Volume 1, Number 1: February 2025- coming soon

About the Online Journal of Nursing Workforce

Online Journal of Nursing Workforce (OJNW), the official journal of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers (NFSNWC), is a scholarly, biennial, and peer-reviewed journal. The journal publishes original research articles that advance the area of nursing workforce along with innovation research/policy reports and program/project studies that inform nursing workforce policies, programming, and planning on the local, state, federal, and international levels

Topics

  • K-12 Pipeline and pre-nursing pathways
  • Nursing education at the LPN, RN and APRN levels
  • Health and well-being of the nursing workforce
  • Upskilling the nursing workforce
  • Innovative care delivery models
  • Workforce data and research
  • Local, state and federal Policy

For the inaugural issue, submissions were by invite only. Podium presenters from the 2023 and 2024 National Forum Annual Conference were invited to submit a manuscript on work covered in their presentation.

Starting with the May 15, 2025 deadline, the journal will be open for submissions.  Authors are encouraged to submit their article for publication through the deadline.  All manuscripts will be blind, peer-reviewed following each deadline.

The journal will publish three types of manuscripts: 1) Original Research Articles, Innovation 2) Research/Policy Reports and 3) Program/Project Studies. Please see more detailed information about each type below.

General Guidelines

  • While OJNW welcomes submissions on a variety of topics, all submissions must be explicitly related to the nursing workforce.
  • Manuscripts must be prepared in accordance with the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th Edition (2020). An online guide is available by clicking here.
  • All documents must be submitted as Microsoft Word .doc or .docx files.
  • All file names should contain the manuscript title and date of submission only. File name protocol will be manuscript-title/MMDDYYYY.docx.
  • Submissions will be accepted only at https://ojnw.dryfta.com/. You will need to create an account and then click on my submissions to submit your manuscript.

Additional Submission Guidelines

1. Manuscript Formatting:

The manuscript must be written in Times New Roman, font size 12.

2. Author Information Document:

Submit a separate Word document with the following details:

  • Title: The title of the submitted manuscript.
  • Author Details: Names, credentials, affiliations, and email addresses of all authors.
  • Corresponding Author: Name and contact information for the corresponding author.
  • Word Count: Total word count of the manuscript, excluding the title and reference section.
  • IRB Approval: A statement certifying that any applicable human subject research was approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
  • Conflicts of Interest: A statement regarding any potential conflicts of interest and financial support.
  • Submission Status: A statement affirming that the manuscript is not currently under review by another journal or publication and will not be sent to other publishers while under review.
  • Previous Publications: If the work has been previously published in whole or in part, list all locations (publications, online platforms, etc.) where it can be identified.

3. Supplementary Files:

Appendices, Tables, Figures: Submit these as separate Microsoft Word or Excel files. Ensure titles are descriptive and abbreviations are expanded, so files are understandable without additional context.

4. Diagrams:

Submit as scalable vector graphics in formats such as Adobe Illustrator (.ai or .eps), .svg, or vector .pdf files.

5. Photographic Images:

Submit as high-resolution (300 pixels per inch, RGB) .jpg or .tif files. Do not embed images in Microsoft Word documents.

6. Resolution:

Contact us if you have questions about submitting diagrams or images for the best resolution. Note that formats suitable for online may not work for print.

7. Anonymity:

Ensure that author identifying information does not appear in the manuscript, appendices, tables, figures, etc.

Submission Deadlines

OJNW is published twice a year.

Please note that, in some cases, accepted articles may not be published in the next available issue because of the high volume of high-quality submissions received. Such articles will be published in an upcoming issue.

First Issue (Winter) – Deadline: October 15th

Second Issue (Fall) – Deadline: April 15th

Review Information

  • Manuscripts are reviewed by at least two experts in the topic area.
  • Upon submission, the submission system will send confirmation of receipt generally within 24 hours of submission.
  • A publishing decision will generally be sent within 12 weeks of submission deadline (accepted, revise and resubmit, or rejected).
  • Page layouts will be sent to authors after the review and copy-editing processes.
  • Please note that editorial calendars are subject to change to accommodate high-priority or time-sensitive content.

