Publishing in the Alabama Nurse

Alabama Nurse,  Sep-Nov 2003  

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Have you ever thought about writing a professional article for publication? The trend is that many nurses think about it but too few ever actually do the writing, let alone submitting their work for publication. I sincerely hope that we can change this trend. While writing for publication can be a challenge rest assured that it can also be exhilarating. Remember you do not need a PhD to be an author.

So how do you get started on this venture? The following formula simplifies the process.

Topic * Target Audience * Review Literature * Outline * Write * Submit * Publish.

First, decide on a topic. This is probably the hardest part of the formula. Do you have an area of special interest? Have you a unique nursing experience? Did you have a special patient that taught you a memorable lesson? Look to any of these areas for inspiration for your writings. But most important is that you choose a topic of personal interest.

Second, who is your target audience? Who will be reading your article? What level of nursing practice, clinical, staff, advance practice, academia? It. is easier to focus on one level per article.

Third, review the literature. Depending on your topic it is a good idea to review at least the past two years worth of articles and other resources published on your selected topic. Of course if you have the time you can always review resources that go back a few more years but keep your material reasonably current.

Fourth, outline your topic just to give direction to your article. It is very easy to get sidetracked when writing a professional article because there are so very many other areas that can impact on the topic. But try to keep your writing flowing in the direction of your planned ending.

Fifth, write, write, write. Just start writing about your topic. At this point pay little to attention spelling or punctuation; just get the words down. Do not try for absolutely perfect sentences or punctuation during the initial writing because this frequently distracts you from what you are trying to write. After you have exhausted your writing then go back and do the polishing of the grammar and punctuation. Once the first through polishing has been accomplished write the introduction and conclusion. Follow this with review by a couple colleagues. Once your article has been reviewed, do some editing but remember to limit the number of rewrites, otherwise you may never get it submitted because rewrite can go on forever.

Sixth, send your article on to ASNA, where we will read and if necessary recommend changes. Occasionally articles must be condensed in order to fit available space but we will discuss this with the author before making any changes.

Last but not least, publication in the Alabama Nurse. Those of us who work to put the Alabama Nurse together every quarter are more than happy to assist anyone wishing to write an article for publication and if you want some suggestions on topics please call us a 334-262-8321.

Copyright Alabama State Nurses' Association Sep-Nov 2003
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