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Weekly Q&A: Selecting writers for written documentation

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, August 8, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know how select writers for the written documentation. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise Gropper, PhD, APRN,BC, CNNA, president, Gropper & Associates, Inc., a national healthcare consulting firm in Coral Springs, FL.

Q: How can my organization select writers for the written documentation?

A: Depending on how your organization approaches evidence collection, consider using one or two strong writers with similar writing styles to write, edit, or finalize the narrative statements. Sometimes, the CNO appoints the final writers. Using one or two writers promotes internal and external consistency in your documents. Your written documentation should flow easily and interest the appraisers who read it. Once you have a final draft, appoint a detail-oriented person as a proofreader. The proofreader should not be one of the narratives' writers, as it is difficult for writers to catch their own mistakes.

Professional writers and editors are also an option. If you hire a professional writer or editor, it is best to find your own content experts. No one will commit to your project, and take as much pride in it, as those closest to your organization-especially your nursing services.

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