Welcome to Writer’s Camp!

I am delighted that you have found your way to Writer's Camp, a community that celebrates excellence in writing, editing, and publishing. While we emphasize these skills for nursologists, everyone is welcome. Take a few minutes to see what we have to offer.

You can be a learner, or if you are so inclined, you can write for Writer's Camp. Bookmark the site and visit it often — there's something new almost every day. I am glad you are here!
—Leslie H. Nicoll, Camp Director

Writing Retreats Your Way

Jayne Jennings Dunlap and Julee Briscoe Waldrop emphasize the adaptability of writing retreats, detailing their experience with a virtual retreat due to unforeseen circumstances. They highlight the importance of dedicated time for writing, whether solo or group-based, and encourage readers to envision their own dream retreats to enhance creativity and productivity.

Writing a Column for a Nursology Journal: A Personal Experience

Jacqueline Fawcett reflects on her journey with HumanBecoming Theory and her writing experience for Nursing Science Quarterly, initially influenced by Rosemarie Rizzo Parse. She emphasizes the significance of precise language in nursing discourse and shares insights on collaborating with colleagues and the meaningful engagement with nursing's metaparadigm in her columns.

How Journals Work: A Systems-Based Framework for Understanding Scholarly Publishing

Scholarly journals are often judged by prestige or impact, yet these signals reveal little about how journals actually function. The Journal Systems Framework offers a systems-based way to understand differences in editorial intent, capacity, infrastructure, and governance—helping authors, editors, and institutions move beyond simplistic labels toward clearer, more informed conversations about publishing.

Journals as Systems: Rethinking How Scholarly Publishing Works

Leslie H. Nicoll discusses the complexities of scholarly journal publishing, emphasizing the need to view journals as systems rather than mere labels like “predatory” or “legitimate.” This perspective fosters more meaningful conversations about journal operations and integrity, ultimately promoting a clearer understanding of their diverse functions within scholarly communication. The upcoming Journal Systems Framework will facilitate this approach.

Misuse of Methods in Academic Publishing: A Growing Concern

Editors Roger Watson and Mark Hayter highlight the troubling trend of method misuse in nursing research. Many complex studies lack theoretical foundations and meaningful contributions, driven by a "publish or perish" mentality. They urge a focus on substantive research questions and propose education reform for editors, reviewers, and academic leaders to combat this issue.

Trail Pack: Evidence-Based Recommendations to Inform Currency and Number of References

The inaugural Trail Pack at Writer's Camp features a unique learning experience combining a research report, a podcast and video, and an article discussing reference currency and quantity in scholarly writing. It emphasizes the importance of recent literature while acknowledging the relevance of historical sources, offering guidelines and decision-making algorithms for effective literature selection.

Writer’s Camp Bugle #12

Happy New Year, Campers! Here’s what’s in this edition of The Bugle:

Wordcraft at Camp: Method vs. Methodology

Leslie H. Nicoll clarifies the distinction between "method" and "methodology." Method refers to specific procedures used in research, while methodology pertains to the theoretical frameworks guiding these methods. Authors are encouraged to use "method" for clarity in most cases, reserving "methodology" for discussions on research philosophy. Precision improves understanding.

Plain Language as a Recipe for Effective Writing

Jenny Chicca offers ten principles for effective writing, emphasizing clarity and accessibility. Key strategies include understanding your audience, stating main points upfront, using active voice, and employing everyday language. By organizing content and proofreading thoroughly, writers can create impactful and comprehensible materials that resonate with readers, enhancing overall communication efficacy.

Coming in 2026: Trail Packs

Writer's Camp is introducing Trail Packs, a new feature starting January 1, 2026, authored by Jacqueline Owens. Trail Packs combine research reports, podcasts, and concise articles for a holistic learning experience. This monthly initiative aims to make research accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. Contributions are welcomed for future packs.

Why Evidence Reviews Are Not Research Studies

The article by Julee Briscoe Waldrop and Staci Reynolds emphasizes the importance of clearly distinguishing between systematic search strategies and systematic reviews when conducting evidence-based practice (EBP) initiatives. Effective EBP relies on high-quality evidence for practice change recommendations. Authors often conflate these concepts, impairing clarity and hindering meaningful practice improvements.

Call for Abstracts: Space, Place, and Patients

Call for Abstracts: Space, Place, and Patients

2nd Annual Virtual Conference for Graduate Students and Early Career Researchers
February 19–21, 2026 · Virtual (Zoom)

The American Association for the History of Nursing (AAHN) invites submissions from senior undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career researchers (up to 5 years post-PhD) for a virtual conference exploring space, place, and patients in the history of healthcare.

Submissions that address nursing or the role of the nursing profession are welcome, but presentations may consider any aspect of healthcare history, in any place or time period.

Accepted presenters must be AAHN members. A discounted student membership is available: two students from the same institution may join for $100 USD. More information: AAHN Membership Benefits

Presentation format: 20-minute paper + 10-minute Q&A.

Submit a 250-word abstract by January 23, 2025:
Abstract Submission Form