Why you should read this article:

•

To understand the importance of writing for publication

•

To familiarise yourself with the role of peer review

•

To be aware of the differences between continuing professional development articles and research articles

There is an expectation that nurses should use evidence to inform practice but having access to this evidence requires other nurses to write about and publish their work to generate a new evidence base. There is also an expectation that nurses should publish to improve knowledge, although for some the thought of writing can seem challenging.

This article presents a reflection on the author’s experience of writing, from her first attempt at publishing through to becoming a published author, and then publishing continuing professional development articles. It provides insight into the work involved in becoming a published author.