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

Remembering Robin Cogan: It Started With One Article

Robin Cogan, a dedicated advocate for school health and gun violence prevention, passed away recently, leaving a profound impact on many. Initially seeking to publish an article, she blossomed into a renowned writer and mentor, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and community engagement. Her legacy will be cherished by all she inspired.

A Conversation about The Conversation

Karen J. Foli discusses her experience publishing with The Conversation, a nonprofit news organization that collaborates with experts to present accessible content. She highlights the advantages of this model over traditional scholarly publishing, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the broad readership and opportunities that followed her article on nurses' psychological trauma.

Imposter Participants in Online Nursing Research: Prevalence, Red Flags, and Risk Mitigation Strategies

Richard J. Gray and colleagues address the significant issue of imposter participants in online nursing research, highlighting how fraudulent entries undermine data integrity and patient safety. The article discusses definitions, red flags, implications, and strategies for researchers to detect and manage these participants, emphasizing the need for vigilance and institutional support.

Trail Pack: Whose Shoulders Are You Standing On?

Daniel J. Pesut emphasizes the importance of recognizing intellectual lineage in nursing scholarship. He argues that foundational ideas often become "common knowledge," losing their historical context and acknowledgment. By honoring sources, scholars promote a culture of reciprocity and responsibility, ensuring that knowledge remains linked to its origins, enhancing integrity in the profession.

Summer of Peer Review Contest Winners

I am delighted to announce the winners of the Writer's Camp Summer of Peer Review contest! This year, we received exactly five entries—which means we had exactly five winners. Congratulations to all of our participants, who will each receive a Writer's Camp magnet. The prompt was... "The unofficial motto of peer review is..." Faith Tissot … Continue reading Summer of Peer Review Contest Winners

Commentary from Camp Leadership: Make it Look N.I.C.E.

Leslie Nicoll and Jenny Chicca emphasize the importance of presenting written work effectively in their guide to making manuscripts N.I.C.E.—Neat, Intentional, Correct, and Eye-catching. They highlight common writing pitfalls and offer strategies to enhance clarity and engagement, ultimately aiming to bolster credibility in academic publishing.

Shh! Editor Confidential: An Interview with Rita Pickler, PhD, RN, FAAN

Cynthia Saver interviews Rita Pickler, editor of Nursing Research, in the first installment of "Shh! Editor Confidential." They discuss the journal's focus on nursing-related research, offer publishing advice to aspiring authors, and outline the editorial process. Pickler also addresses concerns about the role of generative artificial intelligence in publishing and emphasizes the importance of clear writing.

Editorial Acquisitions Consultant: JNR

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) seeks a part-time Acquisitions Editorial Consultant for the Journal of Nursing Regulation. This remote role involves acquiring manuscripts, recruiting authors, and fostering journal growth, requiring experience in scholarly publishing and strong editorial skills. Details are provided in the job posting.

Confessions of a Highlighter Addict

Molly McCullough discusses her journey from relying on highlighters to recognizing effective paraphrasing's role in writing and retaining information. She highlights the importance of understanding plagiarism and provides strategies for better paraphrasing. This approach enhances clarity, integrity, and academic success, emphasizing the need for proper citation practices.

Commentary from the Camp Director: Reference Managers Redux

Leslie H. Nicoll emphasizes the critical role of reference managers in maintaining integrity in scholarly writing, especially in an age where AI can generate fabricated citations. Authors must engage directly with cited sources to ensure accurate references, as the failure to do so undermines research integrity and accountability within academic publishing.

Trail Pack: INQUIRE: A Navigation Model

The INQUIRE Model provides a structured approach for healthcare professionals to select appropriate problem-solving methods, including Quality Improvement (QI), Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), Innovation, and Research. This model aids in identifying triggers, assessing projects, and ensuring effective solutions, ultimately fostering data-driven decision-making in healthcare improvement efforts.