Medical review process

Every page on NursingAtoms that makes a clinical, pharmacological, regulatory, or scope-of-practice claim passes through this three-tier review process before publication.

Tier 1 — Author

The author is a credentialed nursing or medical professional with demonstrated experience in the topic area. The author drafts the content, gathers citations, and is responsible for clinical accuracy at the moment of writing.

Minimum credential: BSN / Registered Nurse (RN) with 3+ years of clinical practice, MSN / APRN in the topic area, Nurse Practitioner in the relevant specialty, or MD / MBChB for physician-authored content.

Tier 2 — Medical reviewer

A medical reviewer with credentials in the specific clinical area independently reviews the content for accuracy, sourcing, and alignment with current evidence-based international guidelines. The reviewer is named on the published page (see “Reviewed by” block at the top of every clinical article).

Minimum credential: Board-certified MD / DO / MBChB, OR MSN / DNP / APRN with 5+ years of specialty practice and publication in the topic area, OR equivalent international clinical credential.

Tier 3 — Editor

The editor verifies that citations resolve to live primary sources, that the article structure satisfies our editorial standards (direct answer in the first 120 words, inline citations, FAQ structure where applicable), and that disclosure blocks (conflict-of-interest, AI use, medical disclaimer) are present.

What review looks for

• Does the article answer the user's clinical question directly and accurately?
• Are all clinical recommendations traceable to peer-reviewed literature or statutory test plans?
• Are any cited sources commercial in a way that introduces product bias?
• Is scope-of-practice guidance aligned with statutory nursing boards (NCSBN, UK NMC, AHPRA)?
• Are dosages, dilutions, and administration routes verified against FDA, BNF/NICE, and WHO references?
• Is the language clinically precise for nurses, APRNs, and healthcare preceptors?
• Are conflict-of-interest disclosures, AI notices, and editorial stamps properly rendered?

Update cadence

Reviewers re-attest clinical content at least quarterly. Pages that pass review receive a fresh “Last reviewed” date stamp at the top. Pages overdue for review are surfaced to the editorial team in an internal queue and may display a “Review pending” or “Review overdue” badge to readers.

Reviewer conflict-of-interest screening

Reviewers disclose financial relationships (consulting, employment, research funding, equity) and non-financial interests (advocacy roles) relevant to the topic. Where disclosed interests would compromise objectivity, the assignment is reallocated.

Want to become a clinical reviewer?

We are expanding our panel of clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, and physician reviewers worldwide. If you hold relevant credentials and wish to join our international review board, email reviewers@nursingatoms.com with your clinical background, publications, and specialties.