INS is very excited to kick off the new year with the publication of two special articles that resulted from the Journal of Infusion Nursing's Writing Mentorship Program. In early 2004, INS launched a pilot version of the program, and began working with two new nurse authors-Lisa Bass, MSN, CRNI(R) and Linda Dohse, RN, CRNI(R). Both nurses were among a select group invited to participate in the program because each had attended an INS meeting and indicated an interest in professional writing on the meeting's evaluation form. We're glad we reached out to these prospective authors, and as you read their articles, you will be too.
INS was lucky to have an outstanding nurse on board as the pilot mentor. Christine Pierce, RN, MSN, CHE, has been an active member of INS since its early years, and has continued to serve the specialty of infusion nursing on the Journal's Editorial Review Board. A nurse consultant who is well published, Christine is currently engaged in doctoral work that includes aspects of adult education-all of which made her the perfect fit for the role of a mentor. In addition to her clinical expertise, Christine is a skilled communicator who was able to help each author observe professional writing protocols, write clearly, and organize her ideas. We owe Christine a great debt for her tireless efforts in bringing each manuscript to fruition.
Our two new authors were a pleasure to work with as well. Each candidate brought to the program an enthusiasm for her work and a willingness to learn, even if it meant poring over each draft of the manuscript through months of intensive review and fine-tuning. Each of the articles touches upon an aspect of infusion nursing that has not been fully addressed in this journal. For Lisa Bass, the focus is health literacy. Her article moves beyond general discussions of patient education to explore the idea of literacy as it affects clinical care and patient outcomes. Linda Dohse's position as a clinical coordinator at an infusion center prompted her to write about the financial aspects of infusion therapy. Her article outlines an active role for the infusion nurse in the Medicare precertification process, and suggests that such involvement by the nurse may help infusion centers remain viable in this profit-driven market.
The response to this program has inspired us to continue offering the Mentorship Program in the coming year. After issuing a call to the membership for applications in the summer of 2004, one new candidate was chosen. The manuscripts will be published later this year. In the meantime, consider applying for the next phase of the Mentorship Program. It's not just about improving your resume, it's about improving patient outcomes by contributing to your specialty. Keep an eye out for notices about the next phase of the program here in the Journal, in our member newsletter, Newsline, and on our Web site. You just may end up seeing your name in print.
Mary Alexander