I have learned that I write better than what I originally thought and to extend myself some grace in terms of identifying as a writer.  I am a perfectionist by nature and can get bogged down in details or delay beginning work as a result. I have learned that when reading, I am able to think well critically and ask why we are reading this article and how it could be helpful.  I think as a nurse, we’re constantly thinking in this manner that it comes quite naturally in reading and writing. I also think editing is a strength of mine, as I usually pay particular attention to formatting correctly before submitting work. I also speak and write in a "hedged" and "boosted" manner in my everyday life, even though I was unfamiliar with these terms. Swales and Feak brought these terms to my attention in their book "Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential tasks and skills" as they are common in book reviews (240).

I have noticed that my weaknesses are in identifying the authors assumptions and need to practice this as part of my active reading.  I also learned that I do not skim articles very well. I am often highlighting and underlining as I read to assist in staying engaged, however I am guilty of having a page full of several highlights! Allyson Skene’s “Writing a Critical Review” article suggests skimming the entire text first to determine the thesis, structure, and methodology and then to read more detailed upon further examination.  I will try to implement this tactic going forward. I will also try to seek out examples of the author’s assumptions while reading as well. 

Skene, Allyson. “Writing a Critical Review .” The Writing Centre, http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~tlsweb/TWC/webresources/terms.htm. Accessed 6 June 2023.

Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., The University of Michigan Press, 2022.