Final Manuscript Preparation Guidelines
This document provides details on typesetting and layout requirements pertaining to final manuscript submission to Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal.
| Article Type | Word Count excluding references, figures, tables | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Current issues and clinical topics in nursing | 750 – 2500 | A substantive, referenced article that presents a current issue within nursing or clinical topic. |
| Academic/pedagogical topics in nursing | 1000 – 2500 | A substantive, referenced article reviewing best practices and innovations in nursing education. |
| Nursing education | 1000 – 3000 | An article that presents a nursing education topic such as a personal experience with a lesson/class, reflection on a learning experience, or inspiration/ideas/encouragement for educators or students. |
| Original research or research reviews | 2500 – 5000 | Research report or review with an emphasis on application to practice: address background/significance, literature review, method (sample, setting, IRB approval, design, data collection, and analysis), results/findings, discussion (limitations, nursing implications with biblical perspective). |
| Service learning/missions | 750 - 2500 | An article on best practices and reflections of service-learning and mission opportunities. |
| Transcultural articles | 750 - 2500 | A substantive, referenced article on nursing across and among various cultures. |
| Case Studies/clinical scenarios | 1000 - 5000 | In-depth analysis of specific individuals, organizations, events, or phenomena in nursing practice and education. |
| Historical, theoretical, or ethical articles | 750 - 2500 | A substantive, referenced article that contains a review of historical, theoretical, or ethical themes within nursing practice or education. |
| Faith-based and spiritual care articles | 750 - 2500 | Articles on best practices and reflections of integrating the Christian faith into nursing practice and education or teaching/providing spiritual care. |
| Evidence-based practice or quality improvement projects | 1000 – 4000 | Articles that focus on integrating research into practice and optimizing healthcare processes to ensure the delivery of safe, efficient, patient-centered care: address background/significance, purpose, methods for implementation, results, and discussion. |
Formatting Requirements
- For the peer review process, please submit the title and abstract in the submission form only. Do not include them with the main text. Upload the main text of the manuscript, references, and tables and figures as one document- Microsoft Word or RTF.
- Do not include page numbers or headers. These will be added by the editors.
- All submissions must be written in English.
- Page size should be 8.5 x 11-inches.
- Please follow the current APA guidelines (See Liberty University Writing Center APA Quick Guide and sample paper.
- All margins (left, right, top and bottom) should be 1 inches (2.54 cm), including tables and figures.
- Double space the text.
- Use a single column layout with both left and right margins justified.
- Font: 12 pt. Times New Roman
- Font color: Black
- If figures are included, use high-resolution figures, preferably encoded as encapsulated PostScript (eps).
- Edit your manuscript.
- Please ensure that there are no colored mark-ups or comments in the final version, unless they are meant to be part of the final text. (You may need to "accept all changes" in track changes or set your document to "normal" in final markup.)
Emphasized Text
Whenever possible use italics to indicate text you wish to emphasize rather than underlining it. The use of color to emphasize text is discouraged.
Titles
Titles of books, articles, etc. should be set in italics rather than underlined.
Tables and Figures
To the extent possible, tables and figures should appear in the document near where they are referenced in the text. Large tables or figures should be put on pages by themselves. Avoid the use of overly small font in tables. In no case should tables or figures be in a separate document or file. All tables and figures must fit within 1.5" margins on all sides (top, bottom, left and right) in both portrait and landscape view.
References
It is the author's obligation to provide a complete and accurate reference list. After the last sentence of your submission, please insert a page break and begin the APA format references page.
Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal: Publication Ethics Statement
At Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, academic honesty, and ethical behavior in accordance with the mission and values of Liberty University. The following guidelines outline our commitment to publication ethics (Adapted from NEXUS: interdisciplinary Journal at LU and Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines):
- Christian Ethical Conduct: As a publication rooted in the values of an evangelical Christian university, all contributors are expected to engage with the content in a manner that aligns with the principles of Christian faith, reflecting respect for human dignity and the pursuit of truth.
- Integrity and Honesty: All authors, reviewers, and editors must conduct themselves with integrity and honesty, ensuring that all research is original, accurate, and free from plagiarism.
- Responsibility and Accountability: Authors are responsible for the content of their work, ensuring that it abides by legal and ethical standards. This includes obtaining appropriate permissions for copyrighted material and the ethical treatment of research subjects. All research involving human subjects or animals must comply with relevant ethical guidelines, including obtaining informed consent. Authors should disclose the use of AI if used and must submit the manuscript to only one journal. All authors must contribute substantially to the manuscript.
- Confidentiality: The editorial process will maintain confidentiality regarding manuscript submissions and the details of the review process.
- Addressing Misconduct: Any allegations of academic misconduct, including plagiarism or falsification of data, will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. If misconduct is found, appropriate actions will be taken, including potential retraction of the published work. Any complaints in the process of publication should be directed to the editorial board for proper investigation and finding a solution.
- Continuous Improvement: We are dedicated to continuously improving our ethical guidelines and practices, and we welcome feedback from our readers, contributors, and the wider academic community.
Wisdom & Compassion: The LUSON Journal is committed to fostering an environment that encourages the pursuit of truth, the love of wisdom, and the integration of faith, compassion, and learning. By adhering to these ethical guidelines, we aim to create a publication that contributes positively to the field of Nursing and aligns with Liberty University’s Christian mission and values.
