Module Components

• Overview
• Assignment

Topics

• Poster Presentation
• Podium Presentation
• Writing for Professional Publication

NDNP 813 - DNP Project Evaluation and Dissemination

Module 2: Poster Presentation

Writing for Professional Publication

One way to build knowledge based on evidence is to share quality improvement project findings. The dissemination of these findings is often a difficult final step in a project that may take months or years to complete. While poster or podium presentations may provide DNP students with meaningful personal development and opportunities to share their DNP project findings, evidence-based journals offer the opportunity for a greater impact on clinical practice.

Publication in a scholarly journal is important because the peer-review process that a conference abstract can undergo is very limited. Full publication of DNP project findings may also allow them to be identified and implemented into other practice settings.

Why Publish?

DNP students and graduates realize the need for nursing practice to be evidence-based, and their role in generating and translating that evidence into practice. This occurs completing literature reviews to find the best evidence and implementing quality improvement projects. Effective communication of findings, conclusions and recommendations for practice is an essential to share that knowledge so that other providers and patients may benefit from the efforts of the DNP.  Furthermore, professional publications in one's area of expertise may be required for career advancement.

Writing the Clinically Based Article

Step 1: Choosing a mentor

Novice writers for professional publications often find it helpful to begin by finding a writing mentor. This is a person who has previously published, and can be trusted to provide honest guidance and feedback during the different stages of the writing process. Another approach is to work collaboratively as a member of a team with more experienced writers.  The chances for successfully getting the article in print will be higher, and the confidence and mentoring gained from the experience should reinforce seeking opportunities for future writing experiences. A faculty member who has supported the student through the DNP project can often serve as a publication mentor. 
 
Step 2:   Selecting a journal

Before beginning the writing process, review the published mission statements of potential journals that describe both the content of the journal and projected audience.  It is important to be clear in the decision about the target audience from the beginning. If clinical staff who give direct patient care are the target, then a journal regularly read by those readers is the choice. However, if the intended audience is policy makers, then an academic journal with a specialty focus may be more appropriate. The author guidelines usually posted on the journal's website will clarify the editor's expectations on how to present and submit an article. It may also be helpful to send a query to the editor with a summary or abstract of the article. Several query letters may be submitted at the same time, whereas the article may only be submitted to one journal at a time.

Nurse Author and Editor is an online newsletter dedicated to providing information on how to write quality manuscripts and seek publishing opportunities. The website contains a journal directory, which lists contact information and guidelines for over 250 journals. Each issue also contains short articles on new developments in nursing journal publishing. 

Step 3:  The process of writing
Good quality writing does not come naturally. It can take a great effort to develop clear sentences and a well-organized structure.  The process of writing is comparable to deliberate thinking. The first attempts are often disorganized and tentative. However, through constant revision thoughts become meaningful and more organized.

Step 4: Drafting and Revising
The key elements in revising an article are consideration of the goal, attention to the projected audience, an awareness of tone and style, and a focus on the message. It is essential to define the purpose of the project clearly within the first few paragraphs to emphasize the main point of and motivate the reader to continue reading. Attention should also be given to an easy-to-follow organization, persuasive use of evidence to support the problem, a clear and readable style, correct grammar, and a strong conclusion with implications for practice.

Turing a DNP Project Manuscript into a Publication

Completing the DNP project and graduating is a cause for celebration. However, while the ideas are fresh, it is also an opportunity to disseminate the findings. Success in publication may be dependent upon working with your faculty member and clinical site representative, who are more likely to be experienced writers. Helpful hints in this process include:

• Discuss the potential publication during the development of your DNP project manuscript prior to graduation.
• Agree upon a plan for publication that includes issues, such as co-authorship and/or acknowledgement of those who have made a contribution.
• Decide upon the order of authorship: If others have participated in writing the article, it is generally appropriate that the student be listed as the first author, recognized as doing the major work, followed by those who have contributed to it.
• Negotiate a timetable for writing and submission, and a plan of collaboration.

Professional Journal for DNPs

Journal of Doctoral Nursing Practice is a journal specifically targeted toward the advancement of the doctoral practice of nursing. It is a peer reviewed journal that brings together articles, which reveal merit in the application of evidence-based practice in clinical practice and patient care settings. Articles are based on case studies, practice issues, ethical dilemmas, legal issues, and innovative methods of teaching and evaluating advanced practice, and promoting the scholarly nature of the clinical practice of nursing.