Laurie N. Gottlieb, PhD
Canadian Journal of Nursing Research

Editor, Canadian Journal of Nursing Research (CJNR), September 1992

Prior Editor Position: then and now

Years as Editor: Since 1992

Years in INANE: Since 1992

Other position: Professor, McGill University

Accomplishment: CJNR’s survival and growth as an academic, university-based journal. When I assumed the helm, CJNR was in debt, and had difficulty attracting quality manuscripts. Today, CJNR is a model of a successful, scholarly, affordable journal, independently owned and operated within a university.

Best: There are many "best" things, including: working with a wonderful staff to create a quality journal; collaborating with eminent scholars (predominantly from Canada) who take turns as guest editors; reading reviewers’ comments and knowing how much time and thought they give to improving the quality of a manuscript. Another wonderful part is the independence. I am able to take the journal in new and exciting directions without interference from a board. My accountability is to the readership and to the University.

Worst: Trying to think up an idea for an editorial. However, once an idea takes form and I spend the time thinking and researching about it, this onerous activity usually turns into the most rewarding and satisfying activity. I am always surprised when people tell me that they look forward to my editorials because they make an impact.

Amusing: I had been an editor for two years when I received a scathing letter from a concerned scholar for the lack of attention to historical research. Guess who became the next guest editor for a focus issue on history?

3 words: Creative, collaborative, problem-solver

Strangest request: I have great tolerance for strange requests so nothing particular comes to mind.

If not editor?: Just what I am doing now — teaching and enjoying my students, writing academic and "popular" books, and taking more time to "smell the roses".

Relax?: By working on CJNR — just kidding. I love reading, cooking, decorating and traveling.