Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, RN, PhD
Editor, Journal of Christian Nursing, Since 2004
First year of Editorial career - 2003
First year in INANE - 2005
Prior Editor position - Associate Editor, JCN (2003)
Other Position - Staff Nurse, Behavioral Health (also Staff, Nurses Christian Fellowship USA, Via Christi Health System (2007 to present)
Which editing accomplishment is the one about which you feel most proud?
Since 2004 we have continually revised and updated JCN in image and content -- adding columns, ever evolving a fresh design, becoming a 4 color journal and an online as well as print journal with Lippincott, and becoming a scholarly journal with publication of research, theory, and up-to-date clinical content.
What is the best thing about being an Editor?
For our journal from a Christian perspective, seeing God at work. For example, receiving outstanding unsolicited manuscripts from authors who felt "God wanted them to write!" Makes me realize our "SENIOR EDITOR" is watching over the journal.
What is the worst thing about being an Editor?
Rejecting manuscripts.
Share an amusing story about editing.
We had an issue ready to go to press and the imposition revealed two articles needed more space than they were given in the page count. But mysteriously (and miraculously?) two pages came out of nowhere and the whole issue fell in place perfectly. I think it was a God thing! Another time we were unexpectedly short and put in an article at the last second that ended up being quite timely at the time of release.
Which three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Creative, Passionate, and a phrase..."it’s easier to ask forgiveness than get permission!"
What is the strangest request a potential author has ever made of you?
On query letters asking, "Can you guarantee publication?" before they go to the trouble of writing the article.
How do you relax?
Play the piano, attend church and worship, camping with my husband (no kids!), and believe it or not, working on the journal on my lap top with a good cup of coffee, peace and quiet, and a beautiful day in my back yard.
One more thing!
I love working as a staff nurse and with students and faculty at local universities; these experiences truly inform my thinking and practice as an editor.