Writing partnerships: a CNS and staff nurses write for publication

Writing for publication with staff nurses can provide CNSs with flexible and creative approaches to the challenges facing nurses in the restructuring health care environment. CNSs experience many rewards and satisfactions from writing and measurable outcomes for practice evaluation. Staff nurses gain clinical knowledge, professional and career development, and the excitement that accompanies completion of a scholarly endeavor. Being in the clinical arena gives the CNS unique opportunities to work with and mentor staff nurses and observe their special capabilities, including those of a potential writing partner. How one CNS selected writing partners and supported these staff nurse colleagues through the writing-for-publication process is described in this article.