Email your questions to:

Patricia Moulton Burwell, PhD

Managing Editor
Online Journal of Nursing Workforce

info@nursingworkforcecenters.org 

Original Research Articles

Original Research Articles (Maximum 7,500 words including footnotes, endnotes, and maximum four (4) exhibits such as tables and figures (excludes references).

Original research manuscripts examine phenomena affecting the nursing workforce using established methods. Original quantitative and/or qualitative research manuscripts are subject to blind peer review.

To ensure your submission is complete, please adhere to the following structure:

1. Title Page: Include only the title; do not list author details.

2. Abstract: A structured abstract of up to 250 words, addressing the purpose, background, methods, results, and conclusion. The abstract should be submitted as a single, non-indented paragraph without sub-headings.

3. Keywords: Provide three to five relevant keywords.

4. Introduction: Outline the research problem and objectives.

5. Literature Review: Summarize existing research relevant to the study.

6. Methods: Describe the research design, participants, procedures, and analysis methods.

7. Results/Discussion: Present findings and interpret their significance.

8. Conclusion/Implications: Summarize conclusions and potential implications for practice or future research.

9. References: List all references in APA style.

Please see additional information in the General Submission Guidelines.

Innovation Research/Policy Reports

Innovation Research/Policy Reports  (Maximum 7,500 words including footnotes, endnotes, and maximum 4 exhibits such as tables and figures (excludes references).

Innovation research reports describe original approaches to nursing workforce issues that are of interest to nursing program designers and policymakers, and evaluation of such approaches.Innovation/Policy Reports focus on major challenges facing the nursing workforce and explore program or policy changes that can be, or have been, implemented to address these challenges.

Manuscripts should follow this structure:

1. Title Page: Include only the title; do not list author details.

2. Abstract: A structured abstract of up to 250 words, addressing the purpose, background, methods (including policy or program changes), results, and conclusion. The abstract should be submitted as a single, non-indented paragraph without sub-headings.

3. Keywords: Provide three to five relevant keywords.

4. Introduction: Introduce the issue or challenge addressed.

5. Literature Review: Summarize existing research or context relevant to the topic.

6. Methods: Detail the research design, implementation, and evaluation of the approach or policy.

7. Results/Discussion: Present findings and discuss their implications.

8. Conclusion/Implications: Summarize conclusions and potential impacts for future practice or policy.

Please see additional information in the General Submission Guidelines.

Program/Project Studies

Program/Project Studies  (Maximum 4,500 words including footnotes, endnotes, and maximum 4 exhibits such as tables and figures (excludes references))

Program/Project Studies are detailed narratives that explore how a nursing regulatory body, nursing education program, or governmental or non-governmental institution addressed a specific situation with implications for the nursing workforce.

Manuscripts should follow this structure:

1. Title Page: Include only the title; do not list author details.

2. Abstract: A structured abstract of up to 250 words, addressing  purpose, background, methods (including the intervention), results, and conclusion. The abstract should be submitted as a single, non-indented paragraph without sub-headings.

3. Keywords: Provide three to five relevant keywords.

4. Introduction: Describe the issue that necessitated the intervention.

5. Intervention Development: Explain the process of developing the intervention.

6. Intervention Implementation: Detail the implementation of the intervention.

7. Outcomes and Evaluation: Discuss the outcomes of the intervention, highlighting what was successful and what was not.

8. Lessons Learned: Reflect on the lessons learned from the intervention and explain why the intervention qualifies as a best practice.

9. References: If applicable, list all references in APA style.

Please see additional information in the General Submission Guidelines.

Call For Reviewers

The new Online Journal of Nursing Workforce hosted by the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers is looking for reviewers to review manuscripts for the journal. Reviewers should be active in nursing workforce research and/or program development and may be from any clinical or non-clinical background.

