Practice Tip of the Week | Mastering the Abstract: Tips for Crafting Submissions That Stand Out

By Elaina Diaz MSN, RN, NPD-BC, CMSRN

Submitting an abstract can be the most important step in getting your research, idea, or project noticed at a conference (like TNA’s annual conference next summer), journal, or academic event. It’s your first opportunity to make an impression, and a strong abstract can be the key to unlocking a spot in your desired program or publication. But with so many submissions flooding in, how do you ensure that yours stands out from the crowd?

Mastering the abstract is more than just summarizing your work in a few sentences—it’s about crafting a compelling snapshot that highlights the significance, originality, and relevance of your topic. Whether you’re a seasoned academic or submitting for the first time, understanding the art of writing an abstract that grabs attention and effectively conveys your message is crucial.

In this article, we’ll walk you through essential tips and strategies to help you create an abstract that not only meets the submission criteria but also piques the interest of reviewers. From focusing your content to perfecting your language, you’ll learn how to elevate your submission and increase your chances of success.

Tip #1: Understand the Abstract Guidelines

Before you start writing, carefully read through the conference’s submission guidelines. Most conferences provided a detailed description of the submission, including:

• Word Count: Abstracts typically range from 250—500 so follow the count carefully and make every word count!
  • The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract guidelines have a word limit of 500 words.
• Format: Some conferences require a structured abstract with specific headings while others may be a more general narrative format.
  • The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract guidelines require the following headers: Background, Purpose/Aims, Methods/Approach, Results, Conclusion, Implications for Practice. Abstracts without these headers will not be reviewed.
• Themes or Topics: What you’re writing about should be aligned with the conference theme.
  • The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract theme is The Power of US: Advancing Our Profession Together.
• Deadline: Note the submission deadline to ensure you submit your abstract on time.
  • The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract submission deadline is December 1, 2024.
• Review Process: Some conferences will peer-review, blinded or un-blinded, to ensure clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.
  • The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract process is a blinded peer review.

Tip #2: Choose a Relevant Topic

The topic you choose for your abstract should be both timely and relevant to the conference theme. Consider the potential audience for the conference. Think about what would interest them and what challenges they might be facing in their practice. Choose a topic that addresses an issue or gap that aligns with the mission and goals of the conference.

The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Subthemes include:

• Healthy work environments     
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion      
• Work schedule flexibility      
• Nurse Wellness        
• Innovative care delivery models         
• Preceptor development         
• Academic- Clinical partnerships         
• Staff retention         
• Faculty development     
• Interprofessional collaboration        
• Student support

Tip #3: Craft a Clear and Engaging Title

Your abstract title is the first thing reviewers will see, so it should be concise, specific, and informative. The title should clearly reflect the focus of your presentation and grab the reader’s attention. For example:

Weak Title: “Nursing Leadership”

Stronger Title: “Building Resilient Nursing Leaders: A Professional Development Program for Crisis Management”

The second title provides a clear idea of what your presentation will cover and highlights its relevance to the audience.

Tip #4: Structure the Abstract

Although different conferences may have slightly different formatting requirements, a well-organized abstract generally includes the following components:

• Background
  • This section introduces the problem or issue your presentation will address. It should provide context for why the topic is important and relevant to the audience. Aim for 1-2 sentences that describe the issue and its significance in the nursing field. Make it clear why the topic is timely and how it will contribute to the broader field of nursing practice or education.
• Purpose/Aims
  • State the main goal of your project or presentation. What are you aiming to achieve? This section should be concise and focus on the core objectives of your presentation.
• Methods/Approach
  • Briefly outline the methods used to gather data, conduct research, or implement the project. This could include the research design, population, sample size, and data collection tools. For example, if you conducted a quality improvement project, describe the interventions and evaluation methods used.
• Results
  • Present key results or findings of the work you will present. This section should be data-driven but summarized clearly and without jargon.
• Conclusion
  • Summarize the results/findings and tie them back to the research/PICOT question.
• Implications for Practice
  • Discuss the broader implications of your findings or project. What can others in the field learn from your work? How will it influence practice, policy, or future research?

Tip #5: Keep it Clear and Concise

Clarity is key when writing an abstract. Use plain language, avoid jargon, and keep sentences concise. Reviewers often read many abstracts, so your abstract should be easy to understand at a glance. Organize the content logically, ensuring that the flow of information is seamless. Avoid long paragraphs and instead use short, digestible sections.

Tip #6: Use Active Voice and Present Tense

While writing the abstract, aim to use active voice and present tense where possible. Active voice is more direct and engaging, making your abstract more impactful.

Tip #7: Proofread and Edit

This cannot be stressed enough! An abstract is a formal submission, so spelling, grammar, and punctuation matter. Review your work for clarity and ensure there are no errors. Consider asking a colleague or mentor to review your abstract, as fresh eyes may catch errors you missed.

Tip #8: Prepare for Acceptance (or Rejection)

After submission, you’ll typically hear back within a few weeks or months. If your abstract is accepted for a podium presentation, you’ll need to prepare your full presentation, which may include slides, handouts, or other materials. If your abstract is selected for a poster presentation, you’ll need to create a professional poster to display and prepare to spend time speaking to conference attendees about your work. If your abstract is not accepted, don’t be discouraged. Use the feedback to improve and try submitting it to another conference.

• The TNA 2025 Annual Conference Abstract process is thorough, we will notify applicants of their status no later than February 28, 2025.

Writing and submitting an abstract for a podium or poster presentation at a conference is an important step in sharing your knowledge and making an impact on the nursing community. By following the guidelines, choosing a relevant topic, and crafting a well-structured and compelling abstract, you increase your chances of being selected to present. Additionally, presenting at conferences provides invaluable opportunities for professional growth, networking, and contributing to the advancement of nursing practice.

TNA’s deadline for abstract submissions is Dec. 1, 2024. Find more information about our submission process here. 

References

Ferreira, J. C., & Patino, C. M. (2018). Twelve tips to write an abstract for a conference: advice for young and experienced investigators. Jornal brasileiro de pneumologia : publicacao oficial da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisilogia, 44
(4), 260. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37562018000000217

Foster, C., Wager, E., Marchington, J. et al. (2019). Good Practice for Conference Abstracts and Presentations: GPCAP. Res Integr Peer Rev 4, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41073-019-0070-x