Preparing research manuscripts for publication: a guide for authors.

433 T he publication of peer-reviewed research articles is a hallmark of nurse leadership. Research is the foundation of evidence-based practice (EBP), a rigorous methodology defined by Sackett, Strauss, Richardson, Rosenberg, and Haynes (2000) as integration of the best research, clinical expertise, and patient values. The process of EBP ensures that nurses and other healthcare team members use methodologically and statistically sound research to produce guidelines or recommendations for treatment and patient-care decisions (Doorenbos et al., 2008). By ensuring that research used for clinical decision making is valid and accurately reported, healthcare teams can put recommendations into practice with confidence. An interesting research project or unique concept is not enough to guarantee that a manuscript will be accepted for peer review or recommended by the peer reviewers for publication. Publication depends on solid methodology, accurate references, potentially reproducible statistical outcomes, and conclusions drawn from the research. The Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) has supported the publication of oncology nursing research for 40 years in the Oncology Nursing Forum (ONF), the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing (CJON), and Putting Evidence Into Practice (PEP) resources as reported in CJON, textbooks, and electronic formats. The missions and foci of ONF and CJON are different; ONF strives to publish nursing research with findings applicable to oncology nursing practice, whereas CJON focuses on articles of clinical interest. However, the publication process is similar for the two journals. The core aspects of peer-reviewed literature remain unchanged, but evolving publication styles have altered the way manuscripts are written and prepared for print. This article will address issues related to the Preparing Research Manuscripts for Publication: A Guide for Authors