Have you ever wondered about the process that is used to approve a manuscript for publication in Orthopaedic Nursing? Have you ever thought you would like to be a member of the journal team? And even if you haven't thought about these things but you might be interested in being part of the reviewer panel for your professional journal, then this editorial is written just for you!
Every manuscript that you read in Orthopaedic Nursing has undergone the blinded peer review process, which means the reviewer does not know who the author is. This also means that the manuscript has been read and critiqued by clinicians or researchers, who by their evaluation deem that the manuscript is of high quality and suitable for publication. The reviewer makes suggestions to strengthen the manuscript and possibly finds errors or problems with the content. The Editor or Research Editor reviews the manuscript, and the reviewer comments to make a final decision on whether the manuscript should be published. The role of a manuscript reviewer is essential to maintaining the integrity of the journal.
The qualifications for becoming a reviewer vary, depending on whether you would like to review orthopaedic clinical manuscripts or research manuscripts. To review research manuscripts, it is not necessary to have orthopaedic knowledge, but more importantly, the person must have the ability to evaluate research design, methodology, and results. Often a nonresearch reviewer is asked to read the research manuscript for clinical content review. For clinical manuscripts, it is necessary to have orthopaedic knowledge. However, you would not need to know everything about every possible orthopaedic problem. When registering to become a reviewer, there is an opportunity to select what areas of orthopaedic nursing you have expert knowledge about.
Characteristics for any reviewer of Orthopaedic Nursing are as follows:
* Commitment to advance the specialty of orthopaedic nursing;
* Possess orthopaedic nursing clinical knowledge or research knowledge;
* Ability to respond to peer review assignments in a timely manner-2 weeks from date of assignment; and
* Knowledge of American Psychological Association sixth edition format.
The peer review process for Orthopaedic Nursing is done via the journal's electronic manuscript management system. Once registered and accepted to be a reviewer, you will be assigned a manuscript to review. The manuscript, along with a form with specific questions to be answered, is sent to the reviewer to complete. Once your review is returned, you will be eligible to receive one continuing education credit if the review meets the journal standards. This is a very nice benefit for peer reviewers.
Reviewers are not asked to review a manuscript if it does not match the areas of expertise that the reviewer selected. Normally, a reviewer is asked to review one manuscript every 2-3 months.
If you would like to be considered to be a peer reviewer for Orthopaedic Nursing, you should complete the following steps:
1. Register at http://www.editorialmanager.com/onj.
2. Send a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae to Mary Rodts, Editor, at [email protected].
3. Once confirmed, the editor will assign a manuscript to review. You will receive electronic notification that you have been invited to review a manuscript.
Members of the review panel may be considered for future editorial board positions as they become available.
Being a peer reviewer is professionally rewarding, as it allows you to be part of the ongoing scholarly process to continue to increase orthopaedic nursing knowledge. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further before registering to be a reviewer, please contact Mary Rodts, Editor, Orthopaedic Nursing, at mailto:[email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you!