Every author does not value feedback on manuscripts. Sometimes authors believe their work was already their best effort, so finding that others don’t agree can be disheartening. Seasoned authors know to expect feedback in some manner that would generate a revision to the original work. Many new authors also see this phenomenon. The bottom line is that because reviewers (including those who serve as Board members) provide their best thinking, authors’ work is often improved through the review process.
The feedback reviewers provide often doesn’t happen with a quick scan of a manuscript. In fact, it almost never does. The time and effort each reviewer exerts is an investment in the author and in the profession. We are all striving to be sure that we provide the best information possible for readers and prospective researchers. Authors often comment on the value of the thoughtful reviews they receive that allow them to massage their original words into masterful works. Readers typically don’t tell us that the reviewers are doing great work, but we know they value what the reviewers do because we see the manuscripts published in The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing cited in subsequent work.
These dedicated men and women, experts in some aspect of continued professional development, are exemplars of being a professional. They have taken on the additional task of spending hours each month reviewing what has been submitted and providing their best thinking about every assignment.
To our readers, thank you for your continued interest and support of this important work. To our authors and our support staff, thank you for all of your work and dedication. To our peer reviewers and Board members, thank you for all of your work on behalf of advancing nursing. Nursing is better because of what this vast group of people do.
As 2011 comes to a close, I want to thank all who are affiliated with the Journal. Together, we are continuing to learn about what we need to know and do to help others with their learning. Here’s to 2012!
Patricia S. Yoder-Wise, RN, EdD, NEA-BC, ANEF, FAAN
Editor-in-Chief
psywjcen@aol.com