• What do I need to know before I begin writing?
• What types of articles do you publish?
• Departments
• Peer-reviewed features
• Can I include photos, tables or figures with my submission?
• How do I send you my manuscript?
• I’ve submitted my manuscript. Now what?
• Are there other ways to contribute to Canadian Nurse?

What do I need to know before I begin writing?

Explore the magazine to familiarize yourself with our style and with the types of articles we publish. Read these submission guidelines carefully.

What types of articles do you publish?

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 publish peer-reviewed feature articles as well as shorter department pieces. We do not publish term papers or literature reviews, book reviews, poems, obituaries or manuscripts that have been previously published in print or online or that are currently being considered by another publication.

Please identify which department of the magazine your submission is intended for. Only submissions by registered nurses will be considered for publication.

Departments

Promising Practices. Describes an innovative or a unique program or outlines a project or an application of technology that enhances patient care or improves the quality of health-care workplaces. Submissions must not exceed 1,400 words with a maximum of three references. At least one of the authors must be a registered nurse.

Reflection. Write about a particular personal or professional experience, focusing on the lessons learned and insights gained. These submissions are written in the first person. Submissions must not exceed 1,000 words with no references. The author must be a registered nurse.

Commentary. Would you like to raise an important issue for discussion among your colleagues? Are you looking for a forum for your opinion? We invite commentary, without references, on current issues relevant to a broad range of Canadian nurses. Ensure that your point of view is clear and that your writing style is conversational. Submissions are limited to 650 words with no references.

Peer-reviewed features

Submissions for peer-reviewed features must present original research and the resulting implications for practice at a national level. We do not accept submissions that exceed 3,000 words (inclusive of abstract and references).

An abstract of no more than 200 words must be included with your manuscript. The abstract should summarize the main points, including the aims, conclusions and major implications for nursing practice.

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.

A lack of new ideas or original research and a lack of practical implications are the 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.

The lead author of all manuscripts submitted for consideration as a peer-reviewed feature must be a registered nurse. An author must have made a significant contribution to the concept, initial draft and revision(s) of the manuscript. No more than five individuals may be listed as authors. Canadian Nurse reserves the right to request a detailed description of authors’ contributions to the work. If the criteria for authorship are not met, we may ask you to remove some of the names as a condition of publication.

Can I include photos, tables or figures with my submission?

We encourage you to submit high-resolution digital photos to accompany your manuscript. Images must be a minimum of 300 dpi at 100 per cent final size. Photographers must be credited, and releases must be obtained from all identifiable people in your photos. Please 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 include the written permission with your submission.

Canadian Nurse reserves the right to make the final decision on all artwork and caption information.

How do I send you my manuscript?

E-mail your manuscript to editor@canadian-nurse.com. Please include a cover letter with contact information for the lead 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.

I’ve submitted my manuscript. Now what?

Submitted manuscripts are acknowledged upon arrival. Following an internal review, the manuscript is accepted, rejected or, if appropriate, sent for peer review. We generally try to notify authors of our decision within six weeks of submission; this time may vary, depending on the current rate of submissions.

If your manuscript is accepted, it will undergo editing prior to publication. 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 lead author for approval. Authors are responsible for all statements in the article.

Canadian Nurse reserves the right to make the final decision on title and copy changes.

Once your manuscript has been accepted, each author will be asked to sign a form stating that she/he has made a substantial contribution to the concept, writing or revision of the manuscript and agreeing to transfer copyright to the Canadian Nurses Association.

Are there other ways to contribute to Canadian Nurse?

Suggest a Nurse to Know. We’re looking for inspiring individuals to highlight in our popular profile section. Nominate an RN who has made a difference in the lives of their clients and in their communities, who has faced unique personal and/or professional challenges that helped them grow as a nurse, who has inspired you, challenged you and taken risks to advance the profession. Include the name of the nurse and her or 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. Please limit your submission to no more than 250 words and include your professional credentials, a daytime phone number and your complete mailing address. If selected for publication, your submission may be edited for length and clarity.

Suggest a story idea we can explore. 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? We may be able to assign a writer to pursue your topic.

Current as of October 10, 2012

Subject to change