Congress Abstracts 2005

67

ABSTRACT PREPARATION PROGRAM. Patricia Schaindlin, RN, MA, AOCN^®, Teresa Sinopoli, RN, MSN, AOCN^®, and Leslie Tyson, MS, ANP-BC, OCN^®, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.

Abstract preparation and podium or poster presentation are traditionally professional activities expected of Advanced Practice Nurses (APN). This experience offers oncology nurses the opportunity to “step away” from clinical responsibilities, share expertise and maintain professional satisfaction. In 1998 APNs at our comprehensive cancer center assumed responsibility for the Division of Nursing abstract preparation program . Forty two nurses attended one of the eight workshop sessions , submitted 36 abstracts to Congress, with 20 acceptances for poster or podium presentation. Five years later this successful program has expanded with more than 150 nurses attending a workshop, 204 submitted abstracts 1998-2004 with an acceptance rate of 83% in 2003.

Original goals were to (1) Promote the program to increase nursing awareness, interest and abstract submission by new writers (2) Encourage involvement of APNs who have presented abstracts in poster or podium format, to function as mentors for new authors. These goals have been realized and annual abstract submission has become somewhat of an “expectation” for nurses at all levels of the clinical ladder. The success of the abstract program prompted the need for additional programs for poster / podium presentation , mentorship and writing for publication. A Professional Development Task Force (PDTF) was created and provides a formal structure to direct and support nurses involved in these activities.

One hour workshops are offered two months prior to the ONS deadline. A twenty minute didactic period reviews: ONS submission packet, “Guidelines For Writing An Abstract” (developed by our workshop coordinators) and the Division of Nursing policy/procedure for review of abstracts. Informal discussion follows regarding abstract ideas , motivational thoughts and mentor identification for first time authors to provide support through the process.

The success of this program is due to the commitment and support of our Division of Nursing, APNs who coordinate workshops and mentor abstract writers and the oncology nurses who pursue this professional activity.

This presentation will define the abstract preparation program, discuss the oncology nursing experience at this center and provide a model for oncology nurses in other settings interested in developing a similar program.