Course description

The aim of this module is to assist prospective nurse authors in preparing an article for publication in a professional journal, to write with clear purpose and to plan the article carefully using journal guidelines. The module encourages the nurse author to liaise closely with critical readers both before and after submission to the chosen journal. It is important to note that writing for publication is a collaborative process and no journal article is ever the sole product of the author. Each article is crafted, to some degree, by constructive criticism shared informally before submission, for example by colleagues and supervisors (critical readers), and formally after submission by peer reviewers and journal editors.

Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return.

Learning aims and intended outcomes

• Review your motives for writing for publication
• Identify why it is important to write for publication
• Summarise what is involved in planning and preparing an article for publication in a professional journal
• Describe how to structure a draft article
• Understand the importance of consulting critical readers before you submit your article for publication
• Describe the purpose and benefits of the peer-review process