your writing and improve the chances of being published.

1) Create a Reading and Writing Group

One of the most important things you can do when writing journal articles for publication is to create a writing group. At this stage in your professional life, you have probably created tons of papers, including essays, reports, and academic case studies. However, writing journal articles for publication is more complex. A group of interested colleagues and friends can help improve your writing by brainstorming ideas and revising manuscripts before submission. Smaller groups tend to be more effective than larger ones.

2) Benefit From Your Expertise

One challenge most beginner writers encounter is finding the right and engaging ideas and topics for their articles. Understand that successful writers work intentionally towards improving their observation skills. As a professional nurse, you already use your observation skills daily. Use those skills to survey your work environment for possible subject areas.

It could be a good idea to carry a small notebook with you to jot down ideas and observations as they occur. This way, you won’t lose the one idea that may create a topic for your next journal article. You could also keep a journal to record your workplace observations and experiences.

3) Observe Successful Writers

Another way to develop ideas for your journal article and succeed in writing a professional nurse is by observing or shadowing successful nurse writers. Talk to your colleagues who have had their articles published and allow them to share their experiences. In addition, most nursing instructors are published writers. So, if you are presently enrolled in a class, talk to your instructor and get insights on balancing professional writing and a thriving nursing career.

4) Target and Right Publication

Tailoring your writing to a specific publication is an important factor in your success. If you find the process of getting started on the process of writing for a highly-rated and research-oriented publication intimidating, reconsider your options. Increase your chances of getting published by choosing a publication whose content appears to be within the scope of your specialty.

Success demands that writers become familiar with the type of topics and articles specific journals prefer. For example, some journals focus on specific healthcare topics, such as oncology, palliative care, or women’s health. Make sure you understand the elements that suit a particular publication before submitting your manuscript for review. This way, you reduce the likelihood of getting your article rejected.

5) Research Widely

One of the most critical aspects of successful nursing writing is research. Journals evaluate articles to guarantee the credibility of the information they publish. At the same time, it is common to find writers citing other sources; such citations much be used to support the author’s original research. If the article you create is anchored on physical research and data collection, clearly outline your methodology before presenting your findings. After that, include a discussion section where you debate the relevance of your results.

This article summarizes a few writing tips for nursing professionals. First, research widely, choose the right publication, and proofread your writing. Journals are specific in terms of the types of articles they accept. So, make sure to research several options and their requirements before making your submission. You can also improve your efficiency by creating a reading and writing group. Most importantly, use observation and note-taking in the workplace to enhance your ideas and improve the quality of your writing.

Sharing is caring!

Speak Your Mind

*