Guidelines for Contributors
Canadian Nurse, Canada’s oldest peer-reviewed nursing journal, is published nine times a year by the Canadian Nurses Association.
Through the publication of evidence-based information and research as well as commentaries and news,
Canadian Nurse supports nurses in their practice and in making evidence-informed decisions to advance health for all. The journal also serves as the primary communications vehicle to keep nurses informed of CNA’s work to advance the nursing profession.
We are seeking submissions that present new and practical information and insights that can help nurses in their work, no matter what the setting. We encourage you to explore the journal to familiarize yourself with our style and with the types of articles we publish. Before you begin writing, send us an e-mail outlining your idea and why you think readers would be interested. We’ll be able to tell you if we have already accepted or published a similar manuscript, or we may be able to give you direction on focus.
PEER-REVIEWED FEATURES. Your manuscript must not have been submitted elsewhere for consideration or have been previously published. Preference is given to material that presents new ideas and implications for practice at a national level. Literature reviews or descriptions of the process of a research study are discouraged. We do not accept submissions that exceed 3,000 words (inclusive of abstract and references).
Abstracts and keywords. An abstract of no more than 200 words and four or five suggestions for keywords must be included with your manuscript. The abstract should summarize the main points, including the aims, conclusions and major implications for nursing practice.
References. References provide readers with the resources they need to pursue further study on a topic. To be useful, they must be complete, current and from a primary source.
Canadian Nurse follows APA (American Psychological Association) style. References must be cited in the manuscript text, using an author-date citation system, and be listed alphabetically in a separate references section at the end of the manuscript. Endnotes and footnotes are discouraged.
Poor focus and weak structure are the two main problems we see with manuscripts. Take time to structure the content and try to make your messages clear and concise. At the same time, we don’t expect perfection. We encourage submissions from first-time writers as well as seasoned authors.
DEPARTMENTS. The average length of department pieces is 1,200 words. These articles do not include references.
- Perspectives. Describes an innovative or unique program or outlines the development of a project or application of technology that enhances patient care or improves the quality of health-care workplaces.
- Reflection. Write about a particular personal or professional experience, focusing on the lessons learned and insights you gained. These submissions are usually written in the first person.
SELECTION FOR PUBLICATION
Submitted manuscripts are acknowledged upon arrival. Following an internal review, the manuscript is accepted, rejected or, if appropriate, sent for blind peer review. The criteria used for evaluation include significance and scope, timeliness, reader appeal, accuracy and readability. All feature articles published in the journal are peer reviewed.
If your manuscript is accepted for publication, you will be asked to sign a release form transferring copyright to the Canadian Nurses Association.
EDITING PROCESS
Editors aim to ensure authors’ ideas are presented in the most readable manner while retaining their personal style. All edited copy is returned to the author for approval. Authors are responsible for all statements in the article, including those made by the editorial staff.
Canadian Nurse reserves the right to make the final decision on title and copy changes.
ARTWORK
We encourage you to submit artwork to accompany your manuscript. We accept high resolution digital photos or colour prints. Please do not write on the back of prints or attach them with paper clips. Photographers must be credited, and releases must be obtained from any identifiable person in your photos. Provide caption information, including names and context.
Limit the number of tables and figures you submit to no more than three. If they are from another source, you must obtain permission to reproduce them in advance and forward the written permission you have obtained with your submission.
Canadian Nurse reserves the right to make the final decision on all artwork and caption information.
OTHER WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
Suggest a Nurse to Know. We’re looking for inspiring individuals to highlight in our popular profile section. Your nominee must have demonstrated leadership, a commitment to some area of nursing or health care and a passion for the profession. Include the name of the nurse and her/his contact information and briefly explain why you think this person should be profiled.
Write a letter for Feedback. This is your opportunity to comment on what you read in Canadian Nurse. To be considered for publication, your letter to the editor should be no more than 250 words. If selected, your submissions may be edited for clarity. Please include your professional credentials, a daytime phone number and your full mailing address.
Suggest story ideas we can explore. We may be able to assign a writer to pursue your topic or ask you to write something for us.
- Are you dealing with an ethical dilemma or a legal question that you want your colleagues to know about?
- Have you heard about a problem or a success story in nursing practice that you think our readers would be interested in?
- Are you looking for a forum for your opinion?
HOW TO SUBMIT
E-mail your manuscript to editor@canadian-nurse.com. Please include a covering letter with contact information for the primary author and a one-sentence biographical sketch (credentials, current job title and location) for each author.
We prefer that all correspondence be conducted via e-mail.
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