Abstract
Purpose/Objectives: Supporting clinical nurses to participate in professional growth and development is rewarding and grooms our future leaders. This is especially true during Magnet designation, as the bar gets higher. This article provides the structure and process required to develop a clinical nurse specialist-led peer review abstract workshop.
Background: Abstract writing is complex. It is a self-contained summary of completed work in only a few words. Writing winning abstracts for submission at local, regional, and national conferences can be a daunting task, but using peer review provides the author with guidance, self-assurance, peer support, and encouragement.
Rationale: Clinical nurse specialists, as expert clinician, consultant, educator, and researcher, influence organizational outcomes across the 3 spheres of influence, reducing hospital-acquired complications and improving patient outcomes. Clinical nurse specialists need to mentor nurses in disseminating these outcomes at nursing conferences.
Description: A 3-part workshop was designed to give the participants time to bring to light their ideas, put them on paper, and receive valuable peer feedback. In the first session, the ground rules are set. In the second session, the first draft is reviewed and constructive peer review is provided. In the final session, the abstract is polished and it is ensured that the abstract is complete, concise, clear and cohesive.
Outcome: Implementing an abstract workshop provides opportunities to enhance team building and collaboration skills. It provides peer support and encouragement as well as generates innovating ideas.
Conclusion: Implementing an abstract workshop sets the stage for successful abstract submission while ensuring that participants are prepared and ready for the challenge. This type of format can be used globally or on individual units and tailored for the needs and interests of the participants.
Implications: The process used for developing an abstract workshop serves as a template to implement in any setting.