How to plan and deliver a writing retreat

A writing retreat can be described as time and space away from everyday distractions that is dedicated to writing, where participants support each other to achieve specific writing goals. Writing retreats for nurses can provide a valuable structure and supportive environment for focusing on writing projects that are often considered as lacking priority. They are typically associated with academic writing in a research context, but can also have benefits for nurse leaders, nurse managers and their teams. • Writing retreats can support nurses to develop professionally and cultivate writing skills. • Writing retreats can provide time and space away from operational pressures, thereby enhancing well-being and motivation. • Writing retreats can support nurses to work on written outputs including policies, reports, training packages and business cases as well as research articles. REFLECTIVE ACTIVITY: 'How to' articles can help to update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: • How this article might improve your practice when planning and delivering a writing retreat. • How you could use this information to educate nursing students or your colleagues on the appropriate technique and evidence base for planning and delivering a writing retreat.