It is anticipated that reviewers will review 1-2 articles per year. Reviewers will register for and submit reviews through an online review system. A list of reviewers will be included in each publication.

Reviewers must be State and Associate Subscribers. If you are not a current subscriber- find more information at https://nursingworkforcecenters.org/national-network-opportunities/

Your reviewer application will be reviewed by the Online Journal Committee and you will be notified within one month of your application. It is anticipated that reviewers will receive 1-2 articles for each edition.

Click to complete reviewer application.

Editorial Staff Board 

Patricia Moulton Burwell, PhD: Managing Editor

Dr. Moulton Burwell has over 22 years experience working with nursing workforce centers. She is the current Director of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers and is a Research Consultant for the Washington Center for Nursing. She also created and led the ND Center for Nursing for 11 years. She has conducted nursing workforce research in multiple states and at the national level.  She has close to 100 peer-reviewed publications and white papers and has presented at over 120 local, state, national and international conferences. She has served in a leadership role on over $15 million of foundation, state and federal grants supporting health services projects including nursing workforce.  She is currently serving on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice. She received her PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of North Dakota in 2002.

Yetty Shobo, PhD: Review Editor

Yetty Shobo, PhD., has been a researcher and data scientist for nearly three decades. As the Director of the Healthcare Workforce Data Center (HWDC) in the Virginia Department of Health Professions, she oversees surveys of about 30 healthcare professions and produces reports and visualizations of Virginia’s healthcare workforce. She has authored several peer-reviewed articles and reports and presented on issues affecting the healthcare workforce.

Jana Bitton, MPA: Website and Layout Editor

Jana Bitton, MPA, is the Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Nursing, a dynamic advocate for advancing the nursing profession on both state and national levels. With a background in journalism and public administration, Jana has led transformative initiatives such as the Friday Huddle and the RN Well-Being Project, which unite Oregon’s nursing community and emphasize the crucial role of nurse well-being in delivering exceptional care. As Past President of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, she has played a pivotal role in shaping nursing workforce policy and practice nationwide. Jana’s unwavering dedication to nursing advocacy stems from her belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate and competent healthcare. Her collaborative leadership continues to inspire change, driving toward a healthier future for all.

Katie Gaul: Copy Editor

Katie Gaul directs the South Carolina Office for Healthcare Workforce, or SCOHW, a division of the South Carolina AHEC Program Office. The SCOHW team has a broad scope of work that includes assessing the supply and characteristics of health professionals in South Carolina, measuring educational capacity, describing demand, and identifying other health workforce issues. Katie oversees SCOHW’s research and service portfolio, supports the efforts of South Carolina AHEC, and helps stakeholders across the state with their healthcare workforce data needs. Her areas of expertise focus on educating data consumers on available data and data literacy, communicating health workforce analyses and issues, and connecting stakeholders with the data and information they need to support effective program development and decision making. Prior to her current role, Katie served as a senior policy analyst at the Center for Best Practices at the National Governors Association, a research associate at the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research at UNC Chapel Hill, and the deputy director of the HRSA-funded Health Workforce Technical Assistance Center.

