Abstract
Clinical nurses conduct research as a component of their professional role. The final step of the research process is communicating findings to the nursing community. Some staff nurses may be reluctant to assume the role of first-time author because of a lack of understanding of the basic mechanics of manuscript development. The nurse in staff development plays a vital role in guiding a novice author through the process. This article provides a guideline to assist the staff development educator when mentoring clinical nurses in this endeavor.