American Journal of Nursing

American Journal of Nursing. First published in October 1900, it is the oldest and most enduring broad-interest nursing journal in the world. Owned and published by the American Journal of Nursing Company until 1996, it has been a critical forum for nursing science, education, and professional discourse. The journal is currently published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a division of Wolters Kluwer.

History and founding

The journal was established in 1900 by a group of prominent nursing leaders, including Mary Adelaide Nutting and Sophia Palmer, with the Johns Hopkins Hospital serving as an early intellectual hub. Its founding was closely tied to the professionalization of nursing and the growth of training schools like the Bellevue Hospital School of Nursing. The first editor was Sophia Palmer, who led the publication from its inception until 1920, steering it through pivotal events like World War I. Early ownership rested with the American Journal of Nursing Company, a cooperative controlled by nurses themselves, a radical structure for its time. Throughout the 20th century, it documented major health crises, including the 1918 influenza pandemic and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, while advocating for nursing's role in public health.

Content and editorial focus

The journal publishes peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical research, reviews, and case studies covering a wide spectrum of healthcare topics. Its content spans critical care, oncology, pediatrics, geriatrics, and health policy, often addressing issues like the opioid epidemic and health disparities. Regular features include continuing education units, ethical analyses, and commentaries on nursing practice and leadership. It maintains a strong focus on translating research into practice, supporting initiatives from bodies like the Institute of Medicine and the American Nurses Association. The editorial stance consistently emphasizes patient safety, quality improvement, and the application of frameworks like the Magnet Recognition Program.

Impact and influence

The publication has profoundly shaped nursing education, standards, and public policy for over a century. It was instrumental in disseminating the findings of landmark studies like the Nursing Outcomes Classification project and research from the National Institute of Nursing Research. Its articles have influenced legislation, including the Nurse Training Act of 1964, and debates on Medicare reimbursement. The journal's advocacy has bolstered the visibility of nursing in major public health initiatives, from the World Health Organization's primary healthcare goals to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It is indexed in major databases including PubMed, CINAHL, and the Web of Science.

Publication details

The journal is published monthly by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a leading publisher in health sciences based in Philadelphia. It operates under a hybrid open-access model and maintains a robust online presence through the Ovid Technologies platform. Submissions are managed via the Editorial Manager system, and it adheres to the guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Circulation historically included institutional subscriptions to hospitals like the Mayo Clinic and universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, with a significant global readership. Its print and digital editions reach members of organizations like the Sigma Theta Tau honor society.

Notable contributors and editors

Many seminal figures in nursing have served as editors or authored influential works in its pages. Founding editor Sophia Palmer was succeeded by Mary M. Roberts, who led during the Great Depression and World War II. Later editors included Barbara G. Schutt and M. Louise Fitzpatrick, dean of the Villanova University College of Nursing. Notable contributors have included Virginia Henderson, who published her defining work on the nature of nursing, and Hildegard Peplau, known for her theory of interpersonal relations. Research from pioneers like Florence Downs and commentaries from leaders like Claire M. Fagin of the University of Pennsylvania have also featured prominently.