The hidden benefits of writing retreats: Academic development and social interaction for nurses

Abstract

Not only do nurse academics teach, research, supervise, engage in professional development and professional organisations, they are compelled as academic nurse educators to write for publication, a task that involves expertise, creativity, skill and large amounts of time.. This article describes a qualitative reflective analysis of the themes which surfaced during an offsite writing retreat attended by nurse faculty.  The authors of this paper discovered an added invaluable benefit of their time at writing retreat: time to engage in social interactions that benefit their professional and personal development. In addition through experience of the retreat has been the increase in publications through the commitment to output, and academic development through engagement in mentoring, collegial partnerships, informal learning, and reflection.