Your Input Improves This Publication
One of the first hospital publications I read when I was interviewing for the Vice President position was Pediatric Perspectives. It made a very positive impression on me, as I could see the professional and cutting-edge nursing practice that existed here. However, even a great publication can be made better through reader feedback, and that has also been part of the history here!
In 2004, the first issue of Pediatric Perspectives was published. To evaluate its impact, a reader survey was completed in 2005. The editorial board improved the publication based on your input. In spring 2008, the board re-surveyed readers and received 203 responses, about 25 percent of nurses at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Here are some survey highlights.
About 90 percent of respondents read all or part of the publication, and 89 percent rank the publication as excellent/good. Articles of highest interest reflected Nursing Practice and Nursing Roles.
The survey asked respondents to offer suggestions for future articles and other ways to enhance the publication. For example, based on the 2005 survey, we have added more staff nurses to the Editorial Board. We continue to seek topics in which staff nurses can author each article. When needed, Editorial Board members serve as mentors for staff writing articles.
People shared many ideas for potential articles. They asked that we spotlight individual nurses and their roles throughout the organization, learning about them personally and professionally – as we do in this issue. The role of the nurse in the community was a frequently requested topic. Because of our Magnet Designation, responders also asked for articles demonstrating evidence of the Forces of Magnetism at St. Louis Children's Hospital. The Pediatric Perspectives editorial board has collated the suggestions and will use this information as we plan future editions.
We also learned that the Honor Roll, which highlights accomplishments of nurses within the hospital, was not clearly known or understood. In addition, the process for submitting activities to the Honor Roll was complicated. Based on your feedback, look for changes in the near future related to this process.
Your feedback is valued and will help us to continue to improve this publication. While we only do this survey every couple of years, please feel free to give us suggestions at any time. Send your ideas to any Editorial Board member or directly to me at pgordin@bjc.org. We are always interested in what you have to say.