Write for AJN Off the Charts

A public forum for serious nursing thought 

About the Blog
AJN Off the Charts is the award‑winning blog of the American Journal of Nursing, the oldest continuously published nursing journal in the United States. We publish timely, reflective essays that explore nursing practice, education, ethics, policy, and patient safety. 

Our goal is to elevate nursing judgment—not just describe nursing tasks.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome essays that: 

  • Examine why a practice, policy, or system works—or doesn’t 
  • Connect bedside experience to broader professional, ethical, or public health concerns 
  • Challenge assumptions respectfully and thoughtfully 
  • Treat nursing as intellectual and analytical work 

Strong pieces often come from: 

  • Clinical nurses at any career stage 
  • Nurse educators and informaticists 
  • Nurses working in underrepresented roles or settings 
  • Nurses translating policy or system design into practice reality 

Typical length: 600–1,000 words (this is flexible)

Topics of Ongoing Interest

  • Patient safety and systems thinking
  • Health technology and nursing workflow 
  • Evidence-based practice improvements 
  • Moral distress and ethical tension 
  • Equity, representation, and visibility in nursing 
  • Early‑career transitions and professional identity 
  • Nursing practice outside the acute care hospital

What We Do Not Publish

  • Vendor‑ or product‑promotional pieces 
  • Clinical how‑to articles without analysis 
  • Generic self-help content 

Editorial Process

All submissions are reviewed by the Off the Charts editorial team. We may suggest revisions for clarity, structure, or focus while preserving the author’s voice and perspective.

Compensation

AJN Off the Charts does not usually pay for guest posts. Authors contribute in exchange for: 

  • A bylined article on an AJN‑affiliated national platform
  • Visibility among nurses, educators, leaders, and policymakers
  • A durable, citable publication suitable for CVs and professional portfolios

How to Submit

Email a short pitch or draft to: jacob.molyneux@wolterskluwer.com
Please include: 

  • A working title or brief description 
  • A short author bio (2–3 sentences) 
  • Relevant role or institutional affiliation 

We welcome new voices and are glad to discuss ideas before submission. Relevant blog illustrations will also be considered.