Share your expertise and make a difference—for patients and the profession.

PROFESSIONAL WRITING plays a vital role in nursing. From accurate documentation and clear patient education to effective communication with colleagues and contributions to scholarly publishing, strong writing skills support safe, high-quality care and professional growth. Publication also helps advance nursing practice, improve patient outcomes, and foster professional growth. By sharing clinical expertise, innovative strategies, and critical perspectives, nurse authors make meaningful contributions to both the profession and the broader healthcare community.

From reader to author

Nurses who read American Nurse Journal (ANJ) are our best authors. They know that their colleagues appreciate timely, practical information that supports direct patient care, as well as thoughtful perspectives on professional and leadership issues.

When exploring potential writing contributions, consider topics meaningful to nurses across various practice settings. Use the following as a guide:

• Present evidence-based clinical information.
• Highlight recent developments, such as new treatments, procedures, or diagnostic techniques.
• Provide step-by-step guidance on complex or emerging clinical procedures.
• Discuss new medications or innovative drug regimens.
• Explore the legal and ethical challenges nurses encounter.
• Address career and professional development issues.
• Share strategies that enhance patient safety and quality of care through best practices.
• Examine current controversies in nursing and healthcare.
• Offer ways for nurses to influence decision-making in their practice and organizations.
• Discuss how nurses can leverage technology to improve patient outcomes.
• Provide advice for supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

The nitty gritty

ANJ remains committed to delivering authoritative research translated into practical, evidence-based literature and relevant content to keep nurses up to date on best practices, help them maximize patient outcomes, and advance their professional careers. The following list offers some details regarding various types of articles we’re looking for (word counts don’t include references).

• Rapid Response. These popular and peer-reviewed columns, no more than 650 words, include scenarios from non-acute care settings.
• Short clinical features. At 1,200 to 1,800 words, these peer-reviewed articles include a short anatomy and physiology section, nursing implications, and application to practice. Case studies or frequently asked question formats are great options for clinical features.
• Continuing education. Crucial to the nursing profession, continuing education articles keep nurses updated on the latest evidence-based practices, while enhancing critical thinking and clinical decision-making. These peer-reviewed articles have word counts of up to 3,300.
• Perspectives blog. This opportunity enables you to share your opinion on various topics. These short articles (600 to 1,200 words) do not go through peer review.

We want to help

If you’re new to writing for publication or would appreciate some guidance, we’re here to help with tipsheets, podcasts, and guidelines. Visit https://www.myamericannurse.com/author-guidelines/ for more information.

Queries are the best way to get specific feedback about your idea, so reach out to me today at jnyhus@healthcommedia.com.

Julie Nyhus serves as editorial director of American Nurse Journal.

American Nurse Journal. 2025; 20(11). Doi: 10.51256/ANJ112548