Mentored residential writing retreats: a leadership strategy to develop skills and generate outcomes in writing for publication.
There is an increasing expectation that academic and clinical nurses will contribute to disciplinary and professional discourses through scholarly writing. However, the difficulties and challenges associated with writing for publication mean that many papers will never be written. This current paper describes an innovative approach developed to support skill development and outcomes in writing for publication. Intensive residential writing retreats informed by the principles of servant leadership and incorporating strategies such as mentoring and peer learning were conducted in 2005 and 2007. Positive outcomes and benefits included publications submitted to peer-reviewed journals, as well as positive effects on collegial relationships, and team building. Novice writers benefited from intensive and sustained support and coaching by experienced writers. Organisational benefits included increased participation by staff and research higher degree students in publication activities, enhanced collegial relationships and opportunities for senior established writers to work with inexperienced writers.
Jackson
Debra
D
School of Nursing, College of Health and Science, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia. debra.jackson@uws.edu.au
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007857:Leadership; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D010379:Peer Group; D017712:Peer Review, Research; D010506:Periodicals as Topic; D011231:Preceptorship / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011643:Publishing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D017748:Time Management; D014956:Writing / Q000592:standards