Nursing Editors Talking Shop in Ireland

Seaside at Lahinch

Last week I was in Cork to attend the annual meeting of the International Academy of Nursing Editors, also known as INANE (yes, I know, and the name was created with full awareness; this is not a group that takes itself seriously—decisions happen by consensus and any work is done by volunteers; if funds are needed for something, we pass the hat).

I met editors from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and from as far away as Hong Kong and Israel. I’m amazed at the number and variety of nursing journals. Whatever the size of the journal, the issues and editorial priorities are similar. We all struggle with getting “good manuscripts,” that is, papers that are well written, supported by evidence, and speak to the concerns of the readers.

Moody Connemara scenery

We heard a whirlwind 10-minute history of Ireland and a wonderful presentation on nursing in Ireland by Kathleen MacLellan, nurse advisor, Department of Health and Children, Dublin. We spent a lot of time discussing ethics as well as how to deal with submissions from students who need better guidance from faculty. (See my previous blog post on this topic.)

I always come away with new insights, helpful information, new contacts, and new ideas. And of course, there were a couple of social events to highlight Irish history and music. We went to Cobh harbor just outside of Cork, the place where most Irish emigrants left for the U.S. The RMS Titanic also sailed from there.

Cliffs of Mohor

So now that I’m here, I’m vacationing for a bit. I met family in Doolin and visited the Cliffs of Moher and the Connemarra region—both have breathtaking views. We drove across to Tullamore (my family origins) and now will spend a few days in Dublin before heading home. And then summer 2013 will be starting to wind down . . .