Just a year ago, Dr. Dorothy Pringle completed her time as editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership. This book, a collection of her editorials, celebrates the fact that over the years Dot has made her mark. Although she has many accomplishments to her name, the two that will live forever are the words she wrote and the students she taught. I've only heard about her teaching, but I know her writing. She has demonstrated the power of the word and has been an essential contributor to knowledge translation.

According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, knowledge translation is "a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system" (CIHR 2009).

As editor-in chief, Dot's contribution to knowledge translation was her deep understanding of the reader. An editor's job is to create and keep readers. To do so successfully she needs to understand them intimately, and Dot always did. She also understands the complex system of interactions between researchers and knowledge users that may vary in intensity, complexity and level of engagement (CIHR 2009). Dot has contributed to that system eloquently. She was heavily involved in nursing issues – most recently, in her role as lead on the complex government-driven project, Health Outcomes for Better Information and Care (HOBIC). Through CJNL, she has defined the research that nurses should undertake to stay relevant and has complained politely if it was lacking. She has championed nursing and recognized the extraordinary contributions that the profession has made at home and internationally. Her editorials have brought serious issues to the fore so that policy makers and care organizations can take note. She has also reminded nurses of their failures.

These qualities emerge in each and every editorial.

All of us at Longwoods Publishing believe that Dot's work deserves the concentrated attention that goes into packaging fine jewels and great musicals – hence the publication of this volume. Readers care about that careful attention. That's what keeps them coming back with hopeful expectations. Dot has always understood this relationship. And during her time with the journal, she consistently delivered.

Our authors, our readers, our reviewers, and everyone at Longwoods all thank Dot.

We are crazy about her.
 

Anton Hart
Publisher, Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership

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Anton Hart wrote:

Posted 2011/04/21 at 11:30 AM EDT