2008 National State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research

• Create a national forum for dialogue on advances in nursing science related to nursing and healthcare practice;
• Disseminate research findings that can influence healthcare practice, education, research and healthcare policy;
• Influence the nursing research agenda of the future.

The program committee is seeking papers, posters and symposia that best exemplify the state of nursing and healthcare science in a focused area of study, including methodological innovations, research technologies, and multidisciplinary research. Investigators should submit abstracts derived from completed research only and should clearly specify the contributions of the work to the current state of nursing and healthcare science. Areas of special interest include translational science and global health.

Authors may request to be reviewed for a Podium Only; Poster Only; Podium or Poster presentation.
Authors will select up to two research categories as follows:

1. Podium Presentation: 20 minutes total. 15-minute presentation with 5-minute question/answer. One presenter per abstract.
2. Symposium Presentation: 60 – 90 minutes total. Minimum of 3 and Maximum of 5 total abstracts of related research. 1 session organizer and 3-5 presenters.
3. Poster Presentation: Display Board only. No use of AV. May have informal oral presentation during designated session times.

To be considered for the program, submit abstracts according to the instructions by 12:00 midnight on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 (CST)

For Podium and Poster Abstracts:

• Provide at least two learning objectives.
• Draft abstract in word processing format, complete a spelling check, and proof-read the abstract prior to submission. Use the headings below:
  • Title: The title must be brief and indicate clearly the nature of the investigation. ALL CAPS/NO BOLD/ITALICS OR SPECIAL CHARACTERS.
  • Authors: List all authors and affiliations.
  • Aims: Describe the overall purpose, research question, or study hypothesis.
  • Methods: Explain the study design and methods (sample, procedures, measures, and data analysis).
  • Results: Describe study findings.
  • Conclusions: Comment on overall impact of findings and relevance to nursing or healthcare science.
• When abstract is complete, cut and paste abstract onto the web page.
• Abstract text may not exceed 2500 characters (350 Words) excluding the title.
• Do not use italics, diagrams, boxes, borders or tables. Graphics are not permitted.
• In most cases, Greek letters and other special characters will transfer from your word processing software. There is a special character palette available if you need a special character not found in your word processor.
• All abstracts must be submitted in English.
• Multiple abstract submissions are allowed. Please note that space and time constraints may allow only one selected presentation per author/organizer.
• All communications will be sent to first author/organizer (submitter) via e-mail. Valid email address is required for all submitters.

For symposia:

• Text formats and requirements are the same as podium and poster abstracts.
• Symposia organizers are responsible for submitting the symposium overview and the complete set of individual papers, including contact and affiliation information for each presenting author.

For podium papers and symposia:

• Presenters must use computer and projector for PowerPoint slides.
• All PowerPoint presentations will be submitted in advance of the Congress and uploaded to the presentation computers.

Required forms for submission (for presenter only):

• Submission form.
• Conflict of Interest; Consent and Waiver.
  
  *Abstract submissions without these forms are incomplete and will not be considered.

The 2008 Abstracts Review Committee and Program Planning Committee determine the final selection of abstracts based on recommendations from peer reviewers. Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the online process, which can be accessed at www.nursingscience.org. The following criteria will be used for abstract review:

• Relevance to nursing and healthcare science and practice;
• Relevance to translational science, global health, methodological innovations, research technologies, and multidisciplinary research;
• Innovation;
• Methodological rigor, clarity, and significance.

Notifications will be made by early May, 2008. Potentially not every abstract will be accepted (poster or podium). Acceptance of the abstract obligates author to present. Final acceptance is conditional upon registration of presenters by the Early Registration Deadline. Abstracts may not be changed or withdrawn once accepted. If circumstances prevent attendance, the author must arrange for the paper to be given by a substitute.

All abstracts accepted for podium and poster presentation will be available for review and downloading via the Council Itinerary Planner. An option will be provided for all authors to submit their abstract to Sigma Theta Tau International Virginia Henderson International Nursing Library to be posted online in the Registry of Nursing Research database-www.nursinglibrary.org. Authors should consider whether their sensitive and unpublished findings are appropriate for such presentation.

Presenters are responsible for all expenses related to participating in the conference, including transportation, registration fees, lodging and meals. Presenters are encouraged to furnish handouts to participants if desired.