Happy New Year wishes again from the Journal of the Dermatology Nurses' Association (JDNA). In previous editorials, I have asked you to consider including the JDNA in your annual new year resolutions, and by offering you examples of writing tools at your disposal, I am hoping to revive your commitment to participating in the JDNA. At http://www.jdnaonline.com, you will see a "For Authors" tab that includes several resources to help jump-start your JDNA participation, including several writing templates and a link to "Writing in Boxes eLearning.". Writing in Boxes is an online learning module that can help you begin writing, with the help of cues and prompts. This program is helpful to the novice or hesitant author and gives a jump start to the writing process. Use this link to get started with writing and then feel free to modify the process once you have an outline of an article.
Another tool you may wish to utilize is http://authors.lww.com, which is a Web site sponsored by the JDNA's publisher, Lippincott. This Web site acknowledges that "getting published is a process: navigate the process to publication with confidence and submit your own manuscript today." The Web site, although not specific to the JDNA, is a wealth of information for those wishing to get involved in publishing, whether as an author or a peer reviewer. It contains links to articles about a variety of topics important to the process of publishing, under the headings such as "Prepare," "Write," "Submit," "Publish," and "Promote." I encourage each of you to spend time looking at this Web site and to avail yourself of the resources it has to offer.
For those potential authors who may need additional support, I might recommend http://www.editage.com. This Web site offers authors a number of services, including English editing services for those whom the English language is challenging, as well as other forms of publication support, from scientific editing to proofreading. Although these services may have a cost associated with them, it may be the right choice for select authors who need the additional support to help them publish. If you think this might be a good option for you, please don't hesitate to at least look at their offered services.
Finally, I'd like to remind readers that the JDNA has a number of individuals who are more than willing to help new or experienced authors as you navigate the writing and submission process. In addition to myself, the JDNA is extremely fortunate to have Melissa Derby ([email protected]) as our Managing Editor. She has worked with the JDNA for many years and is intimately familiar with our online submission program, Editorial Manager (https://www.editorialmanager.com/jdna/Default.aspx). In addition, we have a dedicated JDNA Editorial Board, many of whom are willing to mentor authors at any step in the writing process. So, whether you are a new author or an experienced one just needing a bit more support, please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be helpful.
One change to the JDNA I wanted to call to your attention was the way our continuing education (CE) tests will be processed. To date, the CE tests were able to be taken via "paper and pencil" and mailed in for credit. Starting with this issue, readers will be able to submit for CE credit online only. This change brings our Journal practices in line with how other professional nursing journals offer their CE. I don't imagine this will be too problematic for most of you, and I thank you for your understanding as we make this change.
In closing, I wanted to be sure to invite you to the upcoming annual Dermatology Nurses' Association Convention "Monumental Strides in Dermatology Excellence" in Washington, DC, this year from February 27, 2019, to March 2, 2019. The JDNA's own Editorial Board member, Katrina Masterson, will be offering a session on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. titled "Professional Peer Review: Advancing Dermatology Nursing and Nurses," and I would love to personally welcome you to this event. As many of you know, the JDNA takes pride that it is a peer-reviewed journal. Dr. Masterson states, "Peer review is a hallmark of professional practice. It serves as a validation tool in rapidly evolving dermatology nursing science. Serving as a peer reviewer is an enriching experience for the experienced professional, providing a sense of giving back to the profession while stimulating critical thinking." Please come join us as we further discuss the role of peer review in the context of dermatology nursing.
As always, I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Angela L. Borger
Editor in Chief
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]