Dawna Cato: Copy Editor

Dawna L. Cato PhD., RN, NPD-BC currently serves as the Director of the Nurse Residency Program at OpusVi a Healthcare Workforce Solutions Company. Dawna has 28 years of nursing experience in the U.S. with 3 years in China. Dr. Cato obtained her Ph.D., specializing in Nursing Education from Capella University in 2013.  In 2009, she received her Master’s in Nursing Science, specializing in Nursing Education from Grand Canyon University. In addition, Dr. Cato holds a Board Certification in Nursing Professional Development (NPD-BC) with the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Dr. Cato has implemented best-practice nursing academic and workforce development programs at local, national, and international levels.  These include the development and implementation of Nurse Residency Programs, Perioperative Specialty Fellowship Programs, Cardiovascular Specialty Fellowship Programs, and preceptor training for physicians and nurses as well as curriculum design and development for pre-licensure and graduate nursing programs.   In 2019, she launched the United States (U.S.) Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Immersion Program in collaboration with U.S.-based hospitals in Arizona and GuoLong Hospital in Yinchuan China. She also facilitated the design, implementation, and evaluation of a 600-bed hospital-wide initiative to onboard 700 employees using interdisciplinary simulation scenarios. She has facilitated frontline leadership workshops and China’s participation in an International Nurse Job Satisfaction Study. Dr. Cato served on the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation from 2013-2022 and was a key contributor to the 2024 Practice Transition Accreditation Standards. Dr. Cato is nationally and internationally published and a recognized nurse leader in both practice and academic education.

Monaco Briggs, Ed.D., M.B.A., B.B.A: Copy Editor

Monaco Briggs is a distinguished leader in healthcare and nursing advancement, currently serving as the Project Director for the Tennessee Center for Nursing Advancement. In this role, she oversees large-scale initiatives, spearheads marketing efforts, and ensures operational excellence to elevate nursing standards and healthcare outcomes across the state. With extensive experience in healthcare information systems and quality improvement, Monaco has previously led multi-disciplinary teams and technology projects across diverse healthcare settings. As an Adjunct Faculty member at East Tennessee State University, she develops cutting-edge curricula and mentors graduate students in digital media. Holding an Ed.D., M.B.A., and B.B.A., Monaco combines academic rigor with a hands-on approach to leadership. An accomplished speaker, writer, and researcher, she has presented at national conferences on healthcare quality, social determinants of health, and technological innovation. Her contributions have been recognized with honors like the HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence, reflecting her unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare and nursing excellence.

Marcia Proto M.Ed, CAS: Marketing and Communications Editor

Marcia B. Proto, M.Ed, CAS enjoys a successful career in State & National Association leadership, nursing education & workforce development, healthcare fundraising, and statewide coalition building.  She has built a national reputation as an innovator in creating healthcare and nursing workforce development strategies; and is the Principal of Marcia Proto Consulting, LLC having previously held the role of statewide Executive Director for The Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce (CCNW) for 18 years transitioning from that role in June 2024.  Marcia has a unique ability to analyze and operationalize concepts and ideas to create successful initiatives that support healthcare leaders with identifying strategic priorities & next actions, developing competency-based professional development interventions to foster a positive and productive workplace, and aligning state and federal resources and funding to support the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals. Her life’s work has involved connecting people through education and skills training toward fulfilling career paths, particularly in the nursing field. Marcia has spent the past 25 years ensuring that the nursing workforce will meet the nation’s growing healthcare needs by contributing to and engaging in state and national task force activities such as the Center to Champion Nursing in America, a national initiative funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in collaboration with AARP. In addition to her leadership role with the CCNW, she has held management positions at The Connecticut Hospital Association, Junior Achievement of South-East CT, Flath & Associates Consulting, and The National League for Nursing (NLN).  Marcia is currently a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Quinnipiac University School of Nursing and Providence College School of Nursing.

Contact:
Patricia Moulton Burwell, PhD
Managing Editor
Director, National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Does the journal have an ISSN number? The editorial board is in the process of applying for an ISSN number.
  • Is the journal included in PubMed?  No, as this journal launched in early 2025, it is not yet eligible for listing in PubMed.  Requirements for PubMed include 24 months of publication and have a minimum of 25 articles. The Editorial board plans to apply for inclusion as soon as the journal is eligible.
  • How much are subscriptions? Annual subscriptions are available for $69 with discounts available to State and Associate Subscribers of the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers. Subscriptions will be available for purchase with the launch of the first edition. Subscriptions are also available bundled with National Forum Conference registrations.
  • I am interested in advertising, what is available?  Website advertising through a sidebar banner is available for $100 a month. Contact the Managing Editor at info@nursingworkforcencenters.org for more information.