Case Study Writing Contest Suspended

The Case Study Contest for the Journal of Neuroscience Nursing (JNN) has been so successful for the past four years that the editorial board has decided to put it on hold while a new and more challenging direction is developed. However, case study submissions will still be accepted as general articles.

Case studies submitted for publication consideration will undergo the same review process as other articles. In addition, case studies submitted by AANN members may still be considered for the Writing Excellence Award.

A few tips if you are planning to write a case study

What makes a good case study? Usually it's the patient that sticks out in your mind, the one you struggled with, found very unusual, or perhaps had to learn about because you'd never seen it before. It could also be a "classic" case, a surprise you encountered, or a profound response. A good case study presents a unique aspect of neuroscience nursing. Often, if you've learned something from the case, chances are that others will as well. A case study not only addresses medical and nursing issues, but could approach a situation from an ethical, legal, or social standpoint as well.

A classic nursing case study will usually introduce the patient through initial signs and symptoms. Detailed assessment findings follow, along with diagnostic test results and a medical diagnosis. The medical diagnosis is then explained, and your case presentation is compared. Major nursing issues, interventions, or implications must be included; this is often the most difficult part for nurses to write as they often know this information too well. Just as the case has a beginning, it must also have an end, with patient outcomes identified. References and figures may be included, but not too many to distract from the case. Examples of good case studies may be found in JNN as well as other journals.

To submit case studies to JNN, please send manuscripts electronically to V. Susan Carroll, Editor, at jnn@aann.org. As with all manuscripts, review time after submission is about 6–8 weeks.